Attacks on Priests and Churches on the Increase
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newsnewsA publication of the Catholic Archdiocese of Johannesburg The new shrine 3 World Refugee Day 4Fire disaster 9 Fun in the sun with the CWL Telephone (011) 402 6400 • www.catholicjhb.org.za AUGUST 2016 Tshireletso Modisane, Kopano Nkwasa, Mosa Tsholetsane and Nyakallo AD n the evening of the Feast ADThinane at the Catholic Women League’s 10th annual fete which was held in Victory Park and which was, as usual, a great success. of Apostles and Martyrs, Attacks on priests and OPeter and Paul, the Soweto deanery faithful converged on Ordination at Holy Cross, Zola to thank God for churches on the increase sparing the life of parish priest, Fr St Angela’s, Malesela Dikgale. This follows a break-in attempt in the presbytery Dobsonville in the small hours of the prior Newly-ordained Sunday. Fr Theodore Macupe with This is the third time parishes Fr Francis Muturi, parish Fr Malesela priest of St Angela’s, under his leadership have been Dikgale Dobsonville. struck by criminals. First it was describing the the statue of the Blessed Virgin events of that n a chilly Saturday morning on as the new Auxiliary Bishop of the Mary in his second parish, fateful Sunday O16 July, St Angela’s, Dobsonville Archdiocese. welcomed, as one of its sons, In his homily Bishop Duncan St Theresa, Zondi that was stolen. Theodore Macupe when he was advised Fr Theo never to tire of This was followed by the theft ordained to the priesthood. The being merciful to people in his of the tabernacle at Holy Cross. pray for your priests, tighten-up complicit by buying ill-gotten occasion drew people from as far ministry. Soweto deanery dean, Fr Joseph security. We don’t want to receive goods,” he pleaded. He added: afield as Germany and East Africa. "The authority you exercise is not Matsau, principal celebrant a call informing us to collect your “Let us also pray for the Fr Theodore Macupe did his orien- your personal authority," he added. Fr Victor Ngwenya, Frs Tente priest in a body bag. Who will perpetrators, that they may be tation year at St Kizito in Cape Town The newly-ordained priest gave Sompane, Patrick Dladla, Tom administer sacraments? Stop being converted.” Lerato Mohone and then proceeded to St John thanks to the Lord for the gift of Segami, Francis Muturi, Ugwu Vianney Seminary in Pretoria. He vocations, the Bishop, Vicar for Johnson and parish priest, Fr Male- Other crime incidents in churches: ended his formation years at the vocations and particularly thanked sela Dikgale concelebrated the Soweto Deanery Apostles of Jesus University in his grandmother for having thanksgiving Mass. They were - Fr Victor Ngwenya at Holy Rosary, Phiri together with another Kenya. Fr Thabo Motshegwa, the brought him up in the faith. priest and a friend were tied-up, threatened with guns, presbytery current Episcopal Vicar for Voca- The choir led the liturgy with assisted by deacons Theodore tions was the inspiration behind beautiful singing of Swahili, Sotho, Macupe, Edward Nyembe and clean out, bank cards taken and money withdrawn, two cars stolen Fr Macupe's interest in the priest- Tswana and English hymns. About Ernest Madondo and the parish’s which were later found abandoned in Soweto hood. The history and relationship of 30 priests were in attendance, seminarians, Brs Ziphozakhe - Blessed Isidore Bakanja, Protea Glen – attempt on the tabernacle the two priests goes back to early including Fr George Njonge who Ngwenya, Vusi Nhlapo and - Good Shepherd, Protea North – Water pumps/taps were stolen 2000 when Fr Motshegwa was was Fr Theo's parish priest, but now Nkosinathi Mhlambi from - Regina Mundi, Moroka – Speaker, water taps, vehicle during a parish priest at St Angela’s. working in Germany. Our Lady of Mercy, Emndeni. funeral and a school bus during a Grade 7s Mass Bishop Duncan Tsoke was the All were treated to a three- Fr Malesela’s family also Vaal Deanery ordaining bishop,and marked course meal after Mass, with a live attended Mass. - St Charles, Orange Farm. Thieves broke into the church and took Fr Theo's ordination as a highlight in band entertaining the people. A “When Archbishop Buti decided what they wanted. They also broke into the presbytery, forced his episcopate, as it was the first thanksgiving Mass was celebrated to move the Comboni Missionaries entry to the garage and broke Fr Job Plinga’s car window and priestly ordination he presided over the next day. Lebo Wa Majahe to shepherd the flock in Orange helped themselves to a battery, tyres and a few other belongings. Farm, he asked priests to volunteer to serve the parish. Because Zola Commissioning of new parish is notorious for its crime, there was murmurings amongst us. This