Kroonstad’s New Shepherd: The Journey of Bishop-Elect Amos Mabuti Masemola

by Kati Dijane · March 5, 2026

By Kati Dijane – When the appointment of Monsignor Amos Mabuti Masemola as bishop of Kroonstad was announced on 17 February, it marked a moment of joy not only for the Diocese of Kroonstad, but also for the Archdiocese of Pretoria, where he has served faithfully for many years as its second vicar-general. After four years without a bishop following the resignation of Bishop Peter Holiday, the diocese will soon welcome a shepherd whose life has been shaped by love for the Church and deep service to God’s people. Behind this historic appointment lies a long journey of faith, one that began with a young boy who simply loved being at church.

A vocation rooted in love for the Church

For Bishop-Elect Masemola, his priestly vocation began early in life. Born 5 March 1978, as a young boy growing up in the Archdiocese of Pretoria, the church was not merely a place to attend Mass but a place that felt like home.

“What has been outstanding for me in my vocation has been the love for the Church,” he reflected. “We were always present at church whenever we were needed, especially through youth groups and altar serving.”

Unlike many young people who may need encouragement to participate in parish life, Masemola recalls how he and his friends would voluntarily gather at the church grounds, sometimes simply to spend time together.

“We would sit and say, ‘Let’s go to church.’ Sometimes, we would even play around the churchyard,” he said. This sense of belonging nurtured his faith and planted the seed of a vocation that would eventually grow into a lifelong commitment to priesthood.

Influential mentors along the way

Every vocation is nurtured by people who recognise and encourage the call. For Monsignor Masemola, several priests and mentors played a pivotal role in shaping his journey. Among those he remembers are priests who served in his parish during his youth. Later, diocesan priests, including Bishop Victor Phalana of Klerksdorp Diocese, also influenced his spiritual growth.

One person who left a lasting mark was Deacon Charles Mashishi, who introduced him to altar serving.

“I remember when other boys in the parish were selected to be altar servers, I was not in church, so I missed the opportunity,” he said. “But I went to speak with the deacon because I also wanted to serve.” Deacon Mashishi ensured the young boy would fulfil his hope to serve the church.

The journey towards priestly formation

Like many priests, Bishop-Elect Masemola’s journey of seminary formation came with its challenges. Formation, he believes, requires openness and trust in the process. “Formation requires openness. Without openness, it becomes difficult,” he explained. Seminary life can sometimes be demanding, and many young aspiring priests struggle with its challenges. Yet Bishop-Elect Masemola emphasises that the process is meant to shape a person into the image of Christ and prepare them for service in the Church.

“You have to trust the process and those who are forming you,” he said. “You must allow yourself to be shaped according to the mind of the Church.” Looking back, he sees the challenges of formation not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

A priest formed through pastoral service

Ordained in 2007, Masemola has served nearly two decades as a priest. During this time, he has worked in several parishes within the Archdiocese of Pretoria. Those years of pastoral ministry, he says, helped him learn one of the most important lessons of priesthood: the centrality of love.

“As a parish priest you cannot serve without love,” he said.

Serving diverse communities exposed him to people from all walks of life: joyful parishioners, struggling families and individuals facing many difficulties. Yet these experiences strengthened his commitment to embrace everyone entrusted to his care.

“You cannot be choosy about whom you serve,” he said. “Everyone has been placed before you by God.”

Through these encounters, Masemola says he also learned an important truth: a priest does not only teach; he must also be willing to learn from the people he serves.

Preparing for leadership in the Church

Beyond parish ministry, Masemola has also served in key leadership roles within the Archdiocese of Pretoria. He was first appointed chancellor, a role responsible for administrative and canonical matters in the archdiocese. Later, he was asked to serve as vicar general, assisting the archbishop in the governance of the archdiocese.

In this capacity, he worked closely with priests and parishes, helping to address pastoral and administrative matters across the archdiocese. These responsibilities, he believes, have prepared him for his new mission as bishop.

A vision of walking together

Although he will soon take responsibility for the Diocese of Kroonstad, Bishop-Elect Masemola approaches his new role with humility. Rather than arriving as someone who has all the answers, he emphasises the importance of collaboration and listening to the people he will serve.

“What I envision is a diocese that is open to collaboration,” he said. “We must walk together in the spirit of synodality.”

For him, leadership in the Church means journeying with the faithful, neither walking ahead of them nor remaining behind them, but walking alongside them. He also acknowledges the work that has already been done in the diocese and hopes to build upon it.

“I will not go there like a saviour,” he said. “I must acknowledge the good work that has already been happening.”

Encouraging local vocations

Bishop-Elect Masemola’s appointment also reflects a broader movement within the Church in Southern Africa: the growth of local vocations. As the Church celebrates 75 years since the establishment of the hierarchy in Southern Africa, more local priests are being entrusted with leadership roles. For the newly appointed bishop, this is a sign of a vibrant and growing Church. “The growth of the Church is seen when we are able to drink from our own wells,” he said. He hopes that more young people will respond courageously to God’s call to the priesthood and religious life.

Inspired by Saint Thérèse

Among the saints who inspire him most is Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, known for her “little way” of holiness. Her courage, simplicity and deep trust in God continue to shape his spiritual outlook.

“When I think of her entering the convent at such a young age, it reminds me that nothing is impossible when we trust God,” he said.

Her life, he believes, shows that great things can be accomplished through humility and simplicity.

A message of hope for young people

Bishop-Elect Masemola offers a simple yet powerful message to the church in Southern Africa: do not be afraid.

“Fear can paralyse us and deprive us of living the best of what God wants for us,” he said.

He encourages young people to trust in God and allow the Holy Spirit to guide them.

“Be courageous in your faith,” he urged. “With God nothing is impossible.”

The call to serve

As he prepares for his episcopal ordination, Masemola reflects on a central message of the Gospel: true greatness lies in service.

“Jesus says the greatest among you is the one who serves,” he said.

He adds that this is the measure of Christian leadership, not power or status, but the willingness to serve others generously.

“If we serve without focusing on ourselves, we can make great things happen and make this world a better place,” he said.

From a young altar server to bishop, the new shepherd’s journey is an example that when we trust in God and remain open to His will, He can lead us to places we never imagined.