The Catholic Church in Southern Africa gathered at St Patrick's Cathedral in the Diocese of Kokstad to celebrate the life and ministry of Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier. The thanksgiving Mass marked five significant milestones in his career, including his 85th birthday, 65 years since his first religious profession, 56 years of priesthood, 45 years of episcopal ministry, and 25 years since his elevation to the College of Cardinals.
The celebration brought together hundreds of people from across the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference, including bishops, priests, religious, and members of the faithful. The event was particularly meaningful for the Diocese of Kokstad, where Cardinal Napier has deep family, spiritual, and pastoral roots. Born in Matatiele on 8 March 1941, he became the first indigenous Bishop of Kokstad in 1981.
Bishop Thulani Victor Mbuyisa, the current Bishop of Kokstad, said the celebration was an opportunity to bring the Church in Kokstad and beyond together in gratitude for Cardinal Napier's life and vocation. The Bishop wanted the occasion to go beyond acknowledging the Cardinal's achievements, recognising the person behind the titles and giving thanks for his generous response to God's call.
Archbishop Zolile Peter Mpambani delivered the homily, reflecting on the Gospel of the day, the parable of the ten bridesmaids. He focused on the importance of spiritual preparedness and remaining faithful in one's relationship with Christ. The Archbishop drew attention to two important lessons from the Gospel: certain things cannot be acquired at the last minute, and some things cannot be borrowed from others.
Archbishop Mpambani explained that a relationship with God is personal, and faith and character must be nurtured through one's own commitment and daily choices. He encouraged the faithful to recognise that holiness is not only achieved through extraordinary acts of generosity but also through ordinary responsibilities carried out with love.
Speaking after the celebration, Archbishop Mpambani reflected on his own connection with the Diocese of Kokstad and why attending the occasion was important to him. He described Kokstad as the diocese that taught him how to become a bishop, recalling the support and guidance he received from Cardinal Napier during his episcopal ministry.
The celebration of Cardinal Napier's lifetime of service was a testament to his commitment to ministry, inspired by Franciscan values of humility, simplicity, courage, and service. The event provided an opportunity for the Church in Kokstad and the wider Catholic community to pay tribute to his lifelong dedication to the Church.
Key points
- Cardinal Napier's 85th birthday was one of five significant milestones celebrated during the thanksgiving Mass.
- The celebration marked 65 years since Cardinal Napier's first religious profession in the Order of Friars Minor.
- Archbishop Mpambani succeeded Cardinal Napier in leading the Diocese of Kokstad before his appointment to Bloemfontein in 2020.
