Fathers James Rice and Paul Moore Ordained Priests for the Archdiocese of Cape Town

by Admin · December 17, 2025

Cardinal Brislin with newly-ordained Fr Moore and Fr Rice

By Rachele Hochhausler – The Archdiocese of Cape Town rejoiced yesterday as two seminarians from the Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary were ordained to the priesthood in a celebration marked by joy, gratitude and a strong sense of the Church’s universality.

Fr James Rice from the United States and Fr Paul Moore from Scotland were ordained priests for the Archdiocese of Cape Town by Cardinal Stephen Brislin, who travelled from Johannesburg for the occasion. The ordination Mass was celebrated at Most Holy Redeemer in Bergvliet, which was filled beyond capacity, with more than 500 faithful in attendance.

More than 50 priests and religious sisters from various congregations concelebrated and participated in the liturgy, giving visible witness to the communion of the local Church. The atmosphere was festive and prayerful, reflecting both the solemnity of the sacrament and the joy of the faithful at the gift of two new priests.

In his homily, Cardinal Brislin, calling them “my sons”, and encouraged them to root their priesthood in humble service, fidelity to Christ and love for the people entrusted to their care. He reminded them that their vocation is not their own achievement, but a gift for the Church, to be lived out generously in mission.

The presence of seminarians, clergy and lay faithful from many countries underlined the missionary character of the Redemptoris Mater Seminary and of the Neocatechumenal Way, of which both priests are members. Friends and family travelled from the United States, Scotland, Italy and other countries to share in the celebration, highlighting the international dimension of vocations formed in Cape Town.

Following the Mass, celebrations continued at the Seminary in Rondebosch, where a joyful festa carried on late into the night. Songs, testimonies and shared meals expressed thanksgiving for what many described as a sign of hope for the Church in South Africa.

The ordination of Fr James and Fr Paul stands as a concrete fruit of the Neocatechumenal Way’s presence in the archdiocese and a reminder that, even in challenging times, the Lord continues to call and send labourers into his harvest said Dino Furgione.

Pics by Judy Thomas