“Very packed programme”: South African Catholic Bishop Speaks on Formation Course in Rome

In brief

Bishop Motlatsi Meshack Phomane of the Diocese of Bethlehem described a recent training course for newly appointed bishops in Rome as a demanding daily schedule. In an interview with the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference communication office on September 9, Phomane said the program provided practical skills and insights to help new bishops manage various aspects of their ministry.

The training, which ran from September 2 to September 10, brought together 147 newly appointed bishops from five continents. According to Phomane, the sessions included presentations and discussions on pastoral, theological, liturgical, and spiritual responsibilities. The curriculum covered diocesan governance, including financial and pastoral management, as well as the ministry of ordination and liturgy.

The course also taught protocols and structures designed to protect minors and vulnerable adults from abuse, specifically abuse committed by clergy. Phomane noted that the training aimed to instill skills for handling specific challenges, such as crisis management and safeguarding.