New beginnings 2 68 Daswa feast day · Fr Nkosinathi Nkabinde 072 918 6192...

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basilica. It is the biggest religious building in Soweto and accom-modates 5 000 people standing. “It is our desire to make it known, not only for its political role, but religious too,” said the Archbishop.

In order to promote this, every first Saturday of the month at 6am, starting from 4 April, Arch-bishop Buti said he would be

encouraging people to partake in a pilgrimage, walk/procession whereby the Rosary will be recited. This will culminate with

benediction in the Church. People can pray for their personal intentions and the success of the Shrine as there are challenges being faced.

Head of Youth Department, Sr Juli-

ana Abioye EHJ.

Continued on page 5.

Because the Archdiocese is looking at making it a place of pilgrimage, applications have been made to Rome to declare it a mini-

Telephone (011) 402 6400 • www.catholicjhb.org.za MARCH 2020

6-8

Target: R25 millionDonations to date including expenditure

Are you looking for a tranquil place

to spend time with God or a venue for your retreat?

Why not try the Mother of Mercy Shrine in the Magaliesburg.

Conference rooms, accommodation and breakfast are available throughout the year.

For bookings contactFr Nkosinathi Nkabinde 072 918 6192

[email protected] Nkomo

083 585 5813

New beginningsNew beginnings

2 33Daswa feast dayDaswa feast day

The beatification process of Domitilla and Danny Hyams, founders of Little

Eden, is currently underway. The process will take some years.

One problem is that the remains of the couple have to be relocated to a site in the Archdio-cese of Johannesburg.

In the meantime, Little Eden continues battling to raise funds. Kaya FM and South African Paralympic rower, Sandra Khum-alo have joined forces with Little Eden Society to shine light on immobility challenges faced by individuals with physical and intellectual disability through their third annual Little Eden CEO Wheelchair Campaign™ which will be launched on 2 March.

March is National Intellectual Disability month – and the society challenges CEOs of companies to spend one day at

SA Paralympic rower Sandra Khumalo with Little Eden resident, Bright.

Paralympic rower teams up with Little Eden to challenge CEOs

work in a wheelchair to spread awareness about disability, and raise much needed funds to help cover the cost of caring for 300 children and adults with intel-lectual disability at Little Eden Society. One hundred and eighty nine (63%) of the 300 residents rely on wheelchairs for all their mobility needs; they have to be bathed, fed and dressed by their carers, as they are unable to do anything for themselves. Due to their level of mental functioning, they do not qualify to attend special needs schools. So Little Eden is often left out in the cold when it comes to CSI funding, where about 94% is earmarked for education projects.

To participate, visit the website: www.littleeden.org.za

Or contact Zai Miller 011 609-0492 or 072 127-8237 or [email protected]

‘Familiarise yourselves with the new Pastoral Plan and the Archdiocesan Synod Acts’

Enthusiastic young people gathered at the Cathedral on Saturday, 8 February

with the aim of accomplishing one noble mission, to help Archbishop Buti Tlhagale and Bishop Duncan Tsoke in their quest to make this a welcoming diocese.

Organised by the Youth Depart-ment with the help of the Evangel-isation Department, young people presented their insights and suggestions on how to implement the Archdiocesan Synod 2019 resolutions.

In the Archbishop’s address, he expressed his gratitude for their eagerness to be implementers. He also spoke about the following:

Pastoral PlanHe advised young people to famil-iarise themselves with the Pastoral Plan noting that its vision aligns with that of the Archdiocesan Synod. You need to be more visi-ble, present in the diocese, vocal, assertive and we welcome your active engagement in the Church, he said.

Application to turn Regina Mundi into a mini-basilica

Regina Mundi, Moroka is famed for its place in the struggle against apartheid. It is a place where people gathered to express their pain and desire to be free from oppression.

Group six with facilitator, Lebo Pitso on far left.

The Vicar of Com-munications, Fr Nkosi-

nathi Nkabinde is encouraging par-ishes and deaneries to send their representatives to attend a free ADNews photographic and basic editorial workshop at the Cathedral on Saturday, 9 May from 10am.Expert photographers and journal-ists will be hosting sessions.

He has appealed for communica-tors to get involved in submitting

PHOTOGRAPHIC/EDITORIAL WORKSHOPtheir contributions to ADNews. Participants will be shown to use their cellphone cameras, as well as digital cameras.

The day includes a free light snack, juice, tea and coffee.

For bookings please email [email protected] book only if you are cer-tain you will be able to attend as numbers are limited.

Domitilla and Danny Hyams

– Archbishop Buti

6-8Pastoral plan launchPastoral plan launch

[email protected] March 2020Volume 34 No 122

Make use of our Archdiocesan websiteLooking for church contact information about the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, events and organ-isations? We have a comprehensive list of parishes, priests, schools, homes, creches, shelters, sodalities and secular orders. All are welcome to submit upcoming events and news for the website.

The addresses are:www.catholicjhb.org.zawww.catholic-johannesburg.org.za

Pope’s Intentions: MarchCatholics in China

We pray that the Church in China may persevere in its faithfulness to the Gospel and grow in unity.

‘Could you not spend one hour with me?’

Holy Hour 15:00 -16:00Every SaturdaySung Chaplet of

The Divine MercyAssumption Convent Chapel

Pandora Rd, Malvern.Enquiries 074-193-0449

PATRONAL FEASTS: MARCH17th St Patrick, La Rochelle (1906); Benoni (1910)19th St Joseph, Mayfair (1892); Actonville (1935); Meadowlands (1958);

Primrose (1958); Mokoena (1966)24th Our Lady of Victories, Dobsonville (1996)

ORDER OF CARMELITES DISCALCED SECULAR

(OCDS)

Do you want to be ‘LOVE’ in the centre of the World –

‘Love comprises ALL VOCATIONS…!’

(St Therese de Lisieux)Make a deeper commitment to JESUS

today by ….Taking the promises of Poverty, Chastity

and Obedience…EVEN IF YOU ARE MARRIED!Enter The Order of Carmelites

Discalced - Secular (ocds)Where and How? COME AND SEE!Telephone: Bridget McIntosh-Hodge

on 083 703 2301

Abortion warning‘The pill’ can abort (chemical

abortion), Catholics must be told, for their eternal welfare, and

survival of their unborn infants.www. epm.org.statitic/uploads/bcpill

pdfCoLA 082 609 6919

SOCIAL WORKER REQUIRED

The Catholic Women’s League Adoption Society

have a vacancy for a 25 to 30 hours a week post for a registered social worker with 3 or more years’

experience in Adoption and Child Protection work.

