The Apostolic Nunciature in Pretoria welcomed a delegation from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, led by Sr Jane Wakahiu LSOSF, during their official visit to South Africa aimed at strengthening support for consecrated life and fostering closer collaboration with the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC).

During the visit, the Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa expressed his appreciation for the Hilton Foundation’s long-standing commitment to the Catholic Church, and particularly its support for women religious.

Reflecting on the spiritual roots of the Foundation, Archbishop Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński highlighted the life and faith of its founder, Conrad Hilton, who used to attend daily morning mass at 6 am.

“That for modern people it’s a sacrifice. To be at 6 o’clock in the church means that you should wake up very, very early. And it is not only that, but every decision he would make, he would pray about it,” said Archbishop Jagodziński.

The Apostolic Nuncio to Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa further reflected on how Hilton’s life embodied the Gospel values later articulated in Pope Francis’s encyclical Fratelli Tutti, especially the call to become a Good Samaritan in a wounded world.

“You can be a rich man, very successful man, and also have a holy life… not only to enjoy, but first of all to serve, to serve other people, serve these people who were forgotten by society, the poorest.”

He also emphasised the Foundation’s strong relationship with the Holy See and its leaders, noting its links with Pope Francis and Pope Leo.

“We have this continuation, this beautiful relation between the foundation and our supreme leaders, Pope Francis and Pope Leo.”

In response, Sr Jane Wakahiu LSOSF, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed the Hilton Foundation’s commitment to strengthening religious life through partnership and formation.

“We deeply appreciate the partnership we will have with the sisters in order to solidify their vitality,  ongoing formation, ensuring that they have renewal, but also promoting vocations to religious life.”

The Associate Vice President and Head of the Catholic Sisters Initiative also acknowledged the Nunciature as a spiritual home and a place of deep ecclesial communion.

“I feel I’m in the home for the Holy Father here in South Africa, and with your presence here, we are so grateful for the way you are shepherding the church in South Africa, but also in this region,’ said Sr Wakahiu LSOSF.

Following the visit to the Apostolic Nunciature, the Hilton Foundation delegation proceeded to the SACBC headquarters, Khanya House, in Pretoria. There, they met with the SACBC Secretariat and coordinators of various departments to strengthen bonds of collaboration and enhance working relationships between the Foundation and the Conference in support of religious life across Southern Africa.

The visit marked an important moment of ecclesial communion, renewal of partnerships, and shared commitment to supporting consecrated life in the region.