Let us join Pope Leo XIV and Archbishop Dabula Mpako in remembrance of the 50th episcopal anniversary of Archbishop George Francis Daniel.
From the Apostolic Palace, July, Holy Year 2025
Dear Venerable Brother,
GEORGE FRANCIS DANIEL, Archbishop Emeritus of Pretoria
With hearts brimming with joy, we celebrate the golden jubilee of your episcopal ordination. We give thanks for the faithful and loving care you’ve shown in your pastoral ministry, nurturing the souls of the clergy and God’s people in Pretoria. Your dedicated service has greatly strengthened the Catholic community across southern Africa, guiding all to follow the Good Shepherd. As we pray for your continued good health and abundant spiritual joy, we lovingly bestow upon you the Apostolic Blessing, granted with a generous heart from on high.
Leo, Pope XIV
Archbishop Dabula Mpako, Metropolitan Archdiocese of Pretoria
Congratulations to Archbishop Emeritus George Francis Daniel on the fiftieth anniversary of his episcopal ordination. As the longest-serving Archbishop of Pretoria, he holds a special place in the life and history of our Archdiocese. We thank God for preserving him for us to this moment and pray for his continued well-being. The entire Archdiocese rejoices with you, Ntatemoholo George, on this special occasion. May you be abundantly blessed!
Bishop Masilo John Selemela
Congratulations to Archbishop Emeritus George Francis Daniel on his golden jubilee of episcopal consecration. Archbishop George has served the Archdiocese of Pretoria with immense commitment and selflessness. He stands out not only as a great servant of the Church and people of goodwill but also as a powerful witness to the living message of Christ. His holiness speaks for itself. His outstanding work in ecumenism within our conference territory has been remarkable. As we speak of a synodal Church today, we know it cannot thrive without ecumenical engagement. We salute him for his inspiring example of simplicity, grace, and prayer.
Fr Smangaliso Mkhatshwa
Congratulations on your long and dedicated service to God’s people. Thank you for allowing me to serve the people of God in Soshanguve, including the building of St Charles Lwanga Church. May God bless you abundantly.
Fr Thabiso Clement Ledwaba
On the occasion of your 50th anniversary of your episcopate, I express my deepest gratitude for fathering my faith and devotion to God from birth to my priestly ordination. May God continue to bless you immensely.
Fr Chris Townsend
Archbishop George confirmed me and nearly ordained me as Bishop Orsmond’s health was uncertain. Now, I have the privilege of assisting him. His memory is incredible for its detail, but what many may overlook is his deep conviction for justice—a conviction that has taken him around the world to plead the cause with numerous world leaders, from popes to presidents to secretaries of state. His resolve never wavered.
Sister Mavis – Sisters of Saint John the Baptist
On this day of your 50th anniversary, we thank you for all your faithful service to the Church. May God bless you with good health, fill your life with happiness and joy, and sustain you by His grace.
Chiro Archdiocese of Pretoria Movement
From the Chiro Archdiocese of Pretoria, we express our deepest gratitude for your tireless commitment to spreading the Gospel and nurturing our community. May God bless you richly as you mark this significant milestone. Happy 50th Episcopal Jubilee, Archbishop George Daniel!
On behalf of the Chiro Archdiocese of Pretoria Movement, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and joyful blessings to you, Archbishop George Daniel, on the occasion of your 50th anniversary of episcopal ordination.
This golden jubilee is a beautiful testament to a life devoted to shepherding God’s people with unwavering faith, humility, and grace. Your years of service have not only shaped the Church but have also inspired generations of young people, including the Chiro youth, to build our nation in the spirit of Christ.
Thank you for your example of servant leadership, for being a spiritual father to many, and for journeying with the Church through decades of change, challenge, and grace. May God continue to bless you with health, peace, and joy.
Rev Fr Anthony Sikhalele Mdhluli, CP
Thank you for the privilege of congratulating His Grace, Archbishop Emeritus George Francis Daniel, on his golden jubilee of episcopal ordination. I was warmly welcomed by His Grace, Archbishop George F. Daniel, in May 1995, soon after my priestly ordination. It was such a heartfelt welcome that, even today in his retirement, it stands out whenever I’m in his presence. Thank you, Archbishop, for your fatherly guidance and trust, shown to me even though I was newly ordained and naïve in many ways. Your love, guidance, and support have shaped who I am today. May the Good Lord grant you many more years, good health, and peace of mind. Some of us still look to you for guidance and encouragement. You have been a true shepherd, and now it’s time to take a well-earned rest in glory, appreciating all that God has built through you as His helper in the Lord’s vineyard. You remain in my special prayers and will forever hold a place in my humble thoughts. Enjoy your special day, and thank you for your humility and sense of humour.
Fr Mathibela Sebothoma
Thank you, Archbishop George Daniel. You are the first bishop I knew. I was privileged enough to assist you at Mass as an altar server at Saint Peter Claver. You confirmed me. You ordained me. You were always there when I needed you. Thank you for your prayers. You are a walking encyclopaedia, a true Google of knowledge. You were gentle and kind. You are the embodiment of synodality.