A Living Legacy: Archbishop George Daniel Marks 50 Years as Bishop

By Daluxolo Moloantoa – The Archdiocese of Pretoria marked the 50th anniversary of Archbishop Emeritus George Francis Daniel’s episcopal consecration.

A special Mass was held at the chapel of Nazareth House in Waterkloof, Pretoria, where the Archbishop Emeritus resides. Nazareth House is located behind the residence of the current Archbishop and adjacent to the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC)’s Khanya House and St John Vianney Seminary.

The celebration was intentionally held on Monday, 4 August 2025 — the Feast Day of St John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests — a date of deep personal meaning for Archbishop Emeritus George Francis Daniel.

Fifty years ago, in 1975, it was his heartfelt wish to be consecrated Archbishop of Pretoria on this very feast day. He holds a deep devotion to St John Vianney, whose humble service and pastoral care resonated with his own calling. But that year, the 4th of August fell on a Saturday, and the archdiocese, in keeping with tradition and pastoral practice, chose to hold his Episcopal ordination on the following day, Sunday. Now, five decades later, his desire was gently honoured. In a gesture filled with quiet grace and affectionate remembrance, this golden jubilee celebration was set for the feast day he has always cherished.

Before the special occasion, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński personally delivered a letter and apostolic blessing from Pope Leo XIV for “Uncle George,” or “Ntatemogolo George,” as the Archbishop Emeritus is affectionately known among many Catholics of the Archdiocese.

Archbishop Emeritus Daniel presided over the Mass, joined by Auxiliary Bishop John Selemela and ten priests.

Following the service, a luncheon was held at Nazareth House. A few attendees spoke briefly to The Southern Cross, expressing appreciation for Archbishop Daniel’s many years of steady service and leadership in the Church.

“Ad multos annos, Archbishop! Your fifty years of episcopal service reflect a profound fidelity to Christ and His Church. May your legacy of compassion and courage continue to inspire us all in the years to come.”
— Auxiliary Bishop John Masilo Selemela, Archdiocese of Pretoria.

“Archbishop Emeritus George Daniel—affectionately known as the grandfather of our Archdiocese—celebrates the Golden Jubilee of his Episcopal Ordination under truly unique circumstances.
It is a rare and grace-filled sight to witness a bishop mark fifty years since his ordination. We count it a special privilege to honour Archbishop George, whose faithful leadership has deeply rooted and shaped the very life of our Archdiocese.
Over the years, he planted and blessed more than 100 churches and confirmed countless Catholics—myself included! Beyond his many achievements, Archbishop George stands as a living reserve of the history of the Archdiocese of Pretoria. His memory, wisdom, and witness preserve the story of our Church’s growth and struggles—not just in written form, but through the valuable stories he loves to share. These stories come alive when he joyfully tells them, offering us a rich, personal connection to our past.
Though a little frail now, he remains as sharp and spirited as ever—a living, breathing history of the Church in Pretoria. Please keep him in your prayers.”

Fr Chris Townsend, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Pretoria and Parish Priest at the Church of the Beatitudes, Zwavelpoort, Pretoria East.

“Thank you, Archbishop Emeritus George Daniel, for your unwavering devotion and gentle leadership that have been a light to our path. May the Lord continue to bless your ministry with health, wisdom, and peace.”

Mary-Jane Smith, long-time friend and parishioner of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Capital Hill, Pretoria.

“Dear Archbishop, thank you for being a shepherd who walks with the people, especially the young. Your words and witness have planted seeds of faith in countless hearts. May God reward your Golden Jubilee with renewed strength and deep joy.”

George Seutloadi, parishioner of St. Mark Church, Mabopane.

  “Your Grace, we give thanks to God for your 50 years of episcopal ministry. Your prayerful leadership and pastoral heart have touched the lives of many. May Mary, Mother of the Church, continue to intercede for you always. ‘Motho ke motho ka batho ba bangwe, mme bogologolo bo aga mowa.’
(A person is a person through others, and the wisdom of the elders builds the soul.) Your long years of service have built up the Church not only with bricks, but with spirit and memory. Re leboga ka pelo e e tletseng (we remain eternally grateful).”