Archdiocese of Johannesburg bids farewell to Archbishop Buti Tlhagale
By Kati Dijane – The grey, wet weather was not a deterrent to hundreds of lay people and clergy from across the Archdiocese of Johannesburg to celebrate the farewell Mass of Archbishop Buti Joseph Tlhagale OMI at Christ the King Cathedral on January 11, 2025.
Some of the bishops within the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) who joined the Archbishop in his thanksgiving Mass included the president of the conference, Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka, of the Diocese of Mthatha, Archbishop Dabula Mpako of the Archdiocese of Pretoria, Bishop Victor Phalana of Klerksdorp Diocese, Bishop Jose Luis Ponce de Leon IMC of Manzini Diocese, as well as Archbishop Zolile Peter Mpambani SCI of the Archdiocese of Bloemfontein. Archbishop Henryk Jagodzinski, the Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa, was also present.
Music from the St Cecilians and Christ the King Cathedral Choirs, as well as ululations, made the liturgy a jubilant occasion. During his homily, Bishop Sipuka reflected on the Gospel of the day, John 3: 22-30, mentioning that it gave people the criterion to measure the success of any ministry – ordained or lay – by evaluating whether the life one lives or the ministry they serve in brings others closer to Jesus or if it’s a vehicle to reach personal popularity. The bishop also pointed to the humility of John the Baptist, who, instead of being jealous of Jesus’ growing popularity, declared that “this joy of mine is now full. He must increase, but I must decrease.” He also drew similarities between John the Baptist and Archbishop Tlhagale, not only in their humble traits but also their courage in truth-telling with the aim of fixing the wrongs of society. He further lauded the outgoing Archbishop, whom he said is known for his briefness in speech and action, for bringing others to Christ over his 48-year priesthood ministry and 25-year episcopacy.
Bringing the Gospel to the modern age of social media, the bishop warned, especially the priests, against using this platform to entertain the faithful, but instead help transform their lives to being obedient followers of Christ. “Our ambitions must give way to the will of God and the goodness of the church,” he continued.
Archbishop Jagodzinski, on behalf of His Holiness, Pope Francis, congratulated Archbishop Tlhagale on his unwavering commitment to the church and the Archdiocese of Johannesburg as a shepherd. The nuncio thanked the Archbishop for guiding the faithful with wisdom and love, as well as being attentive to the needs of the people over the years. He also commended Archbishop Tlhagale for his “visionary project” of the Mother of Mercy Shrine in Magaliesburg. “This shrine stands as a testament to your faith and will continue to draw countless faithful closer to the Lord through the loving intercession of His Blessed Mother,” he said, adding that the Archbishop’s transition was not an end, but a continuation of his journey as a successor of the apostles.
In his closing remarks before the end of Mass, Archbishop Tlhagale expressed his gratitude to everyone who attended his farewell Mass, especially the Apostolic Nuncio. He also thanked his fellow bishops in the conference for the leadership ministry they shared over the years, as well as the priests and deacons who supported him through their dedication and selflessness in the Archdiocese. He, however, reminded them of this special vocation of service with no expectations and “at times, even without a thank you card”. The Archbishop then thanked the sisters, whose presence in the Archdiocese symbolised service and dedication, as well as the faithful and sodality members. Lastly, he thanked the staff of the chancery, whom he called the engine of the Archdiocese. “As I leave, I can only draw consolation from the words of Luke 17: 10: ‘So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty,’” he said.
- Sister Kgomotso Majoafi CSA Professes her Final Vows - February 18, 2025
- First Young Adults’ Mass Draws 200 Faithful - February 14, 2025
- 52 Confirmed by Cardinal Brislin at St Martin de Porres, Geluksdal - February 13, 2025