Drivers licence essential. E-mail CV’s to

[email protected]

BIBLE STUDYStarting 15 February 2020

12.00 – 4.00pmThird Isaiah

“The word of God is important for everyday living” – Pope FrancisThird Saturday of the month

Holy Family College ParktownContact: Sr Marie Andre SND

[email protected] or 072 250 4944

BIBLE STUDYStarting 15 February 2020

12.00 – 4.00pmThird Isaiah

“The word of God is important for everyday living” – Pope FrancisThird Saturday of the month

Holy Family College ParktownContact: Sr Marie Andre SND

[email protected] or 072 250 4944

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Many counsellors, clergy and lay persons in post-abortion work recognise

that there is more to ‘just having an abortion’ than most people care to acknowledge. It is an area of healing that requires an intensive process to deal with the unique nature of the abortion wound.

Complicating matters, some mental health professionals who are on referral lists, have their own unresolved issues with abortion loss, which makes it difficult for them to help others through any kind of grieving or healing process. Others in the mental health com-munity believe that abortion is safe, legal and beneficial and, in fact, most psychological organisations/associations across the globe deny that abortion causes any significant mental health problems at all – so counsellors and psychologists are not being trained to even recognise the symptoms, let alone what to do with a woman or man in active symptoms of hyper arousal, intru-sion, constriction, dissociation or numbing themselves from the trauma of the abortion experience

The abortion wound is often best described as a traumatic experience or memory. A trauma sensitive process is necessary to release the deep feelings of anguish, grief, numbness, and denial in an environ-ment of safety to heal this wound before one can internalise and

The Acies function of the Legion of MarySt Anne, Belgravia, 65 Boom St. Jeppestown,Sunday, 29 March 2020. The function will commence at 14:00 hours with celebration of Holy Mass.Senatus will hold their meeting at 12:00 noon in the hall before the Acies.All Legionaries invited.Bring and Share for social afterwards.

Mass for policeMembers of the Catholic Women’s League of St Theresa, Zondi organised a Mass for the security cluster on Sunday, 2 February.

Makhosazana Ngcobo

accept the grace and mercy of God. That is why many women and men confess their abortion, and even do some initial counselling or healing work, but still do not feel peace. They may repeat their confession many times or feel stuck in their therapy. Clergy typically do not have the time to journey with a woman or man through the many sessions that would be required to accomplish the work of grief, not to mention the more complex and complicated symptoms of trauma, which can accompany abortion.

Rachel’s Vineyard was developed

to address these problems and provide a safe and effective treat-ment that would be the same, no matter where you reached out for help. It provides a standard of care that responds to the wounds with an integrated spiritual and psycho-logical process. The Rachel’s Vine-yard Weekend Retreat and support group model developed an approach that utilises some of the “steps of healing”, but in a process where the stages of healing are incorporated into a spiritual journey using scrip-ture exercises, meditation, thera-peutic techniques, rituals for griev-ing, and the sacraments to help the individual bring the deep pain and grief of their abortion to the Cross of Christ. The Rachel’s Vineyard retreat process has proven to be an invalu-able resource for many ministries responding to those traumatised by abortion.

Rachel’s Vineyard Weekend retreats are now being offered in Johannesburg: Marie-Anne 0834491129 and Cape Town: Angie 0828521284. All calls are treated with utmost confidentiality.

www.rachelsvineyard.org

CATECHETICAL DEPARTMENTRite of election RCIA

Sunday, 1 MarchCathedral

Baptism workshop Saturday, 7 March

Our Lady of Peace, Bophelong

Parish coordinators meeting Saturday, 7 March

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Krugersdorp

Parish coordinators’ workshopSaturday, 14 March

Cathedral

Deanery coordinators’ meeting Saturday, 28 March

Cathedral Boardroom

29 MarchStations of the Cross

with widowed and bereaved Venue to be confirmed. Call Toni 0825521275

Legion of Mary

Maurice McEvoy, for President, Senatus [email protected] • Cell 082 879-2884

Post-abortion healing through a Rachel’s Vineyard weekend

The youth of St Kizito, Golden Highway, embarked on a camp

from 9–11 January. It was aimed at reviving the look of our Church under the leadership of Fr Peter Joseph Cassidy and the Youth Development Committee of St Kizito.

The camp began with a gift of a Rosary dedicated to the youth of St Kizito, and a scripture reading and prayer, led by four Missionaries of Africa students.

The committee received help from the Church and the Islamic community in the form of cleaning materials, paint and food.

The camp started with a clean up of the garden and store room. The youth also painted the gutters, windows, as well as the inside and outside the

church. The camp was conducted with the spirit of ubuntu.

On the last day of the camp, reflection on the gifts of the Holy Spirit were discussed and shared. Kefoeu Rampai, a youth member at St Kizito, testified that she felt good spending time in the house of the Lord.

Ballroom dancing was enjoyed in the afternoon led by the Catholic youth of Eldorado Park.

The camp left a memorable experience for the youth, a freshly-cleaned Church and a bright banner outside for community members to be aware that the Church is a Roman Catholic one. Maphefo Ramathe

New beginnings in 2020

Above: Young people clean the grotto.

Left: Participants enjoying the camp.


Father Thomas Plastow S.J. Answers Liturgy Questions

What is permissable

during Lent?

We need more questions about the Liturgy!

You are welcome to send questions directly to Fr Plastow:

• PO Box 46876 Glosderry, 7702

• e-mail [email protected]

• fax 011 402-6406

During the Lenten days, why can’t chicken be eaten by people who do not eat fish?

Firstly, let us be very clear about fish: no one has to eat it if they don’t like it.The idea about days of abstinence is that we give up eating meat.Some people substi-tute fish, while others might use beans or egg, or simply eat vege-tables on their own.The rules on abstinence were made in cultures where fish was plentiful and meat was expensive.Chicken was not nearly as com-mon as it is today.In modern Johannesburg, fresh fish can be much more expensive than red meat, so perhaps it is not suitable for a day of abstinence!Perhaps the local church could make an argument in favour of cheaper meats in Lent, like mass-produced chicken and polony, or we could decide to go vegetarian.The main point, however, is to go without something you would have liked to have had. Abstaining from meat (or eating fish) should never become a mark of Catholic identi-ty that we use to set ourselves above others.

Is it correct during Lent to remove the holy water from the stoups at the church doors and replace them with sand or ashes?

