Archbishop Zolile Peter Mpambani SCJ described Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier OFM’s life and ministry as an example of faithful Christian service, recalling Pope Francis’ words, “the secret to live is to live to serve”.

In his homily at the thanksgiving Mass celebrating Cardinal Napier’s life and service to the Church, Archbishop Mpambani, former Bishop of Kokstad and First Vice-President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), reflected on the Gospel parable of the ten bridesmaids and its message of spiritual readiness.

The Sunday, 8 November, Mass held at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Kokstad Diocese brought together clergy, religious and faithful to celebrate five significant milestones in Cardinal Napier’s life and ministry: his 85th birthday, 65 years of Franciscan religious profession, 56 years of priesthood, 45 years of episcopal ministry and 25 years as a member of the College of Cardinals.

Reflecting on the Gospel, Archbishop Mpambani explained that the oil in the bridesmaids’ lamps could be understood as charity, which sustains the light of faith. Christian readiness, he said, is not simply about waiting for the Lord’s coming but about living faithfully through everyday acts of service, mercy, forgiveness and care for others.

“Faith inspires charity and desire to do God’s will, and charity preserves the faith,” he said, stressing that faith must find visible expression in love of neighbour.

Applying the Gospel message to Cardinal Napier’s life, the Archbishop said that his ministry as a priest, bishop and cardinal, and now as Archbishop Emeritus, offered an opportunity to reflect on a lifetime of service to God and his people.

“Cardinal Napier, you have been spending your life in service, without making service an appearance. Oil gives light when it is consumed,” he said, recalling Pope Francis’ words: “The secret to live is to live to serve.”

Archbishop Mpambani highlighted the Cardinal’s willingness to give his time and attention to others through listening, accompanying those in difficulty, teaching the faith and carrying out his pastoral responsibilities.

He also acknowledged the Cardinal’s humility, recalling that he had reportedly been reluctant to have the celebration organised. “I think it is because you believe that life radiates light when it is spent in love and service, not in the pursuit of honours, power, or appearances. That’s a sign of humility,” he said.

Cardinal Napier made history as the first indigenous Bishop of Kokstad, serving the diocese from 1981 to 1992 before he was appointed Archbishop of Durban. His years of episcopal leadership and service to the Church in Southern Africa have also included his contribution to the work of the Bishops’ Conference and the universal Church.

Archbishop Mpambani described the five milestones as more than the passage of time, saying they represented a life generously offered to God, marked by faithfulness, sacrifice, pastoral dedication and commitment to the mission of the Church.

Concluding his homily, he prayed that God would continue to sustain Cardinal Napier with good health, peace and renewed strength, invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi.

“Ad multos annos, Your Eminence!” he said, wishing the Cardinal many more blessed years of life and service in the vineyard of the Lord.