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| Fr. Phillip Vietri, Br. Alan Commaille, Fr. Xolisa Mafu, Jonathan Els, Fr. Johnny Johnson, Archbishop Jabulani Nxumalo, Simon Mowatt, Fr. Cyriacus Okoro |
On Sunday the 18th of January, the Bloemfontein Oratory project was officially launched in the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Fr. Johnny was the main celebrant of the Mass, while Frs. Phillip, Xolisa, and Cyriacus concelebrated, and Br. Alan functioned as Master of Ceremonies. Two friends of the community in Port Elizabeth, Jonathan Els and Simon Mowatt, assisted at the Mass as well.
Archbishop Jabulani Nxumalo OMI, who presided over the Mass, introduced the members of the community to the parishioners. He briefly spoke about the credentials of the Oratory, as well as of each of its members, and outlined his own hopes in bringing the community to Bloemfontein. Firstly, the catechism programs in the diocese need to be reviewed, and the initiatives of the South African Catholic Bishops' Conference be implemented. Secondly, the standard of liturgy has been of concern, and His Grace would like to see that Bloemfontein effectively implements the GIRM, as well as the Bishops' pastoral statements on the matter. In both of these areas, one sees opportunity to revive the faithful, as it is in the areas of catechesis and liturgy where people often find inspiration and draw spiritual nourishment.
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| The Oratorians sharing a light moment after Mass. |
Fr. Johnny will be formally installed as the administrator of the cathedral in the near future. This is the third cathedral where he has served as administrator. The first being Emmanuel Cathedral in Durban (under Archbishop Dennis Hurley), and then later at St. Saviour's Cathedral in Oudtshoorn, when the first Oratory in South Africa moved there.
Fr. Johnny will be assisted by Frs. Xolisa Mafu and Cyriacus Okoro. Fr. Phillip will not be on the cathedral staff, but will assist pastorally while fulfilling his role as a teacher at Christian Brothers College. Br. Alan will function primarily as the cathedral Master of Ceremonies while completing his studies.