No, not really. Some experiments like this have been done in order to impress upon the people the contrast between Lent and the rest of the year, but they have not won formal recognition.It is true that Lent is not an appropriate time to celebrate public baptisms or to sprinkle the people with holy water during Mass.We wait until the Easter Vigil to bless fresh water for these purposes.The holy water stoups where we bless our-selves upon entering the church should be emptied before we begin the Triduum on the evening of Holy Thursday.These remain dry for the three days and are then refilled by the servers immediate-ly after the blessing of the font on Holy Saturday night.Easter, with all its baptismal references, starts with everything fresh and new.I hope all our readers have a happy and holy Lent!

We all like the idea of a fresh start, so the season of Lent appeals

to us.The following questions were sent in during Lent last year when ADNews was already get-ting its Easter issue to the printer.

I would like to find out if there’s any rule in place as far as using musical instruments in the Lenten season is concerned e.g. drums and other percussions, as in our parish they are forbidden during this season.

In days past, before African drums were allowed in church, the organ remained silent during Lent except to accompany the singing. This meant there were no organ solos (voluntaries) or grand marches at the beginning and end-ing of the liturgy. Today we try to use the music, among other things, to show that Lent is a spe-cial, penitential season. Modern, local instruments have replaced the organ in various countries and so each local diocese must judge what it considers to be suitable and unsuitable during Lent. The central teaching authority of the church in Rome has no rules about African drums because it realises that the people of the var-ious local churches are better able to judge the significance of drums and percussion in their diverse cultures.

During my years in Soweto it was made clear to me that many people considered African drums to be more suitable for occasions of rejoicing and festivity. People become happy when they hear the drums and they begin to sway and dance. Perhaps this is part of the reason why your parish has made the decision to refrain from using drums during Lent. If we were to use anthropology to study the old cultural practices, I expect we would find some cultures where different rhythms and different ways of beating the drum implied sadness, happiness, birth, death, war, etc. etc. The sad thing is that much of this has been lost and so the correct question to ask is “how do today’s people perceive the drum?” or “what is the best way for today’s parish musicians to mark Lent?”.

Until the local archdiocese or the Bishops’ Conference makes a judgment on this issue, we should refrain from arguing with any neighbouring parishes which may have made a decision different to our own.

On January 25, young people from Daveyton parishes

attended a corporate workshop at St Nicholas, where they received information on how to write, update and perfect their CVs.

Nadine Khoza, a senior talent acquisition specialist, shared her

tips on what to include in a CV, as well as mistakes young people should avoid when drafting one. Lebogang Morare shared tips on how to master a job interview.

Professionals in the church were present to conduct mock interviews and gave feedback on how young people can improve

Workshop participants.

Young people host a corporate workshop

their interview skills. The youth of Daveyton thanked

everyone, especially Bhaso Mthembu, Pertunia Nonkonyana, the Khumalo family, Thandi Dijane, Fr Matthew Ouma, Father Samuel, the parish pastoral and finance councils who were present to support this initiative and for donating food and money to make this event a success.

Kati Dijane

On Saturday, 1 February, thousands gathered at the Benedict Daswa Shrine Site

in Tshitanini to witness the 30-year celebration of the martyrdom of blessed Benedict Daswa.

Blessed Benedict Daswa, born in 1946 in Mbahe village near Thoho-yandou in Limpopo, started his journey of faith in the Catholic Church as a teenager. He became an educator and later, a principal in Nweli. He married and was blessed with eight children and led a very active life in the community and in the Church. Benedict was a lay man and catechist and, as an active member of the community, had later formed a soccer team to keep young people around the community out of crime.

Benedict Daswa was a strong believer in Christ and stood against all acts of witchcraft which he believed was a way of enslaving the people and often led to killing of innocent people perceived as witches. He saw witchcraft as going against his Christian beliefs and values.

In November 1989, heavy rains and lightning strikes plagued the area. When his village suffered strong storms again in January 1990, the elders of the village decided that the lightning occurred due to witchcraft. They demanded R5 from all residents to pay for a witch doctor to “sniff out” the witch

who caused the storms. Refusing to believe this, Daswa

told them this was just a natural phenomenon and refused to pay the money. This led to his being killed on 2 February 1990 by stoning and boiling water. He was officially named the country’s first martyr at his beatification in Sep-tember 2015 which was witnessed by over 30 000, a step which moved him closer to sainthood.

In his homily, Cardinal Wilfrid Napier said: “I hear God warning us that even today there are people who do not like us; indeed there are people who hate us, and hate us so much that they want to see us come to harm or even death.

“Why? For the simple reason that we do not live the same way as

they do; that we do not hold the same values they hold; that our ways are different, even strange to them.

“In fact, for them, the values that we believe in and live by, are like poison. So they think they must defend themselves from us and our values even if it means killing us.

“We, on the other hand, believe in values that say that every human person is called to live the life of a child of God, that is, according to God’s laws and commandments, not out of fear, but out of love, and because we want to be the way God created us,” he said.

Before the final blessing, testi-monials and words of gratitude from the chief and the family of Bl Bene-dict were presented.

Palesa Setsubi

Blessed Benedict Daswa 30th Martyrdom Anniversary

… Molapo After nine days praying the Novena to Bl Benedict Daswa, the parish of Our Lady of Assumption, Molapo celebrated the feast of Daswa on 1 February. Mass was led by Fr Nqobile Mzolo OMI. Nesta Tsamaesi


The Archdiocesan synod and the Pastoral Plan

C AT E C H E T I C A L D E PA R T M E N T N E W S

Implementation strategies are being developed further to the resolutions of the September

Archdiocesan Synod. Simultane-ously, the new Pastoral Plan for the Southern African Church, has also been launched.

Planning and strategising is a mission in itself, depending on whether all areas and needs that were raised are considered for the way forward. In Johannesburg the main focus will be on the Synod.

In family life there is an overlap with evangelisation/renewal/formation/discipleship, youth and family life. Marriage and family life ministry is not only a welfare

World Marriage Day celebrated by Mr and Mrs Makumsha at the Mokoena parish with their daughter. They have been married for 58 years married and are still active in marriage preparation.

matter but assists in solving problems families face or dealing specifically with family issues. Family is also a question of “who we are” as the Church. As ministry, it has a spiritual component too.

Youth also belong in families as Pope Francis emphasised in his response to the Youth Synod

in Rome. March in SA is Human Rights

month and the Church’s Charter of Family Rights could be studied by justice and peace groups, RCIA candidates or senior catechetics.

The month of March falls during Lent and is an ideal opportunity for families to perform their acts of love and sacrifice, devoting time and effort to relationship building through communication, faith sharing and their prayer life, together, as well as individually.

Marfam offers opportunities for projects and activities to consider human families, climate, nature – plants and animals, recycling, saving water and energy as a Lenten experience relevant to a family’s personal situation.

