On the 31st anniversary of St. Jerome Catholic Church in Johannesburg, the Apostolic Nuncio in South Africa has lauded the Croatian immigrants who established the church, describing their efforts as a lasting legacy of faith, prayer, and community.
Speaking at the anniversary celebration that was marked on the first Sunday of Advent, Archbishop Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński called on the faithful to honor the immigrants’ legacy through their commitment to faith and unity.
Archbishop Jagodziński reflected on the sacrifices of the Croatians who, over three decades ago, worked to build the church as a testament to their faith and love for their heritage, saying, “The Croatian emigrants left us a legacy of faith, prayer, and community.”
In his homily at the Sunday, December 1 event, the Nuncio emphasized that the church, named after St. Jerome, is not just a building but a spiritual home for the Croatian faithful in South Africa.
Archbishop Jagodziński paid tribute to the late Cardinal Franjo Kuharić, a Croatian Prelate who blessed the church during its dedication, describing him as “a prophet for the Croatian people.” He noted that the Cardinal’s faith and leadership guided the Croatian community during challenging times.
“The late Cardinal Franjo Kuharić is often called a prophet for the Croatian people, not only because of his extraordinary faith and charisma but also for his role in pivotal moments of Croatian history,” he said.
The Polish-born diplomat, who also represents the Holy Father in Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, and Eswatini added, in reference to the Cardinal who died in 2002, aged 82, “His words and actions remain a call to faithfulness to God, love for one another, and responsibility toward the community.”
“His words, decisions, and prayers left an indelible mark on the Croatian people’s hearts, and his spiritual leadership shaped the identity of the Church and the nation during turbulent times,” the Nuncio said.
Connecting the anniversary to the Advent season, Archbishop Jagodziński urged the congregation to reflect on their faith and prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ.
He encouraged acts of love, forgiveness, and care for others as ways to honor the sacrifices of those who built the church. “We are called to continue this legacy,” he said, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and unity in faith.
Archbishop Jagodziński prayed for the souls of those who contributed to the church’s establishment, acknowledging their sacrifices and their enduring example of faith.
He expressed hope that the church would remain a place of peace and welcome, adding, “May our lives be a light that witnesses Christ’s coming into our families, our community, and the entire world.”
The Nuncio further urged the community to continue growing in faith, unity, and love, ensuring that the legacy of the church’s founders remains alive for future generations.
In his homily, Archbishop Jagodziński reflected on the first reading from the book of the Prophet Jeremiah where God promises to fulfill all that he promised to the Israelites.
He emphasized that God’s promises remain constant, offering peace and justice to humanity through Jesus Christ. He noted that Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Jeremiah as “the King of justice, bringing salvation to all nations.”
The Nuncio reminded the faithful that Advent is more than preparation for Christmas, noting that the season is a call to meet Christ “in the present moment” and “in the details of daily life.”
