A Christmas Treat for the Elderly
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newsnewsA publication of the Catholic Archdiocese of Johannesburg Remembering e-Toll update catechists 8 Year of Faith Year of Family closing Telephone3 (011) 402 6400 • www.catholicjhb.org.za4 5 JANUARY 2014 ADAD Val Thornton (centre), personal New beginnings at St Augustine College assistant to the President of St Augustine College, the Catholic “We got it wrong.” These were the University of South Africa, flanked by words of Bobby Godsell, chairman Rev Dr Michael van Heerden, outgoing of the board of directors, referring to president, and incoming president the suspension of the undergraduate Sr Dr Madge Karecki SSJ-TOSF. programme at St Augustine. He said A Christmas he recognised the role the board, of Dr Nicolas Rowe, head of which he is chairperson, had played School of Humanities, paid tribute treat for and regrets it – and apologises. to each of the members of staff “Our failure was that we ran out who, as a result of the closure of of money and lost control of our the undergraduate programme, the elderly destiny,” he said. was made to appoint her, a storm have to seek positions elsewhere. The failure was had broken out and Sr Madge was Although they were parting under “rained upon” in Chicago. Never- shidi Ramogase (left), a Methodist, who is a deeper than cash strained and uncertain circum- theless she came to take up the stances, he wanted to acknowledge passionate listener of Radio Veritas donated management. There was position she had accepted. each one’s contribution to the R15 000 towards the hosting of a “pamper” no unified vision for the T college and later, a disputed Sr Madge thanked all for the legacy of St Augustine College and breakfast for the radio station goggos who regularly vision which led to the final crash. warm welcome she had received in students. “You have left something phone in. The event was held at St Therese’s Edenvale. But, he said, the same mistake the two days since her arrival and that will last,” he said. Tshidi said her best friend, a devout Catholic, introduced her would not be repeated. Financial promised to give herself 100%. Staff, students and associates to Radio Veritas, and “I have not stopped listening since. If you sustainability was possible and he Rev Dr Michael van Heerden of St Augustine gathered on 22 go to my car, it is tuned there,” she said. was confident that the road would also apologised for the failure of November for what Godsell, called Tshidi was touched by the warmth of the elderly callers and be found. the project. a bitter-sweet celebration, bidding decided to treat them to a special breakfast, with delicious food, In welcoming Sister Dr Madge Professor Marilise Smurth- farewell to the staff who have had entertainment by choirs and beauty therapists who treated them Karecki as new president of the waite paid tribute to Sr Edith Raidt had to leave the college as a result to massages. college, Godsell said that she was and Professor Rex van Vuuren, of the suspension of the Seen here with Tshidi is Tebo Musi having a massage by “related” to the troubles the college Academic Dean and Prof of undergraduate programme. therapist Thabisili Phungwyo. had experienced. Once the decision Psychology who retired. the international survey. At the time of writing, the bishops of the United Pope Francis Wants to States have not yet acted, while those by Thomas Plastow SJ First live of England and Wales have already Know What got an on-line questionnaire up and broadcast for running. In South Africa, the Arch- You Think diocese of Cape Town has already Radio Veritas n October 2014, the Church will be begun to question members of the t was a dream fulfilled. So holding an extra-ordinary synod of parish pastoral councils. One hopes said Fr Emil Blaser at the first Ibishops to discuss matters related to that ordinary Catholics, and even live broadcast of the radio family life. Something new has been disaffected Catholics, will have their Istation from St Benedict’s added to the preparations of this synod: say. College. A Christmas service, an international survey of Catholics at What are you going to do in your with carols sung by the boys, was parish level. There has never been such Church’s official teachings. But Pope diocese, and when? The Roman Curia broadcast on 576MW from new an open appeal in modern times, and Francis appears to be looking for ways wants bishops to reply next month, equipment which allows outside we would be foolish to miss out on the to reach out to those who may have and our bishops’ conference is saying broadcasting. opportunity to make a lively fallen away from those teachings. that now is the time to write