On Saturday, 16 May 2026, the Catholic community gathered in thanksgiving at Loubser Sports Ground in the Diocese of Kroonstad to witness the episcopal ordination of Bishop Amos Mabuti Masemola, who now becomes the fifth bishop of the diocese.
The celebration brought together bishops, priests, religious, seminarians, family members, friends and hundreds of people from across Southern Africa for what became a deeply spiritual and historic occasion for the Church.
The appointment of Bishop Masemola was made public on 17 February 2026 by Pope Leo XIV. Before his appointment to Kroonstad, Bishop Masemola served as vicar-general of the Archdiocese of Pretoria and parish priest of St Thomas More Catholic Church, where he became known for his pastoral care, humility and dedication to the faithful.
The ordination ceremony reflected the unity and universality of the Church. Among the distinguished guests present was Bishop Bernard de Clairvaux Toha Wontacien from Benin, who travelled to South Africa to support his former seminary classmate and close friend. Bishop Wontacien, who also serves as general secretary of the Episcopal Conference of Benin, later shared how meaningful it was for him to witness the ordination of someone with whom he had journeyed during his seminary formation years.
Bishop Selemela’s homily
The principal ordaining bishop was Archbishop Dabula Mpako, while the homily was delivered by Bishop Masilo John Selemela. Also present were numerous clergy from different dioceses and members of religious congregations, all united in prayer for the new bishop and the future of the Diocese of Kroonstad.
One of the most moving moments during the liturgy was the presentation of the episcopal insignia — the ring, mitre and crosier — by members of Bishop Masemola’s family before they were handed to him by Archbishop Mpako. The symbolic moment highlighted the important role of family in nurturing vocations and supporting those called to serve the Church.
Preaching during the Mass, Bishop Selemela described the day as a moment of immense joy for the Diocese of Kroonstad and the wider Church. “We gather not only to witness a solemn rite, but to welcome a new shepherd who will walk with us, guide us and love us in the name of Jesus Christ,” he said. “This consecration is not simply about titles or vestments – it is about service, about a heart given completely to God and His people.”
Using the story of the prophet Jeremiah as the foundation of his reflection, Bishop Selemela spoke about the mystery of God’s call and the fears that often accompany it. He acknowledged that Bishop Masemola may have felt overwhelmed when he first received news of his appointment. “I am sure when Monsignor Mabuti received the call from the Nuncio, he certainly felt like Jeremiah in the first reading,” he said. “The Lord has called you to this office. Today, other voices do not matter that much; it is you the Lord chose and now mandates.”
God’s Calling
The auxiliary bishop reminded the congregation that vocations are rooted in God’s initiative and not in human merit alone. “God does not call us because of certain qualities,” he said. “God calls us because he has a mission and he wants to fulfil that mission through us.”
Addressing Bishop Masemola directly, Bishop Selemela encouraged him to rely fully on God’s grace and presence in the challenges ahead. “God is reminding you that you are never alone in this ministry; therefore, rely on him as well,” he said. Referring to the late Pope Francis, he added that bishops are called above all to be men of prayer. “Pope Francis reminds us that bishops are servants of the people, and that the first task of the bishop is to be close to God in prayer.”
Bishop Selemela also spoke about the challenges facing bishops in today’s world, particularly in a rapidly changing society marked by isolation, secularism and social division. “The ministry of a bishop is not an easy one; it demands courage,” he said. “One of the challenges you will face is not so much opposition, but implementing a new vision of being Church, a synodal Church.”
He reflected on the need for bishops to engage with modern realities and remain close to the people entrusted to their care. “In an age of screens and isolation, bishops must find new ways to be present – through media, online outreach and compassionate engagement,” he said. “While the office is ancient, the method must adapt to modern hearts.”
The Threefold Mission of bishops
Bishop Selemela further outlined the threefold mission entrusted to every bishop: teaching, sanctifying and governing. “To teach: not only with words, but with the witness of your life,” he said. “People will learn the Gospel by watching how you love, forgive and serve.” He added that bishops are called to govern not “as rulers” but as shepherds who care especially for “the poor, the sick and the marginalised.”
Reflecting on the Gospel passage from John 20:19-23, Bishop Selemela reminded the faithful that the Church’s mission belongs to the entire people of God. “A bishop cannot shepherd alone,” he said. “He needs the prayers, the support and the collaboration of his people. Together, we form the body of Christ, and together, we journey toward the Kingdom.”
Episcopal Responsibility
In one of the most striking moments of the homily, Bishop Selemela reflected on the weight of episcopal responsibility. Quoting St John Chrysostom, he said: “The road to hell is paved with the skulls of bishops.” He explained that the quote was not meant to condemn bishops, but to remind them of the immense responsibility entrusted to them. “They are accountable for the souls entrusted to them – and must answer to God for how they shepherded His people,” he said.
The bishop also acknowledged the challenges bishops face in the modern world, including secularism, scandal and moral confusion. Yet, he insisted that the mission of proclaiming Christ courageously remains unchanged. “Their integrity, courage and humility are needed now more than ever,” he said.
He concluded by calling on the faithful to support Bishop Masemola wholeheartedly. “Let us welcome our new shepherd with open hearts,” he said. “And let us promise to walk with him and support him so that his ministry may be fruitful and filled with joy.”
Welcoming Bishop Masemola
Also addressing the congregation was Cardinal Stephen Brislin, president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference and former bishop of Kroonstad. The cardinal expressed his joy at returning to the diocese where he first served as bishop in 2007 and witnessing the ordination of Bishop Masemola.
Cardinal Brislin reminded the faithful that every member of the Church has a role to play in building up the Body of Christ. Welcoming Bishop Masemola into the bishops’ conference, he acknowledged that while the episcopal ministry is a blessing, it also comes with many challenges and responsibilities. He assured the new bishop that the bishops of the conference would accompany and support him throughout his ministry.
New Bishop’s Address
Before the final blessing, Bishop Masemola addressed the congregation in a speech marked by humility, gratitude and deep faith. He began by thanking Pope Leo XIV for appointing him to what he described as “this sacred office.” He also expressed gratitude to Archbishop Henryk Jagodzinski, who was represented by Monsignor Giacomo Antoniceli, secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature to Southern Africa.
The new bishop went on to thank Archbishop Mpako and Bishop Selemela for accompanying him during his period of discernment. He also thanked Bishop Jan de Groef MAfr, of the Diocese of Bethlehem, for offering him prayerful and spiritual guidance during his retreat in preparation for the ordination.
He further expressed appreciation to his predecessors, including Cardinal Brislin and Bishop Peter Holiday, for the foundations they laid in the Diocese of Kroonstad.
In one of the most touching moments of his speech, Bishop Masemola reflected on the magnitude of the episcopal office entrusted to him. “The gift of episcopacy is far greater than anything I could ever deserve,” he said. “I am nothing without the grace of God.”
Acknowledging both the beauty and difficulty of the ministry ahead, he appealed to the faithful for their continued support and prayers. “The mission is heavy yet holy,” he said. “In this journey, I cannot walk alone, and for this reason, I appeal to you to uphold me in your prayers.”
Entrusting his ministry to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop Masemola concluded with a heartfelt prayer: “As I begin this ministry, I entrust it entirely to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. May she guide me to her Son, the Good Shepherd, who laid down His life for His sheep.”
The atmosphere during the episcopal ordination of Bishop Amos Mabuti Masemola, and throughout the day, was one of joy, prayer and gratitude as the faithful welcomed their new shepherd with warmth and affection.
