The call to truth, humility, and service lay at the heart of the homily delivered by Bishop Stanislau Dziuba OSPPE during the morning Mass on Friday, 23 January 2026, celebrated at the Chapel of St John Vianney Seminary.

The Eucharist forms part of the ongoing January 2026 Plenary Session of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), currently underway at Khanya House, Pretoria.

Reflecting on the day’s readings, Bishop Dziuba invited the bishops, visiting clergy, and faithful present to continue their shared journey of discerning new ways of proclaiming the Gospel in a changing world. He emphasised that authentic Christian leadership is rooted not in the pursuit of power, but in service shaped by truth, forgiveness, and obedience to God’s will.

Drawing from the Old Testament image of David sparing Saul, Bishop Dziuba highlighted the virtue of self-control and reverence for God’s anointing, reminding the assembly that fidelity to God’s choice must prevail over personal ambition or violence. “David does not act by the sword,” he noted, “but by honouring God’s anointing,” offering a powerful lesson for those entrusted with leadership in the Church.

Turning to the Gospel, Bishop Dziuba reflected on Jesus’ call of the Twelve, underlining the striking ordinariness of those chosen: fishermen, tax collectors, men of differing personalities and backgrounds — not warriors or elites. Yet, Jesus entrusted them with authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons, sharing in his mission of liberation as the Anointed One.

In this light, Bishop Dziuba situated the homily within the broader ecclesial context of the 75^th anniversary of the establishment of the Southern African Hierarchy, recalling generations of bishops, religious, and faithful who have walked in the footsteps of the apostles, leading God’s people along the path of the Kingdom.

He reminded the assembly that Jesus continues to call — not only once, but every day, at different moments and stages of life. This call, he said, involves being drawn close to Christ, formed by him, sent out, and empowered to bless others and witness lives transformed by the power of the Gospel.

A key emphasis of the homily was Jesus’ own example of discernment through prayer. Before choosing the apostles, Jesus spent the night in prayer, teaching that important decisions in the life of the Church must always be rooted in deep communion with God. From this prayerful encounter flowed mission, authority, and fruitfulness.

“Jesus calls, appoints, and sends,” Bishop Dziuba said, adding that God never sends without also equipping. Time spent with the Lord in close fellowship, he stressed, is essential for effective ministry and faithful service to God’s people.

The Mass, celebrated by members of the Province of Durban, was presided over by Bishop Dziuba, with Bishop Thulani Victor Mbuyisa CMM and Bishop Vusumuzi Francis Mazibuko OMI concelebrating. The Gospel was proclaimed by Bishop Mazibuko, while Sr Inosensia Pati SSpS served as proclaimer.