Farewell, Msgr Finlayson pastoral councils courageous priest, Fr Malesela, n 9 June the Johannesburg said to God, “I am your servant, Interdiocesan Tribunal said Lord, send me” said homilist, Ofarewell to Msgr John Fr Patrick. He also recounted an Finlayson, its long-serving Judicial incidence of an elderly priest who, Vicar. having served the church for Mgsr Finlayson, who is also approximately 60 years, asked his parish priest of St Joseph’s, Prim- rose. He was also Vicar General of attackers: “What have I done to the Archdiocese for many years. you?” before giving up his spirit. Some of the incoming PPC representatives He will be returning to his home Fr Victor said priests are country, Australia. he commissioning of the new members of the Parish Pastoral humans, they feel pain and these Fr John, having celebrated his Councils (PPC) and Archdiocesan Pastoral Council (APC) took place threats on their lives affect their 80th birthday last year, will reside families as well. and offer some priestly ministry to Ton 6 July at Cathedral Place. The department of evangelisation’s vicar From left: Bishop Joe Sandri MCCJ, “Love and look after your the diocese of Bunbury, Australia and spiritual director, Fr Gabriel Afagbegee, programme directed the Marieke Vrugtman, Fr Pat Gallagher priests,” said Fr Joseph, “ensure where some members of his family occasion and introduced the department’s staff, incoming APC executive SPS and Fr Thabo Motshegwa. live. and co-opted members, as well as Theo Kgapola who will represent the they are warm in these icy Seated is Mgsr John Finlayson. Archdiocese in the SACBC’s Laity Council. Continued on page 8. temperatures, pray for vocations, Photo: Sr Maureen Rooney HC August 2016 [email protected] Volume 31 No 4 1 Pope’s Intentions: August General. That sports may be an opportunity for Confirmations friendly encounters between peoples and may Khwezi Cele, St Benedict’s College Grade 8 Baptism – Zondi contribute to peace in the world. pupil was confirmed by Archbishop Buti Tlha- Fr Malesela Dikgale and Missionary. That Christians may live the gale at St Hubert’s, Alexandra on 11 June. In Deacon Edward Nyembe Gospel, giving witness to faith, honesty, and attendance was Fr Ronald Cairns, the parish administered the sacrament love of neighbor. priest and OMI provincial, and Fr Thabo of baptism on children at Mothiba the chaplain at St Benedict’s. St Theresa, Zondi on 2 July CONFIRMATIONS Young people will receive the sacrament of confirmation in August at the following parishes. Pray for them. New Altar Fri 5 17:00 Sacred Heart Katlehong Servers’ Sun 7 09:00 St Anthony Coronationville Received – Fri 19 18:00 Our Lady of Sorrows Nigel Sat 20 15:00 St Francis of Assisi Reiger Park Zondi Sun 21 08:00 St Pius Mofolo Alexandra New altar servers at Fri 26 16:00 Our Lady of Dolours Carletonville St Theresa, Zondi were Sat 27 15:00 St Anthony Pucci Duduza received on 26 June. Behind Sun 28 08:30 Good Shepherd Protea North is parish priest, Fr Malesela Dikgale PATRONAL FEASTS IN AUGUST 3rd St Philip Benizi, Meyerton (1960) 4th St John Vianney. Pray for our seminarians. 8th St Dominics, Boksburg (1910) 11th St Clare, Orange Farm 12th Blessed Isidore Bakanja, Protea Glen (1996) 15th Our Lady of the Assumption, Molapo (1959) 21st St Pius X, Mofolo (1956) St John Bosco 22nd Mary Queen of the Apostles, Munsieville (1926) 23rd St Rose of Lima, Botleng Archbishop Buti J Tlhagale OMI conferred the sacrament of confir- 25th St Louis, Thulantwana mation on 25 candidates on 28 May at St John Bosco, Robertsham. 28th St Augustine, Germiston (1896) and Orange Farm It was a beautiful and moving Mass enjoyed by all who attended. 28th St Augustine College, Linden (1999) 29th St John the Baptist, Brakpan (1918) Chancery 011 402-6400 Community Notice Board For all departments Could you not spend Saturday 6 August 10:00 an hour with me? Are you called to be Ordination to the priesthood of Holy Hour 15:00 -16:00 a diocesan priest? Tshepo Sentle Lekoko Every Saturday Sung Chaplet of The Divine Mercy Join the Saturday 6 August 10:00-15:30 St Alberts, Vosloorus. All welcome at the invitation of the Assumption Convent Chapel discernment group Session 4 “I believe in the Holy Spirit” – Fr Phuti Makgabo Archdiocese and the Lekoko family. Pandora Rd, Malvern. Contact Vicar for Vocations, Enquiries 074-193-0449 St Margaret, Diepkloof Father Thabo 082 824 6394 Tuesday 9 August 13:00-17:00 Facebook Thabo Motshegwa Saturday 6 August 10:00-15:30 South Deanery Mercy Retreat St Anne’s Home Session 5 “I believe in the Holy Followed by Mass for Aged Women, Catholic Church” – Sr Tarsycja Conducted by Bohareng at St Francis Edenvale, has accommodation Cathedral Place Xavier, Martindale available. A CWL project. Catechetics Department All are welcome.