By Paschal Norbert
JOHANNESBURG, JANUARY 14, 2024 (CISA) – The Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg was filled with reverence and gratitude on January 11, 2025, as clergy, religious, and laity gathered to honour Most Rev Buti Joseph Tlhagale, the pioneer archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Johannesburg who is retiring after attaining the canonical retirement age of 75.
After 48 years of priesthood and 25 years of episcopal service, 77 year-old Archbishop Tlhagale’s legacy was lauded as one of truth, humility, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel.
Marking the conclusion of his decades-long ministry, the farewell Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated his profound impact on the Archdiocese of Johannesburg and beyond.
During the farewell Mass, Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka, the President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), delivered a poignant homily reflecting on Archbishop Tlhagale’s legacy.
“Today, we celebrate the end of Archbishop Buti’s mandated ministry,” Bishop Sipuka declared, highlighting the Archbishop’s 48 years of priesthood and 25 years as a bishop, adding “From today, he is bound only by his baptismal vows, and if he chooses to return to his congregation, he is bound by his religious vows.”
In his homily, Bishop Sipuka drew inspiration from the day’s Gospel (John 3:22-30), emphasizing the success of ministry as measured by whether it leads others closer to Christ. He praised Archbishop Tlhagale as a servant of humility and courage, noting, “He has effectively announced Christ in and out of season, courageously, prophetically, and by the example of his life in the public sphere and in the Church.”
Archbishop Tlhagale’s leadership was characterized by his readiness to speak the truth, a trait Bishop Sipuka likened to that of John the Baptist.
“I see a similarity between Archbishop Buti and John the Baptist in naming things for what they are,” said the SACBC President. Whether addressing social injustices, ecclesial challenges, or personal failings, Archbishop Tlhagale was unafraid to confront difficult truths.
A hallmark of his ministry was his signature question: “What’s wrong with you?” Bishop Sipuka explained that this was often followed by a clear articulation of the issues at hand, ensuring that problems could be addressed constructively.
“Through sermons, speeches, and books, Archbishop Buti has courageously named what is wrong with individuals, society, and the Church so that it can be fixed,” he said.
Bishop Sipuka also recognized the Archbishop’s unwavering focus on pointing others to Christ, a theme central to his ministry: “Like John the Baptist, Archbishop, you did what you were called to do during your time, not attracting attention to yourself but to Jesus. Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Ordained in 1976 as a member of Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), Archbishop Tlhagale’s journey of service has spanned nearly five decades, during which he became a prominent voice within the Catholic Church in South Africa. Consecrated as a bishop in 1999 as Archbishop of Bloemfontein, he has led with both conviction and compassion.
His tenure in Johannesburg, which began in 2003, has been marked by efforts to address social issues, foster unity, and nurture spiritual growth among the faithful.
Bishop Sipuka acknowledged the Archbishop’s ability to inspire transformation.
“Our duty as ministers is to find ways of pointing people to Christ and not to us,” he said, adding that Archbishop Tlhagale’s ministry consistently upheld this principle, “He has shown us that true success in ministry lies in decreasing ourselves so that Christ may increase.”
The archbishop’s farewell Mass was attended by a host of dignitaries, including the Apostolic Nuncio to South Africa, Archbishop Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński, and several other bishops from across the region. Their presence underscored the esteem in which Archbishop Tlhagale is held.
Bishop Sipuka concluded his homily with a tribute to the Archbishop’s enduring impact, offering him a praise name, “Mdengeentonga,” a term signifying skill and effectiveness. “If this occasion of your farewell were taking place in the Eastern Cape, I would ask all men to stand and those with hats to take them off and say, ‘Aaah, Mdengentonga!’” he said, expressing heartfelt gratitude and admiration.
The installation of Cardinal Stephen Brislin, the archbishop-Elect of Johannesburg is scheduled for January 25, 2025, at St. Benedict College sports grounds, Bedfordview.
