Father Michael Rasello reflects on leading the Diocese of Kroonstad through transition
After nearly four years of steering the Diocese of Kroonstad during a period of transition, Father Michael Rasello says he feels both relieved and grateful following the appointment and episcopal ordination of Bishop Amos Mabuti Masemola.
The diocesan priest, who served as administrator of the diocese after the resignation of Bishop Peter Holiday, reflected candidly on the challenges, lessons and blessings that came with leading the diocese during the vacancy of the episcopal see.
“Actually, I was so happy because there was a lot on my shoulders,” Father Rasello said when asked how he felt after the announcement of Bishop Masemola’s appointment. “So that made me happy, really, that at least I’ll be relieved.”
Wearing many hats in ministry
Before becoming diocesan administrator in 2022, Father Rasello was already serving at St Patrick’s Cathedral as well as St Peter and Paul Parish in Brent Park, an outstation of the cathedral.
Beyond parish ministry, he also carried numerous diocesan responsibilities.
“I hold many offices in the diocese,” he explained. “First, I was the chancellor of the diocese and diocesan consultant for Bishop Peter Holiday, and I’m also the chaplain for the Catholic Nurses Guild, the chaplain for the Catholic Women’s League, and I’m a PMS director and Lenten Appeal Director.”
Laughing softly about the many responsibilities he carried, he admitted: “Yes, there were a lot, but I managed to go through.”
Understanding the role of a diocesan administrator
Father Rasello also clarified the distinction between a diocesan administrator and an apostolic administrator, something many Catholics may not fully understand.
He explained that he was elected by diocesan consultors after the resignation of Bishop Holiday, while an apostolic administrator is directly appointed by the Vatican.
“I was appointed in 2022 after the consultants voted for me,” he explained. “But now for Bishop Thulani Mbuyisa CMM’s apostolic administrator (after the appointment of Bishop-Elect Motlatsi Meshack Phomane on 14 April 2026) comes from Rome. Rome appointed him as a bishop to sit during the vacant sede.”
“It wasn’t easy”
The role of a diocesan administrator, he admitted, was far from easy.
“It entails a lot, really, because there’s a lot of work,” he said. “Especially for me, working at the two parishes and having sodalities to look after. And now the diocesan office, whereby every day one has to be at the office and do the running of the office, going to the parishes, attending to day-to-day businesses of the diocese.”
Despite the pressures, Father Rasello credits God’s grace and the support of fellow clergy for helping him persevere during difficult moments.
“I learnt a lot over the past four years,” he said. “And it wasn’t easy. But God gave me strength. It was difficult. I had challenges. But talking to other bishops and priests, I managed to go through.”
Support from the metropolitan archdiocese
Among those who supported the Diocese of Kroonstad during the transition was Archbishop Zolile Mpambani, whom Father Rasello frequently called upon for assistance during major diocesan celebrations.
“When we had ordinations, I always used to ask Archbishop Zolile Mpambani. He would come down to help us,” he said. “And when we have Christmas, Archbishop Zolile would also help. When he is busy, he would send Archbishop Emeritus Ngumalo.”
Welcoming a New Shepherd
Now, with Bishop Amos Masemola officially ordained and having taken possession of the cathedra, Father Rasello says he believes the diocese is entering a hopeful new chapter.
His message to the new bishop was one of encouragement and reassurance.
“I would say he must just open his heart,” he said warmly. “Kroonstad Diocese is a very growing diocese in terms of vocations. We’ve got many young priests and supporters.”
Father Rasello described the people of the diocese as supportive and committed to the Church, adding that Bishop Masemola would find a welcoming community ready to walk with him.
“They’ve been supporting me,” he said. “And really, he will enjoy. And he shouldn’t fear anything.”
Continuing to support the diocese
Although his formal role as administrator has come to an end, Father Rasello made it clear that he remains fully committed to supporting the new bishop and the growth of the diocese.
“I, too, will be behind him, supporting and joining him in each and everything,” he said. “If he’s asking me about something, then I’m open to saying, ‘ This is how we have been doing it. But you can make your own decision’.”
He added that he hopes to help Bishop Masemola better understand the history and pastoral realities of the diocese.
“I’ll help him to understand the diocese and to know where we are coming from,” he said.
Returning fully to parish ministry
With the arrival of the new bishop, Father Rasello now returns fully to parish ministry at St Patrick’s Cathedral and St Peter and Paul Parish in Brent Park, while continuing with his various chaplaincy responsibilities.
“I’m done now because the bishop is here,” he said with a smile. “Now I’m full-time at the parish.”
A call for unity and support
Looking ahead, Father Rasello urged the faithful of the Diocese of Kroonstad to unite behind their new shepherd and support his vision for the Church.
“To all the people in the Diocese of Kroonstad, the priests, the deacons, the religious brothers and sisters and the people of God, please let us be happy,” he said. “We waited and waited for a long time. The chief shepherd is here.”
He encouraged Catholics to embrace the structures and initiatives that Bishop Masemola may introduce, even if some changes may feel unfamiliar at first.
“Let us support him,” Father Rasello appealed. “Let us support all the structures that he’s bringing to us. Some will be new. Some will be built up on what we have been having.”
Calling for unity and cooperation, he urged the faithful to open their hearts and minds to the bishop’s leadership.
“Please let us put our hearts and minds in the way where the new bishop wants us to be,” he said. “In support of him. In various ways. Spiritually and financially.”
Hope for the future of the diocese
Father Rasello also reflected on the rural nature of the Diocese of Kroonstad, noting that while resources may sometimes be limited, the people remain generous and committed to supporting the mission of the Church.
“Kroonstad is a little bit rural,” he said, “but people are willing to help the Church and to support the Church in various ways.”
Though relieved to hand over the responsibility of administration, Father Rasello’s commitment to the people of Kroonstad and to the mission of the Church remains unwavering.
- Father Michael Rasello: God Gave Me Strength - May 22, 2026
- Bishop Amos Masemola Begins his Ministry - May 21, 2026
- Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Amos Mabuti Masemola - May 20, 2026