to your “The voice of the church can contribution. Some bishops may be reluctant to send local bishop with your views. Go to now be heard live from different The document from Rome contains the views of their people to Rome if the SACBC website to find the venues, opening up new doors 38 specific questions on topics such they are not in accordance with what questions and get your parish and for our Catholic radio station,” he as: difficulties in living Christian family Rome has taught. Likewise, many lay deanery motivated (or find them said. Fr Blaser said he was look- life, cohabitation, contraception, same- people will be cautious of writing attached). The Pope is asking us to ing forward to interacting with sex unions, polygamy, single-parent anything that they think their bishop say what we think. Let’s not say that many people and organisations to families and feminism. Archbishop won’t want to see in print. We Catholics we did not have the opportunity to do many more live broadcasts. Lorenzo Baldisseri, the secretary have become very good at self- make our voices Ordination general of the Synod of Bishops, has censorship! There is nothing to fear heard. asked local bishops’ conferences to from a survey. Theology doesn’t change distribute the survey “as widely as with the mood of the public, but the Fr Shaun Von Lilienfeld congratu- possible to deaneries and parishes so way in which the Church ministers to ADNews lating Joachim Malunga on his that input from local sources can be people can only improve once the wishes all its ordination which took place at the received”. (You can find out more on Synod of Bishops hears about the Cathedral on 14 December. the Vatican website.) challenges being faced by families and readers a happy, Archbishop Buti Tlhagale presided Bishops are not used to canvassing individuals. holy Christmas assisted by Fr Stanley Masilom- the opinions of the lay people. Many It will be interesting to see how the pana. See page 8. and a blessed see their role as giving their people the various bishops’ conferences “roll out” New Year. January 2014 [email protected] Volume 28 No 8 1 Pope’s Intentions Hamba Kahle Tata! for January CATHOLIC hancery staff were lucky enough to General. That all may promote was going to be dearly missed. His death has brought ARCHDIOCESE celebrate the extraordinary life of authentic economic development that unity amongst South Africans as black and white speak OF Nelson Mandela in Vilakazi Street on respects the dignity of all peoples. JOHANNESBURG C of their love for him in one voice. Many here will be December 6, the day after Madiba’s death. Missionary. That Christians of drawing on that same spirit for strength, that ‘Madiba By coincidence, the staff Christmas party was diverse denominations may walk magic’ over the next few months. Fr Xavier Barongo DIRECTORY booked there and we had the privilege of being towards the unity desired by Christ. said that God was good to South Africans by giving us 2013 – 2015 there to witness the celebration of his passing by Nelson Mandela as our president at a crucial moment local residents, just a few hours after his death. in our history. FOR SALE FROM Confirmations Madiba will be greatly remembered by Gauteng premier, Nomvula Mokonyane said whilst His Grace, Archbishop Buti THE ARCHDIOCESE people from all over the world. As the world we are saddened by Madiba’s passing, we will continue Tlhagale will administer the COST R10.00 continues to mourn the death of this great man, to celebrate our freedom and his legacy. Archbishop Sacrament of Confirmation to Please contact the Chancery South Africans vow that they are going to do Buti Tlhagale was amongst thousands of people who young people of the following 011 402 6400 good in trying to help others, a value Madiba gathered at FNB Stadium for the official memorial Parishes in January. Beverley so fondly instilled in each one of us. South service. Lebo WA Majahe Pray for them. [email protected] Africans crowded into churches, Sunday 19 January 09:00 or Lisa mosques, temples and synagogues to Nyolohelo Sebokeng [email protected] remember former president Mandela on Sunday 8 December. At Regina Mundi, parish priest Patronal Feasts Fr Sebas-tian Rossouw called 1 January Mandela “a light in the darkness” Mary Mother of God. and praised his capacity for St Mary’s, Hyde Park and all “humility and forgiveness.” Marian parishes. A group of children described 24 January St Francis de Sales. Salesians Mandela as “a wise man,” as they 27 January chanted very loudly and said he St Angela, Dobsonville. (1934 and 1961) Chancery staff were privileged to 31 January St John Bosco, Robertsham. be in Vilakazi Street the day after (1957) Madiba's death.