Dominican Father Mark James’ book on Deaf ministry wins literary acclaim

Dominican Father Mark James has been awarded the 2026 Desmond Tutu-Gerrit Brand Award for Emerging Authors for his book Proud to be Deaf: Ministry, Saintliness and the History of the Catholic Deaf Community in South Africa, 1874–1994.

The award recognises outstanding new contributions to Christian and theological literature.

In announcing the award, judges Prof Juanita Meyer, Prof. Eugene Baron and Prof. Douglas Lawrie praised the publication as “an exceptional contribution to general Christian and theological literature”, citing its blend of rigorous historical research, theological insight and contextual relevance.

The judges further commended the book for presenting an original perspective on Deaf identity within the Church and faith communities, while balancing academic excellence with accessibility for general readers. They also described the book as representing a current, inclusive theological and pastoral perspective.

Published by UJ Press, the 461-page work traces more than a century of Catholic ministry to the Deaf community in South Africa, documenting both the prophetic contributions of Deaf Catholics and the evolution of Deaf ministry between 1874 and 1994.

Fr James, who has ministered to the Catholic Deaf communities of South Africa and Eswatini for 20 years, describes his journey into the Deaf community as a profound personal conversion experience.

Speaking at the launch of the book at St Vincent’s School for the Deaf last year, Fr James reflected on the providential impact of the Deaf community on his life. One that grew progressively after James was requested to celebrate Mass for the Deaf community in Benoni in 2006, despite the fact that he did not know South African Sign Language at the time.

“I agreed with the help of an interpreter, Justin de Villiers, and now I feel very honoured that the Deaf community invited me to participate in their life,” Fr James explained, adding that ministering within the community fundamentally altered his understanding of Church.

“I always say that, at one point, I was at the centre of the Church – a novice master, a provincial – looking out. But when I started working with the Deaf community, I recognised that I was on the periphery of the church looking in, and that perspective is very different,” he said.

“I think we need that conversion in our churches, so as to recognise the need to include people – not only the deaf, but also the blind, or those who require wheelchair access to our churches.”

Although the book originated partly from Fr James’ doctoral thesis, it was intentionally written for a broad readership and seeks to encourage hearing Catholics to engage more deeply with Deaf culture, language and spirituality.

“I have no authority to speak on behalf of the Deaf community, but in the book, I share something of my conversion experience as a hearing person to appreciate Deaf people’s culture and language. This has turned my life around.”

The publication also highlights the important role played by the Dominican Sisters in Deaf education in South Africa, while addressing historical controversies and injustices associated with past educational practices. It also showcases the contributions of Deaf Catholics to the Church and society.

The award is not Fr James’s first literary recognition. In 2024, a book he edited together with Fr Mike Deeb OP and Br Philippe Denis OP was awarded the Andrew Murray-Desmond Tutu Prize in the Christian and Theological category. Titled Reluctant Prophet: Tributes to Fr Albert Nolan OP, the book was published internationally by ATF Press and in South Africa by UJ Press.

Fr James is currently serving at St Columba’s parish in Capital Park, Pretoria, and is chaplain to the Deaf in the archdioceses of Pretoria and Johannesburg.

Proud to be Deaf: Ministry, Saintliness and the History of the Catholic Deaf Community in South Africa, 1874–1994 is available from UJ Press. For more information contact Wikus Van Zyl at .