Durban, 09 February, 2020 / 7:42 pm (ACI Africa).
In response to the request from the Bishop of South Africa’s Diocese of Mariannhill “for an Apostolic Visitation”, Pope Francis has appointed the Archbishop Emeritus of Pretoria in South Africa, William Slattery to represent him in the visit of the diocese that is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Durban.
“The Holy See has recently acceded to the request of Bishop Pius Dlungwane for an Apostolic Visitation to the Diocese of Mariannhill in order to assist the Bishop in enriching the life and pastoral activity of that Local Church,” reads part of the message by Archbishop Slattery seen by ACI Africa.
Archbishop Slattery announced his appointment in a letter dated February 6, which was publicized by the Southern Africa Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC).
Slated to take place this month and March, the Apostolic Visitation 2020 will “include meetings and consultation with the clergy, religious and laity of the Diocese,” the 76-year-old South African Prelate announced.
An Apostolic Visitation “is a moment of grace for a particular church to review and renew the focus and commitment of the Church on the great ministry of pastoral care,” Archbishop Slattery said in an interview with ACI Africa Friday, February 7.
