“A historical figure”: Nuncio in South Africa Hails Retired Archbishop’s Service to the Church

“You have guided the faithful with wisdom and love, always attentive to the needs of your people, embodying the spirit of a pastor who lays down his life for his flock,” the Polish-born diplomat, who also represents the Holy Father in Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, and Eswatini said.

In a letter that was shared with ACI Africa on Tuesday, January 14, the Apostolic Nuncio in South Africa further lauds Archbishop Buti’s “deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary” which he says “has been a source of inspiration to many.”

“This devotion found a beautiful expression in your visionary project of the Mother of Mercy Shrine in Magaliesberg. This shrine stands as a testament to your faith and will continue to draw countless faithful closer to our Lord through the loving intercession of His Blessed Mother,” he says.

The Nuncio reminds the member of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) that his retirement is not an “end but a continuation of his journey as a successor of the apostles” of Jesus Christ.

“Today, as you begin a new chapter in your life, stepping back from the responsibilities of governance to embrace the grace-filled years of retirement, we recognize that this transition is not an end but a continuation of your journey as a successor of the Apostles,” Archbishop Jagodziński says.

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He adds, “As you have often reminded us through your words and actions, the priesthood is not merely a function but an indelible character ... Dear Archbishop Buti, you are a Priest forever.”

“While you may rest from some of the demands of your episcopal duties, we know there will be no rest in your commitment to following Jesus Christ,” the Nuncio says.

Archbishop Jagodziński further reminds Archbishop Buti that his wisdom, counsel, and prayers “will continue to enrich the Church and inspire all who look to you as a model of faith and perseverance.”

He says, “With profound gratitude, we thank you for the living history you have embodied—a history interwoven with the story of South Africa and the vibrant tapestry of the Church in Africa. May Our Blessed Mother, to whom you have always entrusted your ministry, guide you in this new season of life.”

On 28 October 2024, the day Pope Francis accepted the retirement of Archbishop Buti who turned 75 in December 2022, he appointed Stephen Cardinal Brislin as his successor, transferring him from South Africa’s Cape Town Catholic Archdiocese.

At his retirement, the South African OMI member had been shepherding the people of God in Johannesburg Archdiocese since his installation in June 2003 following his transfer from South Africa’s Catholic Archdiocese of Bloemfontein, where he started his Episcopal Ministry in April 1999. 

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.