Visit www.marfam.org.za or call Toni Rowland on 082 552-1275.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is fast becoming popular as more parishes adopt this method of teaching in SA. It is the result of careful observation of children by Sofia Cavalletti and her Montessori collaborator, Gianna Gobbi, in Rome.

In August last year, as part of the creativity aspect of the formation and creativity day, the catechesis of the Good Shepherd presented their materials at the Cathedral. The Johannesburg team has been training for a number of years under catechist, Jeanette Armstrong of Our Lady of the Wayside, Maryvale.

Training has continued nationally, with Cape Town hosting level 1, part 1

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Catechists with certificates.

On Sunday, 2 February the Parish of St John Bosco,

Robertsham celebrated the Feast of St John Bosco in the form of an outdoor Mass led by Fr Tim Wrenn.

Fr Sean Mc Ewen SDB delivered a relevant and thought-provoking homily. Fr Tim not only commis-

The commissioning service of catechists of St Joseph, Mokoena and outstation Holy Trinity, Kwanele, took place on Sunday, 9 February. The commission was conducted by parish priest, Fr Elijah Otu.

Commissioning Sunday

More than 550 catechists from all over the Archdiocese braved rainy weather to attend the annual catechists’ retreat at Our Lady of Loreto Parish, Kempton Park on Saturday, 7 March.

The day started with praise and worship, led by energetic Fr Rayan Pais, with confessions heard by Fr Francis Xavier Barongo and Fr Elijah Otu. This was followed by Mass celebrated by Fr Rayan.

After tea, Fr Ryan gave the main address themed “2020 is the Year of the Word”. He spoke about the Apostolic Exhortation, Verbum Domini by Pope Benedict XVI which includes:• The God who speaks;• The Word of God and the Church;

and

Catechists’ retreat

Fr Ryan Pais delivers his talk.

Catechists came in their numbers.

• The Word of God in the Life of the Church.He encouraged catechists to

celebrate the Word, to read the Word together and to live it in every aspect of their lives.

We are to be witnesses of the

Word, sharing the Word, he said. Why should we study the Word? 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, refutation, correction and for training in righteousness”.

The day ended with Eucharistic adoration and healing.

Sandra Petronio

St John Bosco Feast and Commissioning of catechists

in February followed by Durban with level 1, part 2 in January. Catechists who completed the levels of training, received certificates for their exhausting, but rewarding efforts. The intense five-day formation was held at the Glenmore Pastoral Centre in Durban, with daily Mass, reflections, and about 10 hours of training per day. Catechists emerged thoroughly uplifted and ready to take on the children.

Preparations are underway in Cape Town for level 2, part 1, which will be an eight-day formation in May. CGS USA formation leader, Ann Garrido, will assist in Cape Town.

Yuresha Perumal

Left: Fr Tim Wrenn addressing the Catechists.

Inset: Altar servers at the ready with lanterns, scrolls and certificates.

sioned the catechists, but also appealed to parents, godparents, sponsors and grandparents to take passing on the faith to their

children seriously and to work in collaboration with the catechists.

Catechists were presented with a lantern which was symbolic of “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light on my path” – indicating the ministry of the catechist in passing on an understanding of the Word of God to the children and young people they teach. They were also presented with a certificate and a scroll they had signed on a retreat day the previous week.

In the spirit of Don Bosco, Mass was followed by a light meal as well as fun and games for the kids.

Mark Kisogloo


St Angela Merici founded the Ursuline Sisters, named after the

legendary martyr St Ursula and her companions, to educate girls and

empower women to change the world. On 1 February her lay

followers made a commitment to continue her work.

Ursuline Associate Renewal of Commitment

On the feast of Bl Tshi-mangadzo Benedict Daswa, 1 February, the

Saturday in the week of the feast of St Angela Merici the congre-gation attending 8 o’clock Mass at Church of the Resurrection, Bryanston was swelled by the presence of the Ursuline Associates and their well-wishers.

During Mass, some 20 people made a one-year commitment to

Pastoral Plan and Archdiocesan Synod continued from page 1.

live their lives in imitation of St Angela Merici, founder of the Ursuline Sisters. Four Ursuline Sisters were present and among the associates, six of them were making their first pledge.

This year, a total of nine women joined the associates.

Ursuline Associates are lay, married or single men and women who seek to deepen their spirituality. They do this with the support of the Sisters and access to the resources of the Ursuline Religious Institute.

They embrace the values of St Angela Merici and seek to grow spiritually through prayer and contemplation; unity and community; love and service; peace and justice.

The Ursuline Associates meet monthly under the guidance of Sr Jeanette Essey. There are two groups in Bryanston and one in Krugersdorp.

https://ursulinesouthernafrica.jimdofree.com/ to find out more about the Ursulines.

Judy Stockill

A Mass for the sick celebrated by Fr Nqobile Mzolo OMI took place at Our Lady of the Assumption, Molapo on Sunday, 9 February. Fr Nqobile anointed them with oil for the sick. Nesta Tsamaesi

The St Anne’s Sodality of Holy Trin-ity, Kwanele in Katlehong intro-duced its new executive commit-tee members to the congregation on Sunday, 19 January. The new office bearers, who will serve a three-year term, were welcomed by parish priest, Fr Elijah Otu MSP with prayers and the sprinkling of holy water. Abel Dlamini

St Anne’s New Executive Committee

Back row, from left: Suzan Tolo (president), Angelina Teleko (deputy president), Jabulile Mofokeng (addi-tional member) and Martha Maphanga (treasurer). Front row: Victoria More-bane (secretary), Alphonsina Makhubo (additional member), Ernestina Molapo (additional member) and, not in the picture, Molly Mokgopa (deputy secretary).

Mass for the sick

Fr Nqobile Mzolo anointing the sick.

World Youth DayThe Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference has approached the government on the possibility of South Africa hosting World Youth Day in the future. Because the Pope is a head of state, and the need for financial support, the government had to be engaged.

A committee is looking at the feasibility of the country hosting WYD. He asked for prayers that this might succeed.

During breakaway sessions, 20 groups delved deep into particular Acts of the Synod which are divided into four themes: Renewal, Youth, Marriage and Family Life and Missionary Discipleship. The following questions guided their discussions:1. Which resolution stands out for

you and why?2. How can these resolutions be

implemented in a youth-friendly manner?

3. What does a parish need to do in order to become more open and welcoming to youth?Head of the Youth Department,

Sr Juliana Abioye EHJ thanked the participants for their meaning-

ful contributions. She expressed her gratitude to Evangelisation Department head, Odilon Molapo and all who had worked behind the scenes to make the day a success. She also thanked Rev Gerald Rodrigues who was also present for his unwavering support.

