ORDINATION JOY IN PRETORIA: FR BONGANI MAHLANGU ORDAINED TO THE PRIESTHOOD

By Fr Mathibela Sebothoma | Pretoria

Pretoria – Ten years after he began his priestly formation, the long-awaited moment finally arrived for Deacon Bongani Mahlangu as he was ordained a Catholic priest for the Archdiocese of Pretoria. The ordination Mass, celebrated with splendour and sacred joy at the Church of the Beatitudes in Zwavelpoort, saw a vibrant gathering of clergy, religious, family, and faithful from across the Archdiocese and neighbouring dioceses. The Eastern Deanery Choir led the assembly in a heavenly rendition of the Litany of the Saints and other sacred hymns, elevating the solemnity of the occasion.

Auxiliary Bishop John Masilo Selemela, who presided over the ordination, delivered a spirited and humorous homily that blended theological insight with pastoral candour. “Today is a great day for our Archdiocese,” he proclaimed, “as we celebrate the ordination to the priesthood of our brother Bongani. We are grateful to God that he persevered until this moment.”

Drawing inspiration from St John Chrysostom and St Augustine, Bishop Selemela described the priesthood as “a great gift of God to the Church,” calling on Fr Mahlangu to become what he now is — a man of the Eucharist, a bridge of hope, a sign of Christ among the people.

A Priest for These Times

The bishop did not shy away from naming the current challenges facing the Church in South Africa: dwindling vocations, economic hardships, disillusioned youth, and low priestly morale. Yet, echoing the Jubilee Year of Hope, he offered a powerful reminder: “Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb 13:8).

Referencing Charles Dickens, he said, “You are ordained a priest in a very interesting time in the Church… It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” reminding the faithful that amid crisis, God continues to call and send.

The Call Like Jeremiah’s

In a rich exegesis of Jeremiah’s call, Bishop Selemela reflected on how God formed, knew, sanctified, and appointed the prophet from the womb — a powerful metaphor for how the priest is consecrated within the womb of the Church, a sacred, nourishing, yet sometimes dark and isolating space. “In your priestly journey you will experience moments of darkness and isolation… nevertheless, you are called to grow,” he said, reminding Fr Mahlangu that the Eucharist and prayer will sustain his vocation.

Quoting Pope Francis, the bishop urged him to cultivate the four forms of closeness — to God, the Bishop, brother priests, and the people of God.

Ordination Rites and First Masses

The liturgy of ordination unfolded in all its beauty and depth:

• Calling of the Candidate: Fr Amos Mabuti Masemola, Vicar General, presented Fr Mahlangu for ordination.

• Laying on of Hands: In silent reverence, the bishop and priests laid hands on him, invoking the Holy Spirit.

• Anointing: His hands were anointed with Sacred Chrism, sealing his consecration.

• Vesting: His parish priest, Fr Francisco “Chico” de Medeiros MCCJ, vested him in the priestly garments.

On Sunday, Fr Mahlangu celebrated his First Mass at St Daniel Comboni Parish in Mahube Valley. On Monday, he offered the Eucharist in his childhood home, surrounded by family, neighbours, and supportive clergy. For the remainder of the week, he will continue to offer Masses of Thanksgiving, honouring the people and communities who shaped his vocation.

A Testimony to Inspire Future Vocations

Fr Mahlangu offered these words, which serve not only as a reflection on his own journey, but also as encouragement to young men discerning a priestly calling:

“I had mixed emotions; it was a moment of joy knowing that what had begun years ago now finds its fulfilment in the ordination to the priesthood.
Stepping into the role of a priest felt like finally stepping into the life I was called to live and came with a sense of a lot of responsibility. Now I am a ‘Father’ to a multitude of people. This means that I am a bridge of hope between the People and God.
Celebrating my first public Mass in my home parish was incredibly moving. I looked out and saw familiar faces — people who had prayed for me, catechists who taught me, and lay people who supported me since childhood. There was a shared joy in that moment. It was a testimony that God never forgets His people.
It was also a great joy to celebrate Mass at home for my family and neighbours and relatives. It reminded me that priesthood isn’t something lived in isolation; it’s nurtured by the community that surrounds you.
Being welcomed by the auxiliary bishop and brother priests felt like joining a family, one committed to a shared mission. I was summoned and guided on the mission ahead by priests only, which was a very touching moment.
My journey has taught me that vocation is both a call and a response. It’s not about being perfect but about being willing to serve. God chose us — weak and sinful as we are — but He has a greater purpose for us in this life.
As I celebrated my first Masses I was filled with awe at the words of consecration. This was a very nervous moment for me. Knowing that I now bring the presence of Christ to the altar and to His people is deeply humbling.
The support of my family has been a great pillar in my journey to the priesthood. These are people who prayed for me, challenged me, and celebrated every milestone.
I hope to be a good priest, one who brings hope and expresses the love of God to the people.”

Mission Ahead: Dennilton Pastoral District

Fr Mahlangu has been assigned to serve the Our Lady of Lourdes Pastoral District in Dennilton. As he begins this new chapter, the Archdiocese and the people of God rejoice, and the Church renews its hope. His testimony is a living reminder that even in times of difficulty, God still calls—and His people still respond.

“You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”