Story by Samantha Hartshorne; Pictures by Nhlanhla Phillips
Johannesburg - As Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu heard tributes from some of his closest friends and colleagues, the diminutive cleric could not contain his tears.
On Sunday, the voluminous Cathedral of St Mary the Virgin in Joburg was filled to the brim with 2 000 guests, from church leaders and congregants to ex-presidents and government ministers who were there to honour him for 40 years of episcopal service.
The sound of organs and African drums filled the five-storey-high church as dignitaries and church leaders took up their seats after Tutu entered with his wife, Leah.
In his welcoming message, the reverend Xolani Dlwati, Dean of Joburg, said Tutu had been determined to challenge the evil of apartheid and later became known as the voice of the voiceless.
“He didn't only talk from the pulpit or from TV, but he was on the ground, journeying with the people.”
Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe took up seats behind the honoured pair as Tutu danced to the songs of the choir and the procession of priests, canons, deacons and servers made their way to the front.
Nelson Mandela’s widow and former first lady, Graça Machel, as well as members of the Royal Zulu house were also in attendance.
Tutu received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his ministry against apartheid.
In his sermon on the subject of goodness, Reverend Barney Pityana said: “Tutu was called as a bishop of Johannesburg at a difficult time. In 1975, instead of taking up residence in the deanery, he stayed at his home in Soweto and in 1976, on May 6, he wrote a letter to the government warning the president of the conditions of black people. He is always overflowing with confidence in God and full of witty sound bites.”
Pityana thanked God for Tutu.
“Goodness is about opening the pathway for others to become truly human. Desmond is one of whose virtuous and pious life and knowledge of the holy scriptures we are assured,” he said.
St Mary’s presented Tutu with a framed mitre (a bishop’s hat) and Leah with a shawl. As tributes to “The Arch” were read out from absent friends from across the world, Tutu was moved to tears.
After regaining his composure, he told his rapt audience that he was deeply touched by their attendance.
The Star