“A remarkable blessing”: Official on 90th Anniversary of South African Catholic Children’s Hospital

In his goodwill message, Stephen Cardinal Brislin of South Africa's Johannesburg Catholic Archdiocese underlined the institution’s unique mission in extending medical, rehabilitative, nutritional, emotional, and spiritual care to patients.

“Thanks to the team’s specialised, multidisciplinary care, these children are given the gift of a second chance,” Cardinal Brislin said.

The Local Ordinary of Johannesburg Archdiocese, who also serves as the president of the  Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC), noted that children at the hospital “learn to walk again, to speak again, to play again, and through the strength of a deeply Catholic mission, they are reminded of their God-given dignity and worth.”

Reflecting on the Cardinal’s message during the celebration, Liddle described it as “deeply moving and affirming.”

“Over the years, Cardinal Brislin, a former board member, has walked closely with us, witnessing the impact of faith in action. His words remind us that our work is not merely a profession, it is a vocation, a calling from God the Father to be His hands of healing and compassion for children and families in distress,” she said.

Liddle added, “His recognition strengthens our resolve to continue serving with humility and grace.”

In his homily at the function, Bishop Sylvester Anthony John David, Auxiliary Bishop of South Africa’s Cape Town Archdiocese, reminded those present that “The spirit of this facility rests not in its walls, but in the God who works through all who work here.”

Founded in 1935 by five members of the International Congregation of the Pallottine Missionary Sisters (SAC), the Cape Town-based facility has pioneered an irreplaceable model of intermediate paediatric care, bridging what health professionals call “the dangerous gap between hospital and home.” 

For children no longer needing acute hospital care yet too ill to return home, St Joseph’s offers round-the-clock medical, rehabilitative, nutritional, emotional, and spiritual support.

In the October 8 interview with ACI Africa, Liddle also spoke of the joy of welcoming back former patients who return to share their experiences.

“It is profoundly rewarding to see former patients return, healthy, happy, and living with purpose,” she said, and continued, “They speak not only of therapy and medical care but of the small acts of love that touched them most — a morning hug, a song at their bedside, or the joy of having nourishing meals each day. For many, these were experiences of care and dignity they had never known before.”

She further said such testimonies remind the staff that “true healing is both physical and spiritual — a reflection of God’s love made visible through compassion and consistent care.”

As the hospital looks to the future, Liddle appealed for continued prayer and support from the faithful across Africa and beyond.

“We ask that the faithful keep our patients, families, and staff in their prayers, that we may continue offering healing, comfort, and hope to children in need,” she said.

Liddle continued, “Pray that more children may walk again, talk again, smile again, and know the embrace of love once more.”

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“We also share the story of St Joseph’s to inspire generosity of heart and to encourage philanthropy that sustains our dedicated teams, nurses, therapists, and caregivers who serve with compassion every day. Each prayer, act of kindness, and gift offered helps us continue God’s work, allowing children to experience His love in tangible, life-changing ways,” she said.

With 175 beds and an average stay of 112 days, St Joseph’s treats around 300 children annually. 

Patients receive daily rehabilitation, schooling, counselling, and parental support. 

The results are striking. Some 61 percent of children return home to their families, 24 percent reintegrate with extended family, and those admitted for palliative care experience dignity and comfort even at the end of life.

The facility’s role is widely recognised by families. 

Raymond Foster, a grandparent of one patient, said, “Our grandchild benefited from professional support and therapy that played an indispensable role in his development. We ourselves also benefited from the profound guidance and care provided to us as his carers during working hours. Congratulations on your 90 years, and thank you for your love and endurance to see to the needs of children in need.”

Despite its impact, St Joseph’s continues to face financial challenges. While the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness provides a subsidy, the institution must raise millions annually to sustain the high standards of care.

In marking its 90th year, St Joseph’s has called on individuals, companies, and faith communities to support its mission through initiatives such as the “9 ZERO Challenge.”