Episcopal vicar for Evangeli-sation, Fr Bruce Botha com-mended participants for their sensible presentations. He expressed his hope that these outcomes would be documented and sent out to priests, parish pastoral councils, parish youth forums and parishioners. This would help with annual assess-ments to evaluate whether parishes and diocese are becoming more youth-friendly.

At the end of the day, young people agreed that they needed to become agents who bring about the change needed for the Archdiocese.

Lerato Mohone

Bongiwe proves she is “young, energetic and full of life.”

Mamoshe Manyeli (left) and Nomandla Ndlela from San Salvador, Leondale selling copies of the Synod resolutions.

Dillon Naicker and episcopal vicar for Evangelisation, Fr Bruce Botha SJ.

An excited Simone Paulsen from St Eugene de Mazenod/St Catherine of Sienna, Eldorado Park flashes a smile as she registers her name.

Ofentse Akabogu and Micaela Da Costa presented on Marriage and Family Life.

Tumelo Mo, Kgotatso Maarman and Pedro Ferraz.

Post-Synod feedback ses-sion with youth of the Archdiocese

Group three focussed on Renewal resolutions.


Pics by Sheldon Reddiar

Archbishop Jabulani Nxumalo OMI of Bloemfontein stood out in his zucchetto which had a flower on top. An aerial view of the procession.

Above: Members of the St Cecilia Sodality singing for the Lord “ka makhethe

le nyakallo”.

Women representing different tribes prior the entrance procession.

Above: Bishop Kevin Dowling CSsR reflects on the Pastoral Plan.

Right: Sr Juliana Abioye, Sthabiso Mtshali, Pedro

Ferraz and Mathapelo Sekele leading the

recitation of the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary.

Pastoral Plan

The bishops during the proceedings.

“Gloria in excelsis Deo”.

Archbishop William Slattery blessing the Knights of da Gama.

Left: Apostolic Nuncio to South Africa flanked by Wilfrid Cardinal Napier and Archbishop William Slat-tery during the procession to Regina Mundi.

Below: Fr Victor Ngwenya assisting seminarian, Br Thato Mashokwe.

One of the eight themes of the Pastoral Plan – Life and Ministry

of Priests and Deacons.

Thabo Tladi of Special Religious Development actively participated in the proceedings. He is assisted by his mother Theresia Ralintja.

Above: The bishop during the procession flanked by the Knights of the Gama.

Right: Wilfrid Cardinal Napier OFM from the Archdiocese of Durban blessing the faithful.


Pics by Sheldon Reddiar and Timothy Bernard

On February 8 the organising committee for the launch of Southern

African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), convened at Regina Mundi, Soweto to evaluate the outcome of the launch of Catholic Church Pastoral Plan ‘Evangelising Community Serving God, Humanity and All Creation’.

During her opening address, Sr Hermenegild Makoro CPS, thanked different committee members for their unreserved commitment in making sure the event was successful. She also thanked the faithful of Regina Mundi, together with their parish priest for their warm welcome,

excellent cooperation, hard work and availability to make sure everything went well.

Sr Makoro congratulated the Archdiocese and said the church in Johannesburg is alive and there was no regret in choosing it to celebrate the launch of the Pastoral Plan. She said, “If people of God are allowed to live their own baptismal commitments fully, success is always realised”. She further said: “We now know as the conference where we should go in the future to make things happen”.

Expressing the importance of Regina Mundi in the history of South Africa, she compared it

SACBC Secretary General Applauds Johannesburg Catholics for a Successful Pastoral Plan Launch

with St Peter Basilica in the Vatican City.

“Regina Mundi is our St Peter in South Africa. It bears the rich history of the liberation of South Africa and highlights the outstanding role the Church has played in building a new South Africa. She added that Regina Mundi has a rich history in the struggle of South Africa and the dream of liberation has been realised also through its contri-bution. She urged the faithful of Regina Mundi to be the first and most active in implementing Pastoral Plan.

When she was giving a report from SACBC Bishops about Pastoral Plan Launch celebration Sr Makoro said they were all very happy about the outcome. She said Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, SACBC President, is also happy about how everything evolved. She also reported that Bishop Sithembele said Pastoral Plan does not belong to the Church alone; instead it is part of National Plan, as it contributes to the well being of all the people

not only Catholics.Sr Makoro said the SACBC

President was a bit disappointed about the poor turn up of some different groups in the church who could have made the celebration more perfect. The president emphasised that we are a community; therefore we need always to work as a community and accommodate each other’s’ differences.

Sr Makoro also reported that the President of the country Mr Cyril Ramaphosa was also invited to take part in the celebration but, because of other national commitments, he could not make it. She further said there was a special delegation which presented the summary of Pastoral Plan to the President and the whole copy was given to him and he was pleased to receive it.

Sr Hermenegild, at the end of her address, also thanked the SACBC Bishops for accepting the proposal to take the event to Regina Mundi and Archbishop Buti Tlhagale and Bishop

Duncan Tsoke for accepting it. She also thanked representatives from other denominations, government officials, media representatives and other people who took part during the launch of the Pastoral Plan. “I hope the same spirit will prevail during the implementation of the plan”, she said.

Fr Patrick Rakeketsi, SACBC Associate Secretary General, promised that SACBC Pastoral Plan copies will be soon available in different pastoral languages to all who need it.

The meeting ended with official disbanding of the committee by Sr Hermenegild, who has been chairing the meetings since the beginning of preparations for the Pastoral Plan launch.

Thousands of Catholics from Johannesburg Archdiocese and others from neighbouring dioceses attended the celebration.

Fr Paul Tatu CSS/SACBC Communication and

Media

Bishop Duncan Tsoke during the entrance

Archbishop Buti Tlhagale and Archbishop Stephen Brislin make their way to the altar.

A lady is seen receiving Holy Communion from Bishop Jan de Groef of Bethlehem.

Cardinal Wilfrid Napier.

Regina Mundi altar servers leading the procession to the parish.

President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Sithembele Sipuka was the chief celebrant at Mass.

Women representing various South African tribes.

Knights of Da Gama guarding the bishops.

Immaculate Conception Sodality members

uniform matching the clear blue skies.


Why a Pastoral Plan?

