South Africa: “Jubilee Year is an Occasion to Renew One's Faith,” says Archbishop Buti

Johannesburg, South Africa, January 22, 2025: Archbishop Emeritus and Apostolic Administrator of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Johannesburg, Buti Joseph Tlhagale OMI, has said that the 2025 Jubilee Year will serve as “an occasion for Catholics to renew their faith.” He made this comment during an interview with Sheila Pires of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Communications Office. The Jubilee Year will officially be launched in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg on February 1 at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg.

A Journey Closer to Christ

During the interview, Archbishop Buti emphasized that the Jubilee Year is more than a celebration; it is a call to action and introspection. “It is a spiritual journey that will bring Catholics closer to who Christ is. Not only are we to know more about Christ, but we are called to imitate his lifestyle here on Earth,” he stated.

The archbishop also highlighted the opportunity that the Jubilee provides for the faithful to renew their way of life as Christians, to promote those virtues that were demonstrated by Jesus Christ during his life here on earth.

Enthronement of the Sacred Heart Image

Archbishop Buti also reflected on the event held on January 18 at the Mother of Mercy Shrine in Magaliesburg, where the Image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was enthroned and the statue of Mary was blessed. He described the event as “an occasion for renewing our belief, our faith, and our belief in the kindness, the mercy, and the compassion of Jesus Christ."

The homily delivered by Archbishop Buti during the event was inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us). In his homily, Archbishop Buti reinforced the message of human and divine love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ and encouraged the faithful to obtain a copy of the encyclical. He also urged Catholics to visit the shrine and embrace its spiritual significance.

Looking Forward to Jubilee 2025

With the official launch of the Jubilee Year in Johannesburg just days away, Archbishop Buti’s words resonate as a clarion call for spiritual renewal. The Archdiocese of Johannesburg and its faithful eagerly anticipate the start of this sacred year, poised to embark on a journey that promises to bring them closer to Christ.

Courtesy: Vatican News