Nuncio in South Africa Says Nunciature “tangible expression” of Unity Celebrated at Christmas

He explained that through the Incarnation, God bridged the divide between divinity and humanity, making His eternal glory visible in the form of a child born in Bethlehem.

Archbishop Jagodziński emphasized that the Christmas message is not confined to a historical event but is a living truth that continues to shape human lives.

“In the Christ Child, we see the tender face of God,” he said, reminding those present at the Nunciature, including Priests and Religious men and women that the world, despite its challenges and divisions, is embraced by God’s love and invited to unity.

The Nuncio encouraged those present to use the Christmas season as an opportunity to renew their commitment to fostering unity and reconciliation. “May this Christmas be an opportunity to recommit ourselves to this mission, fostering unity in our communities, our nation, and our world,” he implored.

The Archbishop also urged participants to be witnesses of the hope and love brought by Christ’s birth, particularly to those suffering or marginalized.

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He said, “In the manger at Bethlehem, we see heaven and earth embrace. Through this act of divine love, the barriers between the Creator and creation are torn down.”

The Nuncio further said that the unity proclaimed at Christmas calls for action. He invited all to embody the message of peace and reconciliation in their lives, fostering unity with God and one another.

In his speech, Archbishop Jagodziński also reflected on the history of the statue of Our Lady of Luján, a gift to the Nunciature from the Ambassador of Argentina, Claudio Perez Paladino, whose blessing ceremony was led by Bishop José Luis Gerardo Ponce de León, an Argentinian and current Bishop of Manzini in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

 He said that the statue, representing the Virgin Mary as the patroness of Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, carries a profound legacy of faith and devotion.

The Nuncio highlighted the global significance of the statue, which he said carries the prayers and devotion of countless faithful worldwide. He said, “This statue of Our Lady of Luján is a reminder of Mary’s maternal care and her call to bring humanity closer to Christ.”

“Our Lady of Luján reminds us of God's providence and His care for the humble and the ordinary,” Archbishop Jagodziński said, adding, “Just as Mary united her will with God's plan in the Incarnation, she calls us to work together in building a world rooted in peace, love, and justice.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.