Diocese of Mthatha Opens St Michael’s Parish

By Sr Margaret Mary Makuwerere – After nearly three decades (1996-2025), the Diocese of Mthatha celebrates the Official Opening of a new parish – St Michael’s.

In the history of the Diocese of Mthatha, the last parish to be established was St Barnabas in Elliot in 1996 during the time of the administration of  Bishop Fritz Lobinger. Thus, the event that took place on March 01, 2025, was indeed a renewal of hope, heralding great possibilities for the diocese.

Since 1976, St. Michael’s has been one of the recognised outstations of the prominent Mariazell Mission in the Diocese of Mthatha. Recognising St Michael’simpressive potential, it was decided that it would transition from being an outstation of Mariazell Mission to becoming an independent parish within the Diocese of Mthatha. On October 01, 2024, St Michael’s was established as a recognised parish of the Diocese.

Five months later, on March 01, Bishop Sithembele Sipuka officially inaugurated the new Parish and installed Fr Sello Johannes Potlako as the First Parish Priest. This significant occasion marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Mariazell Mission, the Diocese of Mthatha, and, most notably, St Michael’s Parish, celebrating its remarkable journey from an outstation to a Parish.

It is indeed a blessing for the Diocese of Mthatha, that amid the decline of the number of the church attendance (Catholics and non-Catholics), God has bestowed His Grace upon the Diocese, to witness the birth of a new Parish. The event perfectly fulfilled the meaning of the Jubilee Year of Hope in the truest sense.

The Bishop’s Inspiring Message to St Michael’s Parish (Homily)

Bishop Sipuka encouraged the faithful of St Michael’s Parish to always remember that they are the Church and fully belong to it despite their diverse backgrounds, characters, gifts and physical appearances. He emphasised that while the newly blessed physical building is important, it only becomes alive through the active participation of the parishioners in all church activities and responsibilities for “We are the soul of the Church…”, he said.  He warned that the Parish suffers when people are absent or fail to participate, urging parishioners to make a meaningful difference through their willingness to serve.

The Bishop went on to explain that the purpose of a parish is to draw each member closer to God, providing holistic nourishment. This nourishment, he emphasised, should lead to transformation and spiritual growth rather than indifference. He invited the faithful to reflect on their journey of faith and assess whether their lives are changing for the better or they are still stagnant in their spiritual growth.

Using a powerful image from the Gospel in the Gospel of Luke 19:1-10, the Bishop likened the faithful to the sycamore tree that Zacchaeus climbed to get a better view of Jesus. He reminded us that the way of life of a believer should inspire others to draw closer to Christ so that they may see Him more clearly just as Zaccheus did.

The Bishop also urged the parishioners of St Michael’s to fully embrace their new identity as an independent parish with a parish priest available to support them around the clock.

Congratulations St Michael’s

St Michael’s falls under the Maloti Deanery, one of the Four Deaneries of Mthatha Diocese. It is primarily situated among the BaSothos.  According to the current statistics from the Diocese, the new parish alreadyhas over 2000 Catholics reflecting vibrancy and growth.