Military Ordinariate of South Africa

The Military Ordinariate of South Africa is a military ordinariate of the Roman Catholic Church. Immediately subject to the Holy See, it provides pastoral care to Roman Catholics serving in the South African National Defence Force and their families.

History

It was established as a Military Vicariate on 17 May 1951, and promoted to a Military Ordinariate on 21 July 1986. It originally provided chaplains to the South African Defence Force, but following the dismantling of the apartheid system it now provides chaplains to the South African National Defence Force. Since its inception, it has been held by the Archbishop of Pretoria. The current incumbent is the Most Reverend William Slattery, who was appointments on 23 December 2010.

Office holders

Military vicars

• John Colburn Garner (appointed 17 May 1951 – resigned 26 March 1976)
• George Francis Daniel (appointed 26 March 1976 – became military ordinary 21 July 1986)

Military ordinaries

• George Francis Daniel (appointed 21 July 1986 – retired 24 November 2008)
• Paul Mandla Khumalo, C.M.M. (appointed 24 November 2008 – resigned 15 December 2009)
• William Slattery, O.F.M (appointed 23 December 2010)

References

• Military Ordinariate of South Africa (Catholic-Hierarchy)
• South African Defence Force (GCatholic.org)