Letter from the Vatican
THIS weekend sees a significant milestone for the city – the centenary of Archbishop Denis Hurley, the formal opening of the Denis Hurley Centre in Durban’s inner city and a one-off celebratory concert featuring the KZNPO, choirs and soloists, titled World Religions in Concert.
After years of hard work, the Denis Hurley Centre will be formally opened at 10am on Monday with Cardinal Napier and other religious leaders.
The World Religions in Concert will take place inside the Emmanuel Cathedral in the evening. There is also a full programme of supporting weekend events at the Denis Hurley Centre and Emmanuel Cathedral.
In honour of the occasion and to mark Hurley’s centenary, Pope Francis composed a special message to the archbishop of Durban.
“To his eminence Cardinal Wilfrid Napier, Archbishop of Durban.
“I extend prayerful best wishes to you and to Bishop Barry Wood, the clergy, consecrated men and women, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Durban as you celebrate the centenary of the birth of the late Archbishop Denis Eugene Hurley.
“I join you in giving thanks to Almighty God for the many blessings which he bestowed upon the Archdiocese and all of South Africa through Archbishop Hurley’s years of episcopal ministry, in particular through his efforts to combat discrimination and to defend human dignity.
“As you mark this centenary, it is fitting that you dedicate a new centre in Archbishop Hurley’s name for the good, not only of the Catholic community, but broader society as well. I was pleased to learn that the Denis Hurley Centre will offer educational, healthcare and social outreach opportunities, especially to the poor and homeless. By serving those most in need, the Centre will honour the legacy of the late Archbishop and his devoted service in the name of the Gospel.
“I offer the assurance of my prayers for all those involved in the work of the Centre and for all who will benefit from its outreach, and willingly impart my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of peace and strength in the Lord Jesus. “From the Vatican, “21 October 2015
“FRANCIS”