Being Pilgrim Not “simply a journey of the body”: Apostolic Nuncio in South Africa at Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage

In his address on September 14, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the South Africa-based Apostolic Nuncio said that the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year “invites us to open wide the doors of our hearts, to receive anew the mercy of God, and to allow His grace to renew our lives.”

“Hope is the gift that sustains us when burdens weigh heavily, when trials seem unending, and when the night appears too dark,” he said, and added, “Hope whispers to us that the dawn will come, because Christ is risen.”

He explained that Mary, “the Mother of Sorrows, is the perfect companion for us pilgrims of hope. At the foot of the Cross she stood, pierced by sorrow, yet never defeated. In the moment when all seemed lost, she did not cease to believe that God’s promises are true.”

With Mary’s gaze fixed on Christ, he said, “she teaches us to persevere, to trust, and to hope when human strength alone falters. Here, at her sanctuary, we entrust to her our struggles, our fears, and our brokenness, asking her to form our hearts into living witnesses of hope.”

Reflecting on Pope Leo XIV’s 70th birthday that he celebrated on September 14, Archbishop Henryk told the pilgrims that the Holy Father is in spiritual solidarity with them.

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“The Holy Father holds you in his heart. He encourages you to walk together as a Church filled with hope; a Church that does not retreat in the face of challenges, but courageously announces the joy of the Gospel,” the Apostolic Nuncio said.

He implored, “May this pilgrimage rekindle in each of us the flame of faith. May it renew our trust that Christ walks beside us on every road, even those marked by sorrow. And may it send us forth as true pilgrims — men and women who radiate hope in our families, our parishes, our workplaces, and our communities.”

“As we prepare to return to our daily lives, let us not forget the grace we have received here. May we carry it like a treasure in our hearts. May Our Lady of Sorrows continue to intercede for us, leading us ever closer to her Son, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” he added.

Imparting his blessings upon the pilgrims, Archbishop Henryk said, “With great affection and in the name of Christ, I now invoke God’s abundant blessing upon each one of you, upon your families, and upon this Diocese of Dundee. May the Lord strengthen your faith, increase your hope, and fill your lives with His unfailing love.”

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.