When we want to do something, we make a plan. When the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit summoned creation into being, God had a plan. At every moment God invites us to play a part in the unfolding of that plan. “For he has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will, according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” (Ephesians 1:9-10) My plans for you are peace and not disaster, a future full of hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

To be pastoral is to look after others rather than self, look out for them before looking at your own wants; to look for the lost, bandage the wounded, carry the weak, assist the wayward, care for the strong, ensure food for the journey, avoid what is harmful, deal with danger, provide for the future. “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbour for his good, to edify him.” (Romans 15:1) “I myself will search for my sheep … I will seek the lost and I will ring back the strayed, and I will bind up the crippled and I will strengthen the weak and the fat and the strong I will watch over; I will feed them in justice.” (Ezekiel 34:11, 15-16)

A Pastoral Plan for the Church does all this and more – within the Church community, and for the people, society and world around us. A Pastoral Plan helps and guides us all to listen and respond to the leading of the Spirit, to enter into the Father’s plan for our Church and our world; to be missionary disciples of Jesus in the present and to let the Spirit guide us into the future.

Invitation to all Catholics

Each Catholic and all Catholic Communities within our Conference area are, in their own context, invited to study, to discuss and decide how to implement the Pastoral Plan. Study sessions should be

arranged in all Parishes, groups and movements. Implementation of the Plan will be ongoing, monitored and evaluated. The Council for Evangelisation will regularly review and evalu-ate how our Pastoral Plan is being received and implemented.

A ‘new’ Pastoral Plan?

About 30 years ago the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) adopted and began to implement the first Pastoral Plan, Community Serving Humanity [1989]. Many of you will remember this Plan.

The Bishops later decided that the Catholic Church in Southern Africa needed to create a new Pastoral Plan. They asked the SACBC Council for Evangelisa-tion to lead the process.

Before doing this, the Bishops had identified eight priorities for the life and mission of the Church in Southern Africa.

Through a process of consultation in the parishes and other organisations there were two widespread consultations conducted by a team coordinated by Msgr Barney McAleer. This team gathered up the concerns of all who responded. Six areas of mission emerged.

After much input, reflection, discussion and prayer, the Bishops approved a Vision Statement and Mission Statement for the Pastoral Plan.

A at a meeting of the Council for Evangelisation on May 2017, a task team was appointed to study all this material and compose a first draft of the proposed new Pastoral Plan to be presented to the August 2017 SACBC Plenary of the Bishops

Conference.This Concept Pastoral Plan is

the work of the Drafting Committee after considering the in-put of the Bishops in their Plenary of August 2017, and the comments of the Council for Evangelisation in the November 2017 and January 2018 meetings. It was authorised by the Bishops in Plenary of January 2018 to be released for study and comment by priests and religious and laity through the different organs of the diocese. The intention of the Bishops was that dioceses begin to look at their own programmes and pastoral plans in the light of this Concept Pastoral Plan.

A community is a group of people who belong to each other, share life and care for one another. A community has a purpose. Every community which does good, participates in the love, life and action of the Trinity.

To evangelise is to do what Jesus did and what Jesus is still doing. It is announcing something new, important and life changing:– telling good news,– bringing the truth about the

Father who loves us all,– bringing hope, creating joy,– being a channel of the grace

and power of God to change us and our world

– opening ourselves to the Holy Spirit, uniting ourselves with the Son

– assuring everyone that:• there is life on the other side

of death;• that suffering can bring

transformation;• that we are immensely loved;• that love is stronger than evil;• that forgiveness; and• reconciliation bring inner

peace;• that heaven is real!

Can you add to this list yourself?There are many ways to

evangelise. New ways arise all the time to meet new needs and new situations. The Holy Spirit is ever creative, forever prompting responses to new situations: “Look I am doing something new!” (Isaiah 43:19) The Father is still working on His plan! Creation is God’s project!

Why a pastoral plan?A Pastoral Plan helps and guides us all to listen and respond to the leading of the Spirit to enter into the Father’s plan for our Church and our world to be missionary disciples of Jesus in the present and to let the Spirit guide us into the future. The Pastoral Plan’s focus areas:1. Evangelisation Personal relationship with

Jesus is fundamental to the Pastoral Plan – all other areas flow out of this foundational experience.

2. Laity formation and empowerment

Laity by their very vocation seek the Kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and by ordering them accord-ing to the plan of God.

3. Life and ministry of priests and deacons

Priests and deacons have a special calling to serve the people of God.

4. Marriage and family Marriage was not instituted

solely for the pro-creation of children but also that mutual love might be properly expressed and that it should grow and mature.

5. Youth Young people need witnesses

and teachers who can walk with them, teaching them to

love the gospel and share it especially with their peers and thus, to become authentic and credible messengers.

6. Justice, Peace and non- violence

Action on behalf of justice and participation in the transfor-mation of the world fully appear to us as a constitutive dimension of the preaching of the gospel or in other words, of the Church’s mission for the redemption of the human race and its liberation from every oppressive situation.

7. Healing and reconciliation It is God’s grace that gives

us a new heart and reconciles us with Him and with one another, Christ who estab-lished humanity in the Father’s love. Reconciliation thus springs from this love. It is borne of the Father’s initiative in restoring His relationship with humanity.

8. Care of creation and the environment

The situation of planet earth and the consequences of the indiscriminate exploitation of creation call upon us in the Church to live and practice the gospel in our care for creation and the environment.

For more information go the Jesuit Institute of South Africa website/YouTube channel.

The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference speaks on the meaning of a Pastoral Plan

SACBC President, Bishop Sithem-bele Sipuka, with Children of

St Bernadette Catholic Church – Gaborone Botswana.

The Pastoral Plan unpacked by the Jesuit Institute of South Africa

The VisionEvangelising community serving God, humanity and all creation.

The MissionWe the Church, the family of God in Southern African commit

to work together with others for the good of all by responding to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth, through worship,

proclamation of the Word of God, formation, advocacy, human development and care of creation.

He was born on 17 September 1982. His last appointment was to the Ngome Shrine as an assistant rector.His sudden death in hospital left many shocked. The Requiem Mass was held at St Charles, Victory Park followed by the burial at West Park Cemetery on 20 February.

Rest in peaceFr Mokhalinyana S Moahloli OMI

17/09/1982 - 11/02/2020


VA A L D E A N E R Y N E W S

On 18 January, the Catholic Women’s League held a music and lunch event for the young people in the Vaal who partici-pated in the music fes-tival the previous year. It began with Mass led by the Dean of the Vaal, Fr Sekabata Solomon Mphela

A beautiful celebration of the Eucharist led by Fr Sekabata Solomon Mphela OFM took place on 9 February in this small outstation in Boiketlong, just outside Zone 14, Sebokeng. The parish is called Immaculate Conception and is an outsta-tion of Emmanuel, Sebokeng. Fr Solomon prayed for the children, blessing them for the school year.

