Provincial Assembly in South Africa

On the first day, the province commemorated Blessed Jean Maria de la Cruz; the Eucharist was presided by Bishop Adam Musialek SCJ of the De Aar Diocese. The South African SCJs also commemorated the late Fr Benno Hansel SCJ who had spent in South Africa more than 50 years of his life serving the province and the local church through his various mission works.

After fraternal sharing and updates from various offices and ministries, the main points of the agenda included: a) strengthening formation team in the Dehon Formation House in Pietermaritzburg, seeking personnel for specialized ministry and for the province; b) the province’s pastoral involvement in various local churches; c) direction of the province for the next few years; and d) pastoral program for the RSA students. The day ended with Adoration and recreation.

On the second day, the assembly began with the Eucharist followed by: reflection on the necessity of improving personal relationships in the Province so to gain deeper understanding and unity among the Confreres; revisiting membership of the various province’s commissions and adding new members; initiating preparations for celebrating the centenary (100 years) presence of the SCJs in South Africa in 2023.

The participants evaluated the gathering as good, open, informative, and the various deliberations constructive. They were happy they could meet after long time due to the pandemic restrictions. Especially the RSA Scholastics expressed their appreciation that they were invited to the gathering and could contribute to the well being of the province already at this stage of their religious and priestly formation. The assembly ended by having common social (braai and recreation). The next day (24 September), the Provincial Council met for its scheduled session, revisited the main points discussed at the assembly, and discussed other urgent matters that concern life of the province.