Happy 75th Birthday, Cardinal Napier

On Tuesday 8 March, Cardinal Wilfrid Napier celebrated his 75th birthday with Holy Mass at the Emmanuel Cathedral, during which about 300 children from nine Catholic primary school choirs sang “Happy Birthday” to him.

Afterwards, excited children – including a singing choir from Kwa Thintwa School for the Deaf – spent about half an hour with the Cardinal, posing for ‘selfies’, talking to him and helping him to cut and share a massive birthday cake. Cardinal Napier’s warmth and patience make him a firm favourite with the youngsters, parishioners and staff alike.

He was touched to discover that his secretary, Carleen, had organised a delicious birthday lunch with staff. A somewhat shy and reserved person who dislikes the limelight, the Cardinal described the day as, “very special and something I will always treasure”.

We wish him many happy returns!