Bishops Hail Late Pope and Fr Albert Nolan at plenary

by Admin · February 2, 2023

Bishops of Dundee, Mthatha, Pretoria & Cardinal Napier for Eshowe (Photo: Bishop Stanislaw Dziuba)

The bishops paid special tribute to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died on December 31, noting that “his mark as a theologian, a pope and a leader is recognised globally”.

Benedict XVI “is remembered as one who invited us to the truth that transcends our limited understanding, the truth that gives us a theoretical framework of how we must relate to and treat each other, the truth that liberates us from the dictatorship of our lower levels of existence, the truth that holds us accountable,” the bishops said..

“He taught us that a life worth living is not based on a personal construct of what we feel is good or right for us but rather on one that is grounded in something greater than ourselves, a truth independent of time and culture, binding everywhere and for everyone.

“He reminded us that ideologies that begin with the noblest intention, given their human origin can become destructive later. In contrast, a truth greater than us ensures that we will always strive to live according to its summons, even if, at times, we fail.”

(Photo: Bishop Stanislaw Dziuba)

The bishops also paid tribute to Fr Albert Nolan OP, who died on October 17 last year. Fr Nolan will be “fondly remembered for his humble but powerful witness during the dark years of apartheid as well as for his passion for relating the Gospel to the circumstances of the poor and oppressed. We took cognisance of some of the important salient points he makes in his latest book Hope in an age of Despair. This provided us with a relevant thought for reflection, given the growing sense of despair in our conference area, particularly in eSwatini and South Africa,” they said.

“We appreciated his call for compassion and solidarity with the poor as a way to contribute towards the alleviation of this sense of hopelessness.”