The Apostolic Nuncio in South Africa has commended the newly elected Lay leaders and members of the sodalities of the Diocese of Klerksdorp for embracing their call to serve, noting that their active participation reflects a genuine spirit of Synodality.
In the address that he delivered on Sunday, March 1, Archbishop Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński explained the meaning of the synodal journey in relation to the mission of the newly elected lay leaders.
Reflecting on Pope Leo XIV’s message during the Jubilee of the Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies in Rome, Archbishop Jagodziński told the newly elected lay leaders, “Your participation is not simply organizational; it is an expression of your faith, of your love for the Church, and of your commitment to the life and mission of your Diocese.”
The Polish diplomat who also represents the Holy Father in Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, and Eswatini, added, “By offering your time, your reflections, and your experience, you show that the Church is alive, that she listens, and that she walks together.”
Reflecting further on the Jubilee, Archbishop Jagodziński said that Pope Leo XIV had reminded the faithful of a fundamental word: mission.
He explained that the synodal journey in the words of the Holy Father, is not an internal exercise or a temporary initiative, but a way of being Church , “a Church that is missionary, that announces the Gospel and gives witness to Jesus Christ in every context.”
Archbishop Jagodziński noted that this message carries particular weight in the South African context, where he said Christians often live alongside people of other faith traditions and cultures.
“In such a context,” he said, “the Church is called to be a bridge, a bridge of dialogue, of peace, and of mutual respect.”
He further said that Africa, and South Africa in a special way, has much to offer the universal Church, citing vitality, youthfulness, strong family bonds, and a profound sense of community.
Quoting the Holy Father, the Apostolic Nuncio said that Synodality “is not a campaign; it is a way of being.” He explained that it begins with listening, listening to the Word of God, to one another, and to the wisdom present in the People of God.
Addressing the Lay leaders, he said, “You are uniquely placed to foster this culture of listening within your parishes and deaneries.”
He emphasized that when people feel heard, they feel valued, and when they are valued, they become co-responsible for the mission of the Church.
Archbishop Jagodziński further clarified that Synodality does not weaken authority but deepens communion. He said that Bishops, Priests, Religious, and Laity each have distinct vocations, yet all share responsibility for the life of the Church.
“True authority is not diminished when it listens; it is strengthened,” the Apostolic Nuncio in South Africa said, adding that co-responsibility, transparency, and accountability are signs of a mature and missionary Church.
Highlighting Africa’s demographic reality, he described the continent’s youth as a great treasure, noting that while other continents face demographic decline, Africa is rich in young people full of energy and hope.
“The Church must walk with them, accompany them, and allow them to participate actively,” he said. He also underscored the importance of the family, describing it as a cornerstone of African society and “a school of faith, reconciliation, and peacebuilding.”
In his March 1 address, the Apostolic Nuncio went on to explain that the Holy Father does not propose a uniform model for living Synodality.
He said the Holy Father instead emphasizes the principle of subsidiarity, noting that each local Church must discern how best to live Synodality according to its own culture, history, and challenges.
The Diocese of Klerksdorp, he said, does not need to copy another Diocese or continent, but is called to discover how the Spirit is speaking in its own context. He highlighted the importance of an “exchange of gifts” between local Churches and the universal Church.
Archbishop Jagodziński reminded the people of God in the Episcopal See that what inspires people is not a process but persons who live the faith with enthusiasm. “When Lay leaders, Priests, and Bishops live the Gospel with joy, others are drawn to Christ,” he said.
He encouraged them to continue walking together, to be courageous in dialogue, patient with one another, and committed to formation at every level, while remaining open to the Holy Spirit.
“May this Diocese continue to be a sign of hope, communion, and missionary dynamism in South Africa,” he said, invoking the Lord’s blessing upon all who generously serve the Church.
