PMB priest to be ordained as bishop
“People desire to be close to God and to have peace and joy in their lives. I am called to be a mediator of that encounter with God.” These were the words of Father Neil Frank (OMI), who has been appointed coadjutor bishop of the diocese of Mariannhill, South Africa.
Frank was born in 1966 in Pietermaritzburg. He received his Bachelor of Science (1988) and Master of Science in physics (1991) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He completed his philosophical training at Saint Joseph’s Scholasticate (1993-1995) and his theological training at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome (1995-1998).
He gave his perpetual vows as an Oblate of Mary Immaculate (OMI) on January 4, 1998 and was ordained a priest on August 21, 1999. He subsequently held the roles of parish vicar and parish priest in several parishes in the archdiocese of Durban (19992004), and then studied in Pune, India, for a master’s degree in philosophy (2004-2006).
On his return to South Africa, he served as pastor of two parishes, lecturer, head of the philosophy department (2006-2014) and president (2015-2018) at Saint Joseph’s Theological Institute (2015-2018). From 2018 to date, he has been provincial superior of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in South Africa.
As coadjutor bishop of Mariannhill, with special faculties, bishop-elect Frank will take over the responsibility for running the diocese, with the incumbent bishop, Pius Mlungisi Dlungwane, serving as its head in pastoral areas. Up to now, the administrative function has been conducted on an interim basis by retired Archbishop William Slattery (Order Friars Minors), who is now living in Pretoria.
“The calling came about more than 30 years ago. It has always been part of my spiritual and religious experience when I was much younger. I feel quite anxious. This is an important appointment made by the Holy Father Pope Francis. It pushes me to work harder to be a minister of the gospel,” said Frank.
He said he is very conscious of his roots in Pietermaritzburg. “This is where I grew up, went to school and this is the community that formed me. My history lies in the streets of the city, in the people, the community in which my high school was based in Raisethorpe. This has always been part of who I am. I am grateful to all the people who know me and those who contributed to who I am and my life.”
He urged people to have confidence and hope in South Africa and contribute to being active as citizens of this country.
“Let’s work together and rebuild the city to contribute to development and to give hope to those who seem hopeless. I believe in the Lord and the goodness of the people. I am very concerned about the poor and hopefully will find ways to make a difference in their lives.”
Community activist and city businessman Roshan Jainath schooled with Frank from Grade 8 to 12
(1980 to 1984) at Raisethorpe High. He described Frank as a “living example of servant leadership”.
“He’s a very special friend. I’m immensely proud of him. He is the godfather of my children. It goes beyond congratulating him. We are not surprised at his achievement, but feel immense joy that somebody among us has reached this height in the church.
“Even as a Hindu, he has taught me over the years the value of servant leadership and he inspires me to serve a higher purpose. He has always advocated that loyalty must not be to people, but to values. To me he is not a preacher; he is a living example,” said Jainath.
The episcopal ordination of Father Frank will take place this Saturday (February 26) at Marianhill Catholic Church.