Category Archives: News & Events

Message from Pope Francis for the World Day of Peace

Attached below is Pope Francis’s message for the World Day of Peace on 1st January 2025. The theme is: “Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace.”

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Address by Bishop Sylvester David OMI on the transfer of Cardinal Stephen Brislin

The address was given at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council meeting on 9 November 2024.

“There is an appointed time for everything” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

On 28 October 2024, we received the news of the transfer of Cardinal Brislin from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Although such transfers are part of Church life, the news left us with heavy hearts and with a visceral discomfort. There was unease. It was difficult to articulate exactly what one felt because in many cases the right words could not be found. And even if someone could articulate it, how does one speak with a lump in the throat?

We now find ourselves in a liminal space i.e. in a state of transition. But liminal spaces are not only negative because an essential dimension of the liminal space is that if affords us an opportunity for transformation. For example, I can selfishly say, and in fact have said, that the Cardinal and I have worked collegially for more than five years and have worked well together. But both His Eminence and I know that this transfer is not about us and our working together. It is about the Church and the opportunities of living the faith in different contexts.

Each one of us in the Archdiocese needs to answer the question: “What can I do to make the transition more meaningful for our local Church, for me personally, for the Cardinal, and also for his successor?” In this regard we will do well to remember that a liminal space is not the same as a vacuum. It is a vibrant space calling us to rise above self and to embrace a new reality. One of the opportunities presented to us at this time is the opportunity to examine our spirituality. Can my spirituality embrace the restlessness that is natural to this time of transition?

Biblically there is a spirituality for the restless. Think of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Better still, read the text. It is in Lk 22:39-46 and its parallels. The response to the discomfort is twofold viz. prayer, and surrender to the will of the Father. In Religious and Priestly life this is called obedience. Another text that is relevant here is Jn 12:27. “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say?- Father, save me from this hour: but for this purpose that came I to this hour”. Jesus’ soul is disturbed. That word for “soul” indicates the deepest seat of emotions. This is what is meant by the term “visceral discomfort” used at the start of this reflection. The word translated “troubled” means to be agitated and disturbed. Notice that in this text too, the answer is surrender to the will of God. The Cardinal’s response when the announcement was made was simply: “I am a missionary”.

This is a rather difficult time – we are literally in-between times during this transition. We will experience a restlessness. That is natural. There is after all a season for everything (cf. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). But this also presents us with an opportunity to develop a spirituality of restlessness. We often think of the calm nature of prayer and at times even use calming music during our meditation times but restlessness, helplessness, and even despair ought to be natural to our spirituality simply because these aspects are inescapable and necessary parts of our human existence. Meditate on the third chapter of Ecclesiastes. As we embrace this difficult time let us remember that there is a time for everything under the sun. And right now is a time of uncertainty, restlessness, and even fear.

May God strengthen us all during these difficult days. Let us embrace the virtue of hope and accompany the Cardinal with much prayer during what for him too, is a difficult transition into new surroundings.

Bishop Sylvester David OMI
Vicar General/Auxiliary Bishop

ECUMENICAL ECO-BISHOPS AND SENIOR CHURCH LEADERS CONFERENCE

46 bishops and senior church leaders, together with the new Climate Commission of the South African Council of Churches and Youth Climate Activists, gathered for a historic “Eco-bishops” Conference last week in Noordhoek, Cape Town. The leaders were from 11 denominations and came from South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini and Botswana. The Conference was organised by SAFCEI, Green Anglicans and the Centre for Public Witness
Day One
Cardinal Stephen Brislin addressed the Conference on the topic of “The Importance of Laudato Si’ in South Africa” (Here is a recording of his presentation: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/DWUHYstV5JurxJjk/?mibextid=UalRPS), and was followed by Anglican Bishop of Lesotho Dr Vicentia Kgabe who spoke on the environmental Challenges in Lesotho. This was followed by a sobering talk by Prof. Coleen Vogel on the five year forecast of climate change in Southern Africa. She was followed by Climate Yes! activist Tshepo Mohapi who challenged the leaders to listen to the voices of young people. We reflected on the groaning of creation in our context in Bible study. Rev. Rachel Mash led a session on the Biblical basis for creation care.
Day Two
We had a presentation from the Presidential Climate Commission and learned about the SAFCEI programmes. 18 month action plans were made by geographical region and a statement was prepared.
We started and ended each day with God in Creation, enjoying the amazing beauty of the area. Our outdoor services were led by Rev. Sikawu (MCSA) and Rev. Dewald Hoffman (DRC). The youth led the final service.
We were blessed by the presence of SAFCEI founder Bishop Geoff Davies who led the final blessing.

The Catholic Bookshop has moved

The Catholic Bookshop has moved alongside the Archdiocesan Chancery at No 14 Bouquet Street, Cape Town.  This is a short distance from where we were before and should be easy to find. Please see the map below.

Though our address is different, our telephone number 021 465 5904 and our email address sales@catholicbookshop.co.za will stay the same.  We are now open for business, but online purchases can also be made on our website: www.catholicbookshop.co.za. You can also contact on 063 222 2724.
Parking can be found in Roeland Street, Hope Street or St John’s Street.  For a clearer indication, click HERE and a Google Map will open.

Creation Grace

As we end this Season of Creation, Bishop Sylvester David has asked that we continue to keep creation foremost in our minds throughout the year by using the Creation Grace (before or after meals) below.

Cardinal urges all to Pray Fervently for Peace

As we remember “the horrifying events of October 7th and the violent aftermath… it is imperative that we, as Christians, commit ourselves to fervent prayer for peace and to work for justice.”

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World Day of Prayer for Migrants and Refugees 2024

On Sunday 29 September 2024 we celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Migrants and Refugees. The theme is “God Walks with his People”. Please see below an introductory letter from Cardinal Stephen Brislin, a message from Pope Francis, a message from the SACBC Liaison for Migrants and Refugees Bishop Kizito, a special prayer by Pope Francis, as well as liturgical suggestions for celebrating this day at Mass.

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Message from Pope Francis

Message from Bishop Kizito

Prayer of Pope Francis

Eucharistic Celebration Suggestions

Papal Nuncio’s address to the Joint Witness meeting

Below is the address by Archbishop Henryk Jagodziński, Papal Nuncio to Southern Africa, to the Joint Witness session of the Bishops and the Major Religious Superiors of the SACBC region, at Emseni in Benoni, on 17 September 2024.

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