Mass at Boiketlong

An academic Mass was held on 9 February, in Emmanuel, Sebo-keng. The parishioners, with diplo-mas and degrees, were asked to wear their academic gowns to encourage those still in school. Fr Sekabata Solomon Mphela OFM was assisted by Br Karabo Lephut-ing, a seminarian of the Archdio-cese who is doing his internship. The message from the parish priest to the parents and students was “Be the light of the world, and salt to the earth.”

Altar servers meet to develop a year planAltar servers of the Deanery held a meeting at on the 2 February at Emmanuel, Sebokeng to put together their year plan. Fr Marian SDB is their chaplain.

Catholic Women’s League opening Mass

Catholic Women’s League veterans attended the opening Mass.

Fr Kifle Kirba delivers the homily.

Procession of gifts.

Catholic Women’s League prepares lunch for young people

OFM together with CWL chaplain, Fr Kifle Kirba MCCJ.

Graduates with Fr Solomon Mphela and Br Karabo Lephuting.

Academic Mass

The Catholic Women’s League from the Vaal Dean-

ery held its opening Mass on 11 January led by the chaplain Fr Kifle Kirba at Our Lady of Fatima, Sharpeville.

During his homily, Fr Kifle spoke about appreciating what we have and to stop complain-ing. Giving thanks starts with oneself and we should start the year by appreciating ourselves.

The youth from the Vaal Deanery had leadership training on Saturday, 25 January at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Vereeniging. It was facili-tated by chaplain, Fr Emmanuel Kagimbangabo SDB. Koketso Zomba from the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference Inter-diocesan Youth Committee attended and presented a session on the youth policy manual.

Vaal Youth Deanery Chairperson Pulenyane Mohapi challenged the youth to see if they really knew their faith. A bring-and-share lunch was enjoyed by all afterwards. Mashadi Makhondo, Media and Publicity Officer

Fr Emmanuel leads a presentation.

Vaal deanery youth leadership training


A top achiever at Holy Rosary, Phiri has been awarded a laptop. Keamogetswe Mafomo

received three distinctions in matric last year. She originally applied to study at the University of West-ern Cape, but couldn’t proceed due to financial con-straints. She has been accepted to study at Vaal University of Technology. She is an orphan and depends on her grandparents’ social grant.

In another student support case, league member Innocentia Dube bought a laptop and a cellphone for the daughter of a fellow member of the Catholic Women’s League. These will assist her tremendously in her studies. Ofentse Manyama is Alice Manyama’s daughter. She is studying journalism at the Vaal Insti-tute of Science and Technology. Thabile Mbhele

Catholic Women’s League, Phiri supports students


Fr Joseph Luyombya 01-03-14Fr Aloysius Ssegwanyi 01-03-14Rev Vincent Booysen 12-03-16Rev Sang Ryomg Choi 12-03-16Rev Dennis Gregory 12-03-16Rev Robert Johnstone 12-03-16Rev Louis Khumalo 12-03-16Rev Simon Koenane 12-03-16Rev Philippe Lukusa- Lumpungu 12-03-16Rev Israel Maoyi 12-03-16Rev Sebhamu Mashinini 12-03-16Rev Mcunu Mpumelelo 12-03-16Rev Paulos Mochesa 12-03-16Rev Majorobela Moloi 12-03-16Rev Mnimzana Mpambani 12-03-16Rev Arthur Tsele 12-03-16Rev Johan van Rooyen 12-03-16 Rev Daryl Gabin 12-03-16Rev Vincent Morare 12-03-16Fr Godfrey Kisabuli 13-03-10Fr Timothy Wrenn 14-03-82Rev Vincent Morare 16-03-19Fr Albert Nolan 18-03-61Fr Hubert Obaedo 19-03-12Fr Miguel De Lemos 20-03-55Fr Inigo Alvarez de Toledo 28-03-00Fr Michael Seheri 29-03-09

1st Fr Jeemon Francis3rd Fr Joseph Nnadi

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We celebrate with our Priests

Ordinations

The following priests and deacons celebrate their

birthdays and anniversaries of their ordination. Pray for them!

Birthdays in March

3rd Fr Nkosinathi Nkabinde8th Rev Terence Fox14th Rev Sang Ryomg Choi23rd Fr James Towell Fr John Panpogee24th Fr Michalowski Pawel29th Rev Keith McKenzie

The funeral service of Fikile Mokoena was held at Holy Rosary on 31 January. The

service was led by St Peter Claver, where she spent most of her time, working tirelessly for the Catholic Women’s League and the Church in general. Bishop Duncan Tsoke said the requiem Mass with 11 priests and two deacons in attendance.

She was a member of the CWL for 26 years. She was involved in many of the church’s projects like Renew Africa and co-presented a show on Radio Veritas. Her latest project was as a member of the Friends of the Shrine in Magaliesburg.

She was a woman of integrity, a committed and accounted woman with a strong presence. Mokoena is remembered for her sense of fashion and style.

CWL Regional President, Bongi Mavuka, remembered her as a ‘courageous woman and a woman of community – a giant with a big heart.’ She was always ready to share and sacrificed her time to live the motto of the church.

Diocesan President, Matilda Dube, thanked Mr Mokoena for supporting his wife and being exemplary in their marriage until they were separated by death.

Mr Mokoena shared one important lesson he learnt from his wife which is: “Love is not what you say, love is what you do.” She was laid to rest at Westonaria Cemetery.

Thabile Mbhele

Rest in peace, Fikile Mokoena

The St Anne Sodality in St Nicholas, Daveyton, recently held its elections. These are the new committee members of the parish: back, from left: Martha Chambani (Chairperson), Catherine Mhlako-ani (Vice Chairperson), Lydia Ntoleng (Secretary), Margaret Zwane (Vice-Secretary), Annah Ratsipi (Treasurer).

Front left: Additional members, Theresa Mthombeni, Francis Cindi and Sarah Kgope.

Kati Dijane

New St Anne Sodality Committee members of St Nicholas, Daveyton

The Episcopal Vicar for Vocations in the Arch-

diocese of Johannesburg, who is also the parish priest of Holy Rosary, Phiri, Fr Michael Seheri hosted young men beginning their journey into priesthood. They will start their seminary formation this year.

The congregation is proud that one of their own, Tshepo Khoarai, is one of the five can-didates. Parishioners wished these young people well and

accompanied them with prayers which are crucial during the long and challenging journey. This culminated in a lunch with their families and friends. The occa-sion was graced by His Grace, Archbishop Buti Tlhagale. Pres-ent were seminarians, brothers Sechaba Liphoko and Sibusiso Zulu.

