FINDING A HOME
The cross is also the anchor of our hope as it appears in the Jubilee logo embedded onto the lit candle. The lower part of the cross is elongated and turned into the shape of an anchor, which is lowered into the waves and stabilizes the ship amidst the storms.
In addition, the cross is bent down backwards towards the four human figures. This indicates God’s act of compassion, seeking us out and offering surety of hope.
RADAR • PLENARY SESSION 2025
SOUTHERN AFRICAN BISHOPS GATHER FOR FIRST 2025 PLENARY SESSION
BY KATI DIJANE | CATHOLIC JOURNALIST, JOHANNESBURG
THE SOUTHERN African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) convened in Pretoria for their first annual plenary session of 2025, and was marked by the Opening Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit held at St John Vianney Seminary on Tuesday, 21 January 2025.
In his homily, Bishop Vincent Mduduzi Zungu OFM, of the Diocese of Port Elizabeth, reflected on the active role of the Holy Spirit in salvation history and in the life of the Church. He emphasised how the Holy Spirit guided Jesus throughout his life and ministry. “Jesus was not a stranger to the Holy Spirit,” Bishop Zungu said.
Bishop Zungu also tied his reflection to the recently concluded Synod on Synodality and the Jubilee Year. He urged Church leaders and the faithful to familiarise themselves with the final Synod document, fostering a truly synodal Church where all members actively participate in Christ’s mission.
“How do we make conversation in the Spirit part of all the structures of the Church?” Bishop Zungu asked, challenging the assembly to form leaders committed to serving a Church journeying together in communion and faith.
Acknowledging challenges such as poverty, unemployment, corruption and crime in Southern Africa, Bishop Zungu called on the faithful to embrace hope and renewal. Quoting Pope Francis’ Fratelli Tutti, he reminded the congregation of the enduring need for “a strong dose of faith, hope and charity.”
The SACBC plenary session, a critical gathering for addressing the spiritual and social needs of the region, begins with this spirit of reflection, hope and commitment to a synodal and missionary Church.
THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PRETORIA LAUNCHES THE JUBILEE YEAR 2025
On 29 December 2024 the Archdiocese of Pretoria launched the Jubilee Year 2025, an event of renewal, reconciliation, and hope. The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart overflowed with worshippers who answered the call of Archbishop Dabula Mpako, presider of the Mass and ceremony, and his Auxiliary Bishop, Masilo Selemela, to embrace this sacred year.
THE FINAL DOCUMENT FROM THE SYNOD: MAIN IDEAS AND PROPOSALS
The final document from the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops which concluded on 27 October 2024, outlines propositions aimed at promoting a more synodal Church. It emphasizes transparency, accountability, and the active participation of all Church members, seeking to align decision-making and expand lay roles in ecclesiastical life.
CHAPO’S HEAVY BURDEN: RESTORING MOZAMBIQUE’S FRACTURED SOCIAL FABRIC
Daniel Chapo, Mozambique’s recently inaugurated fifth president, inherits a nation embroiled in violent post-electoral protests which have in just three months led to over 300 deaths, and destroyed businesses and social infrastructure. President Chapo will need to reverse this political upheaval and the economic exclusion that fuelled the riots.