Oudtshoorn, 4 May 2026: Over the past weekend, 1 to 3 May 2026, choirs from 11 of our Diocesan communities and parishes gathered at the Oude Klooster in Oudtshoorn for a revival of the Diocesan choirs workshop, facilitated by the chaplains of the choirs Fr. Luyolo Jacob and Deacon Refioe Letswesa, while bishop Noel joined the group and shared with them, his particular vision for the choir ministry within the overall Diocesan landscape.
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Christian Unity Week of Prayer and Laudato Si’ Week
Oudtshoorn, 1 May 2026: Attached find resources for Laudato Si’ week and the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, provided by the Departments for Christian Formation, Ecumenism, Inter-Faith and Religious Dialogue, as well as the Commission for Justice and Peace and Marfam (SACBC).
The two commemorative events will run concurrently from 17 – 24 May 2026 D.V.
The month of May is dedicated to the Virgin Mary
Oudtshoorn, 1 May 2026 – May is the Month of Mary and the Church turns with particular devotion to the Mother of God – not in one title, but in many, each rooted in a place and a people. We dedicate the entire month to the Blessed Virgin, mother of God and spiritual mother of us all.
In the plan of salvation, the Blessed Virgin Mary holds a special place. By virtue of her role to be the mother of the Son of God by divine election, she was conceived immaculately — i.e., without the stain of original sin — and by fidelity to her son has been crowned queen of heaven and earth. Everything Mary said and did leads to Christ. Who knows a child better than a mother? And what good and loving child does not know his or her mother and love her with all of his or her heart?
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Pope Leo XIV Meets New Archbishop of Canterbury
Oudtshoorn, 29 April 2026 – Pope Leo XIV has welcomed the new Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally, for their first meeting, encouraging Catholics and Anglicans to join together in proclaiming Christ to the world and working through differences with unity of purpose.
On Monday, the Pope received Archbishop Mullally in audience at the Apostolic Palace, where the two prayed together in the Urban VIII Chapel. In his greetings, Pope Leo expressed joy at receiving the Archbishop during the Easter season, recalling the landmark encounter 60 years ago between Pope St. Paul VI and Archbishop Michael Ramsey.
The Pope also highlighted the ongoing ministry of the Anglican Centre in Rome, offering warm greetings to its Director, Bishop Anthony Ball, who represents the Archbishop of Canterbury at the Holy See.
This historic meeting marks a new chapter in Catholic–Anglican relations, rooted in prayer, dialogue, and a shared mission to witness to Christ in today’s world.
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Pope Leon on the death penalty
Oudtshoorn, 25 April 2026 – Pope Leo XIV condemned capital punishment in a video to DePaul University in Illinois on Friday to mark the 15th anniversary of the American state’s abolition of the death penalty. The US-born pontiff’s message comes amid the Federal administration’s push to broaden methods of execution for federal inmates to include firing squads, among others.
Jubilee Year of St Francis of Assisi
Oudtshoorn, 25 April 2026: Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a special Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi, a wonderful opportunity for us to open our hearts more fully to the Gospel and follow the example of this great Saint’s humble service to God.
A Learn Series, The Unknown St. Francis of Assisi, hosted from Italy by Teresa Tomeo will help you learn about the places that shaped his mission 800 years ago—where he heard God’s call to conversion, served lepers, tamed a wolf, received the wounds of Christ, and established a beloved Christmas devotion, the Nativity scene.
You can learn more about the video series by visiting the following link.
Read MoreOudtshoorn, 25 April 2026: Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a special Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi, a wonderful opportunity for us to open our hearts more fully to the Gospel and follow the example of this great Saint’s humble service to God.
A Learn Series, The Unknown St. Francis of Assisi, hosted from Italy by Teresa Tomeo will help you learn about the places that shaped his mission 800 years ago—where he heard God’s call to conversion, served lepers, tamed a wolf, received the wounds of Christ, and established a beloved Christmas devotion, the Nativity scene.
You can learn more about the video series by visiting the following link.
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