The Shrine for all of South Africa

by Gunther Simmermacher · Published June 26, 2024 · Updated June 25, 2024

Dear Reader, –

South Africa has a new shrine! The Mother of Mercy shrine in Magaliesburg, poetically located near the Cradle of Humankind, may be a project of the archdiocese of Johannesburg, but its central location may also make it a focal point for our Church throughout the region.

One can imagine national gatherings at the shrine — maybe even featuring in the programme of a papal visit, should South Africa ever benefit from one.

Even the sceptics may congratulate Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, who features on our cover this month, on having realised his vision of building a shrine, a true legacy. On page 14 we look at what the shrine is now, at what it is going to become, and its purpose.

On July 28, the Catholic Church celebrates the annual World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. To mark the occasion, Tlalane Manciya recalls how a grandmother shaped her life, even though their time on earth coincided only by a few years.

Grandparents can indeed make a great impact on our lives; especially when they teach us to love and be loved. I wrote about my grandmother’s hands in our July 2021 issue. “Wrinkly and blue-veined, they cooked my favourite meals, handed me sweets, combed my hair (which she always thought was far too long), and held my little hand when we’d walk in the busy city.” These are the small memories which shape us in a big way, and which many of us are fortunate to pass on to future generations.

As we grow older, questions of health become more and more important — the big pains, the small niggles, and all the chronic stuff that will always be with us. On page 21, we look at patron saints who may be invoked for serious conditions such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, dementia and eye conditions.

As South Africa joyfully celebrated its mostly peaceful transition to democracy in 1994, the small country of Rwanda suffered one of the most horrific genocides in history, with more than half a million people murdered in the space of only three months. At the time the world was silent. When the extent of the genocide became better known, the world cried out: Never Again!

Of course, genocides are happening as we speak. Some people even declare loudly that they “stand with” those who are committing genocides that are broadcast live on TV for all to see.

It is important that we remember the Rwanda genocide of 1994, as Benjamin Takavarasha does in his touching article on page 12, so that we may be reminded to never be indifferent to the mass murder of civilians, never mind giving cover to those who perpetrate genocides.

In his monthly reflection on the pope’s prayer intention, which in July concerns the sacrament of Anointing the Sick, Fr Chris Chatteris SJ tells of his acute embarrassment when a grateful hospital patient put cash into his hands after receiving the sacrament. He warns that even the mere appearance of simony — the sale of sacraments and other spiritual matter — may give rise to scandal.

The word “simony” derives from the sorcerer Simon Magus, who offered the disciples money if they would enable him to impart the power of the Holy Spirit to those on whom he would place his hands. Peter responded with a harsh reprimand, which Simon took to heart (Acts 8:9-24).

One of the lessons here is that God’s power and grace cannot be subject to commercial transaction. That most obviously applies to the unscrupulous preachers of some independent churches who enrich themselves by exploiting their (often poor) congregants. But it also reminds us Catholics to be vigilant that stole fees should not treated unbendingly as though it’s a fixed takeaway menu.

In 2018, Bishop Victor Phalana of Klerksdorp offered wise guidance: When the poor have no means to offer stole fees and stipends, they must not be denied access to the full sacraments. But those who can afford it must make “a meaningful and significant donation”.

Thank you for reading The Southern Cross, and please tell your friends about your monthly Catholic magazine.

God bless,
Günther Simmermacher
(Editor)