A young lady, Lethukuthula Ndebele is also pleased to join the Sisters of Assumption, who also attended. Thabile Mbhele

On the Feast of the Presentation, family and friends visited Fr Malesela Dikgale to celebrate his birthday which was on 1 February. He cel-ebrated Mass for them which was followed by a delicious lunch.

Khosi Ngcobo

Send-off lunch

Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, Fr Michael Seheri, Sisters of Assumption,

the young men and their families.

Fr Michael Seheri with young men on the start of their journey to priesthood.

Br Sibusiso Zulu, Fr Michael Seheri and Br Sechaba Liphoko.

Celebrating Fr Malesela’s birthday

Fr Godwin Garuba, parish priest of St Paul the Apostle, Eden Park commis-sioned 10 new altar servers on Sunday, 12 January. Parishioners enthusi-astically welcomed the newcomers and prayed that this would be a first step in growing their faith and in the service of the church. Vivienne Herman

Back row: Rowan Antonio, Fr Godwin Garuba and Jaydan Adams Middle: Kealynn Parker, Tsoanelo Mokoena, Canadean Jordan Liemberg and Devante Brown Front: Kelsey

le Grange, Nicole Labuschagne, Jordan Adams and Clarissa James.

Ten new altar servers for Eden Park

Congratulations Bishop Kizito

Sr Maria de Lurdes Lodi Rissini, SACBC Coodindator for Migrants and Refugee Office, congratulates bishop-elect of Aliwal North, Msgr Joseph Kizito on his appointment. They work closely together on issues relating to stateless children, especially child-birth registrations and to assist them to register into the school system. His episcopal ordination took place on Saturday, 15 February.


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It has been a while since I posted anything on my website, www.kjmdidhobooks.

co.za I thought of posting some-thing on the day of my 10th priestly anniversary, but resisted doing so.

About 10 years ago, on 23 Jan-uary 2010, I was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Buti Tlhagale at the Cathedral in Johannesburg. Time flies so fast and I praise God for the gift of my vocation. I would like to thank many people who continue to pray for me, support and love me, my family – especially my mother Regine Muwayi, relatives, friends, benefactors, and colleagues. I would like also to express my gratitude to the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, under the leader-ship of Archbishop Buti Tlhagale and his Auxiliary, Bishop Duncan Tsoke for their support and trust in me.

I’m grateful to all people of God in parishes I served and continue to serve as a priest. Sincere and deepest gratitude goes especially to the parishioners of Our Lady of Fatima, Dube who helped me grow in my ministry. My journey has been blessed in knowing wonderful people. My beautiful experiences constantly

inspire and guide me in life. The trials and difficulties that I have encountered serve as lessons. Truly, it is only through the help and grace of God that we can rely in passing through the storms of life. Remaining constant in prayer and trust in God are our shelter and shield.

I invoke the protection of the Blessed Mother Mary to help me in my vocation and ministry to God’s people.

In gratitude to God, I offered a Mass of thanksgiving on January 23 at St Maria Goretti, Riverlea where I currently serve as a pastor. To brother priests who joined me on the altar, I say thank you. To parishioners of Riverlea and Mayfair, to all other guests and the parishioners of Dube and St the Cecilia Choir who attended, I am grateful.

With the help of God, may I continue to serve Him and His people. Please pray for me and rest assured that you are all in my prayers and petitions. All for the greater glory of God and the salvation of His people!

Rev Fr Jean-Marie Kuzituka Did’hoChancellor

10th Year Anniversary to the Priesthood

Rev Father Jean-Marie Kuzituka Did’ho, Chancellor

St Anne Sodality opening Mass and presentation of new diocesan committee

The St Anne Sodality, Spruitview announced its new leadership: Chairperson – Kedibone Dladla; Vice Chairperson – Dimakatso Masoeu; Secretary – Pearl Radebe; Vice-Secretary – Khanyisile Tsotetsi; Treasurer – Thuli Mothlabane. Additional members: Aletta Masondo; Monica Letsoalo and Thandi Mkhwanazi.

Thanksgiving MassThe Catholic Women’s League in the West Rand Region celebrated a thanksgiving Mass at Our of Afri-ca, Mohlakeng.

Mass was celebrated by Fr Abel Maluleka. He was assisted by Deacon Michael Mpambane and Br Mlungisi Mabe.

Tebogo Tsimane

The opening Mass of the St Anne Sodality, which took place on Saturday,

18 January included the presenta-tion of the new spiritual director, installation/commission ceremony and inauguration of the new committee.

This was held at the Cathedral under the theme: ‘Women of St Anne, carriers of living water to a world that thirsts.’

Mass was led by Fr Victor Ngwenya, Fr Bruce Botha SJ, Fr Thabo Motshegwa, Fr Henry Gonsen, Fr Tshepiso Lekoko, Fr Boshom Mpetsheni and Fr Nkosinathi Nkabinde.

In his reflection, Fr Thabo said: “Before we are members of a sodality, we are Catholic Christ-ians called to the mission of Christ.

“Every day the Lord will call you this year. Many are thirsty, we need to give them water. A deeper understanding of our Christian identity will help us not give water that we ourselves would not drink?”

He encouraged them therefore, not to offer just any kind, but ‘living’ water.

Yvonne Skosana who has been re-elected as president, presented the outgoing committee’s abridged report which highlighted how the sodality has lived out its motto of serving the family, church and community.

As president-elect, she was examined prior to her inaugura-tion. This was followed by her committee and subsequently, all

the incoming deanery executives, receiving committee badges.

The sodality’s new spiritual director, Fr Victor was also presented. He expressed his hope that they would work together harmoniously and with respect. May the God, who has begun this, bring everything to fruition, he said, reiterating Fr Thabo’s plea to sustain priests through prayers.

The new committee comprises Yvonne Skosana (President), Veronica Mesatjwa (Deputy President), Kgabo Boshomane (Secretary), Tinah Musa (Vice Secretary), Baile Makgatho (Treasurer), Lydia Mogalobe. Additional committee members are Anna Maremane, Rosalia Mabote and Emelda Malokotsa.

Lerato Mohone

A Soweto Deanery committee mem-ber receives a badge from President of the St Anne Sodality, Yvonne Skosana.

Members of the Daughters of St Anne Sodality from Holy Rosary, Phiri were happy to lend their support. They are, from left: Brenda Msauli,

Nelisiwe Dubazana and Nguni Kambule.

Incoming committee members in foreground with treasurer, Baile Makgatho, second from left, all smiles.

Aspirants during the act of consecration to St Anne.

St Anne SodalityLeadership, Spruitview

New beginnings 2 68 Daswa feast day · Fr Nkosinathi Nkabinde 072 918 6192...

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