Pope Francis Lauds Archbishop in South Africa Marking Episcopal Jubilee for His “energetic involvement” in Ministry

Pope Francis has acknowledged with appreciation the 25-year Episcopal ministry of South African Archbishop Buti Joseph Tlhagale.
In a message that was published on his anniversary Wednesday, April 10, the Holy Father prayed for the Catholic Archbishop’s ministry.

“We heartily congratulate you on your active ministry, recalling your many years of energetic involvement in the many projects undertaken during your episcopal ministry and in pastoral charity, first in the Archdiocese of Bloemfontein, then in the community of Johannesburg, which you serve with care,” the Pope said in a message that was read during Chrism Mass by the Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in South Africa, Mons. Dario Paviša.

Pope Francis added, “We therefore abundantly beseech the Lord for the encouragement of your spirit, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception and her most chaste Spouse St. Joseph, and impart with heartfelt affection our fraternal blessing to you and to your flock, asking in turn for your prayers that I may exercise the Petrine office with the joy of the Gospel.”

Born in December 1947, Archbishop Tlhagale was ordained a Priest for the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) in August 1976. He was appointed Archbishop of Bloemfontein Archdiocese on 2 January 1999 and consecrated as Local Ordinary of the Ecclesiastical See on 10 April.

The Archbishop was transferred to the Diocese of Johannesburg in April 2003, and installed as Local Ordinary of the Episcopal See in June 2003.
In June 2007, when Pope Benedict XVI elevated Johannesburg Diocese to an Archdiocese, he was appointed the Archdiocese’s first Archbishop.
(Pic Credit: Sheldon Reddiar vis SACBC – By ACI Africa Staff/ACI Africa).
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