Community News

News from the Maputsoe Community, Lesotho (June 2008)

Maputsoe is a very busy mission! They need more hands. One early June weekend, there was a multitude of altar servers from various parishes of the Leribe diocese on a weekend retreat. Bro Tumelo gave them a talk on vocations on Saturday morning. Last Sunday (the 22nd), Bros Tumelo and Moeketsi went to our new mission, in Ha Seleso, to promote this vocation. Bros Thusi and Lesoane had accompanied the young volunteers who had helped during the busy Mokete oa Bacha to a picnic site on the mountains as a way of saying ‘Thank you’ for their hard work. The spotlight was on the Salesian Parents’ Day which was held on Saturday the 21st. The parents of the local Salesians in Lesotho meet twice a year. Bros Lingoane, Tumelo, Leluma, Lesoane and Moeketsi were present. The parents were shown some pictures of the brothers in their various places of apostolate. Then the Brothers gave testimonies about the journey of their vocations. Sr Roberta, the provincial of the Salesian Sisters gave a talk much appreciated by the parents. The meeting was successful. It gave our parents a clearer idea of the life we have chosen and we hope we shall receive more support. The testimonies of the brothers were beautiful. After the testimonies, the parents and the brothers visited a home of Ramafikeng (fondly known as Rama) who passed away two weeks ago. Rama stayed with us for two years as a prenovice. May his soul rest in peace.

Youth from the Robertsham Community, Johannesburg, off to Sydney (June 2008) The group of young people (under the leadership of animator Lucien Augustus), preparing to leave for Sydney, gathered for an evening of reflection at the parish youth centre. Sister Godelieve organised the programme and Frs Canice, Michael and Dufour were present for part of the evening. The group received great support from the parish but also have worked very hard with their families at raising the funds through car-wash events, bingo evenings and a dance at which popular band Calypso played. We wish them a blessed pilgrimage and a fabulous experience. In union of prayer that the fruits of this universal church experience will be many.

SYM Celebration of Mary help of Christians, Ennerdale Community (May 2008)

Those who came to celebrate the feast of Our Lady Help of Christians in Ennerdale on the 24th May wished to build three tents; one for Mary, one for each individual who contributed to make the feast the most wonderful, and one for the SYM in Gauteng region. The same can be said for the Bosco oratory joined by Lawley as they continued with the celebrations the following Sunday afternoon. The SYM met in Ennerdale (All Saints parish) on 24th May 2008. The celebration was organised in such a way that the Eucharist preceded everything else. One might have wondered why there was so much joy after the Eucharistic celebration without realising the impact the provincial's homily had on the young people and as he spoke against xenophobia and linked the feast to the celebrations South Africans have had in this month of May, especially mother's day. If one understands what a mother is, one cannot but appreciate the motherly affection that Mary has for us. About 60+ youths from Bosco Youth Centre/ St. Dominic Savio Parish, Klipriver, Lawley and Ennerdale (the hosts) attended. Br. Lingoane and Sr. Godlive presented inputs on WYD & the planned Mini-WYD. The novices, and the brothers and sisters led some interactive games to break the ice. "We should have occasions like this more often", said one smiling face. Is this not what the theme of WYD is about this year - Allowing the Holy Spirit to be fully alive and ACTIVE in our lives. Wa lala wa sala!!! No Salesian could avoid thanking God for such a wonderful experience; of letting him be with the young as they share their God given talents with others. It was lot's of fun and very Salesian! Among the things portrayed in the talent show were, the oratory of Don Bosco, playground, welcoming house etc. wasn't it Valdoco experience? That was all through dramas, dances, songs, cultural shows etc. Thanks to Br. Mojela who organised the day. I have high hopes about the youth in R.S.A they are wonderful, full of energy to transform their peers, let us not lose heart!!!

Bosco and Lawley Oratory: The above was not all, the celebration continued up until Sunday at Bosco Youth Centre. Bosco oratory had organised the celebration for Sunday 25 May 2008. They would not dare to claim to be the only members of the Marian family, therefore, they invited their fellow oratorions from Lawley to join in - in the Marian celebration. Though it was rainy, I was surprised to see Bosco hall filled with the smiling faces. It is not normal at Bosco to have 80+ children on a wet Sunday. I thank Bosco community for the support they are giving to the oratory. Though most of the community members are not able to be with children full time physically, they are always concerned with how they are keeping, provide material/ financial support. It would be a mistake to forget the novices for the assistence they have given in developing the young. Much is owed also to the FMA Sisters, the oratory leaders and volunteers for their time and energy.