Fr Lwazi Masina: How a Lutheran Minister became a Catholic Priest

by Daluxolo Moloantoa · Published April 3, 2024 · Updated April 2, 2024

Fr Lwazi Masina was a Lutheran minister when he heard the call to the Catholic priesthood. He told Daluxolo Moloantoa about his faith journey.

For a former Lutheran minister, being ordained to the Catholic priesthood was a sort of homecoming. Fr Lwazi Masina was ordained on December 9, 2023, in Johannesburg’s Christ the King cathedral.

Born on December 27, 1988, in Eswatini (then Swaziland), Fr Masina comes from a close-knit family which is deeply rooted in faith and community. He is the third of five children, with three brothers and one sister.

Lwazi Masina as a child with younger brother Majahonkhe

“My family has always been a pillar of support in my life, nurturing my spiritual journey and encouraging me to explore my beliefs. This strong familial foundation instilled in me the values of compassion, service, and faith, which have guided my path to where I am today,” he told The Southern Cross.

He attended state schools in his hometown of Matsapha. “It was in this scenic and culturally rich environment that

I first began to form my spiritual identity. During those formative years, I was a very active member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Southern Africa,” he said.

In 2009, his spiritual formation led him on a rigorous academic journey at the Lutheran Theological Institute in Pietermaritzburg, in KwaZulu-Natal, culminating in his ordination as a Lutheran minister in 2015.

“I spent eight formative years labouring in parish ministry as a Lutheran minister. During this time, I immersed myself in the teachings, traditions, and practices of the Lutheran faith. It was a period of personal and spiritual growth, where I built strong bonds with congregations and deepened my understanding of Lutheran theology,” he said.

However, a long and profound period of reflection, primarily driven by his yearning for a Christian establishment with deeper Christian traditions and an entrenched historical foundation, led him to the Catholic Church. In 2021, he began his first year of studying elective modules at St John Vianney Seminary in Pretoria.

“The Catholic Church’s rich history, tracing back to early Christianity, became a meaningful tapestry for me to explore. As a result, I began to join the dots and made a connection between my spiritual desires and how Catholicism provided answers to them. In particular, I was immensely impressed by how the Church’s contemplative practices — particularly meditation, emphasised in Catholic teachings — deeply resonated with me. They offered a profound personal spiritual connection and a deeper understanding of faith and my relationship with God,” he said.

Attracted by lines of authority

While Martin Luther challenged the authority of the pope, Fr Masina was attracted by the direct lines of authority in the Catholic Church’s hierarchy. “The pope’s position as the Vicar of Christ and successor of St Peter conveys a powerful sense of unity and continuity,” he said. “Catholic theology places a significant emphasis on the pope’s pivotal role as the spiritual leader and guiding force for the Church. That offers a source of unity and definitive authority concerning matters of faith and doctrine. His role as a symbol of unity and spiritual guidance in the global Catholic community prompted my response to an inner conviction and sense of purpose,” he said.

“In Lutheranism, the belief in the sole authority of Scripture in determining doctrine is central, while Catholicism extends this authority to include the pope, the magisterium, and certain traditions of the Church. Adapting to this shift in perspective challenged me to explore the historical and theological foundations of both traditions. It required me to reconcile my previous beliefs with the teachings of the Catholic Church, a process that deepened my faith and understanding,” he said.

Further factors which weighed heavily towards his reasons for his conversion were the universality of the Church, and the distinct significance of the liturgy and the Eucharist in the Church. “The meticulously planned rituals, the reverence for sacred scriptures, and the transformative Eucharist, where ordinary elements transubstantiate into Christ’s body and blood, create a sacred and intimate encounter with the divine,” Fr Masina noted. “The belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist held immense significance in my transition, adding a layer of reverence and mystery to the sacrament, and providing a tangible connection with the divine during Mass.”

Then-Rev Masina preaching at a Lutheran World Federation assembly in Windhoek in 2017. Photos courtesy Fr Masina

A major challenge of his conversion journey was the process of reconciling the doctrinal and liturgical differences between the Lutheran and Catholic traditions. “It required a profound examination of my beliefs, a willingness to embrace new rituals and practices, and a commitment to theological study. It was a transformative process that tested my faith and ultimately strengthened it,” he said.

The Catholic Social Teachings also played a significant role in that journey. “The Catholic Church’s commitment to social justice and addressing global issues aligned profoundly with my aspiration to make a positive impact. It reinforced my values and dedication to caring for the marginalised and striving for a more just world,” Fr Masina said.

While he left one Church for another, Fr Masina sees his role as an agent for ecumenical dialogue, taking into account the long history of the Protestant movement in the 16th century and the growing dialogue between the denominations, especially in the past 50 years.

“As a former Lutheran minister and now a Catholic priest, I see this historical divide as an opportunity for dialogue and reconciliation. Understanding the events surrounding the Reformation and the subsequent theological differences has deepened my commitment to ecumenism and fostering unity among Christian denominations,” he said.

A daily prayer routine

As a meticulous planner, his daily routine includes prayer, meditation and the recital of the rosary. “In my daily life, the rosary is an integral part of my spiritual practice. It allows me to reflect on the life of Christ and the teachings of the Church. I engage in a routine of prayer and meditation that helps me stay connected to my faith. I begin my day with the Liturgy of the Hours, which provides a structured framework for prayer throughout the day. Additionally, I set aside time for personal reflection on Scripture, as a way of seeking spiritual insights and guidance in my daily activities. These practices provide me with a sense of purpose, inner peace, and a strong connection to my faith,” he said.

When he is not engaged in his priestly activities, Fr Masina engages in various hobbies. “Reading theological texts and exploring the works of theologians, both past and present, enriches my understanding of the faith. Nature walks and hikes allow me to connect with the beauty of creation and moments of contemplation. Spending quality time with family and friends, whether through shared meals or engaging in meaningful conversations, is also an immense source of joy and connection. These activities help me maintain a balanced and fulfilling life outside of my occupational duties,” he said.

His message to the Church and the faithful is one of profound gratitude and commitment. “I am very grateful for the support and encouragement I have received on this transformative journey. In a world that’s often divided, let us be beacons of unity and understanding. Our faith transcends differences; it unites us in a common purpose — to love and serve one another as Christ has loved us. I invite each one of us to embrace this unity, to celebrate our shared beliefs, and to respect the diversity that enriches our spiritual tapestry,” he said.

“Our journey together will be marked by compassion, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to social justice. Let us heed the call to reach out to the marginalised and vulnerable, for in serving them, we serve Christ,” Fr Masina said.

“Through our collective efforts, we can make a lasting impact, fostering a world of compassion, kindness, and equality. May our faith be a light of hope, illuminating the paths of those in darkness, comforting the afflicted, and inspiring change in the hearts of all that we encounter. Let us go forth, united in purpose and love, to be the hands and feet of Christ in a world in need of his light.”