Since 13h00 local time, it is official: Cape Town has a new bishop and – what coincidence – it is a Stephen. After my home bishop Stephen Ackermann in Trier Cape Town will now be represented by Bishop Stephen Brislin. Without being to superstitious I take it as a good sign.
Who is he, the new bishop? It is amazing to see how thrilled people are to know more about the newly appointed one. Is he progressive, conservative, open-minded, pastoral… ? Especially the clergy has an interest to know more and I am sure the next days and weeks will be filled with whispered what one has heard about the new bishop.
I hope like always that the newly appointed is first and foremost a human being, touched by the love of God. Not more, not less. This is for me the basic to be able to stand despite all the massive expectations of the people of a new diocese and to humbly accept the big task lying ahead of him. A man of prayer and recognition, that we all struggle one in a while to match our vocations, but that we try our best to be good worker in the vineyard of the Lord.
Also for me, a “visiting” priest in the Archdiocese of Cape Town, it is a change of times. Having served under Archbishop Lawrence P Henry the last 12 years, I am grateful for all, I have experienced so far in this Archdiocese and I am looking forward to be part of this new chapter of the Archdiocese of Cape Town, the mother of Catholicism in South Africa.
Filed under: Reflection, Uncategorized, bishop, cape town, Church Matters, prayer
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