Archdiocese of Pretoria Clergy Retreat Focuses on Journeying Together in Prayer and Fraternity
By Fr. Mathibela Sebothoma
From 15 to 20 September 2024, 40 diocesan and religious priests from the Archdiocese of Pretoria and the Diocese of Rustenburg gathered at the Sizanani Pastoral Centre in Bronkhorstspruit for their annual clergy retreat. The retreat was facilitated by Rev. Dr Fr Nhlanhla Mchunu from the Diocese of Marianhill, who serves as the SACBC ( Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference) Coordinating Secretary of the Department for Formation, Life, and Apostolate of the Laity, as well as the Co-Ordinator for Marriage and Family Life.
The retreat focused on the theme “The Call to Journey Together.” Daily sub-themes included The Weapon of Prayer, Priest: Man of Prayer, Priesthood: A Greater Love, Feelings and Relationship with Christ, Priestly Identity, Priestly Fraternity, and Lost and Found: The Merciful Father. The final day centred on Breaking the Barriers, encouraging priests to reflect on overcoming challenges within their ministry and brotherhood.
Each day commenced with the Adsumus Sancte Spiritus prayer, a traditional invocation attributed to St Isidore of Seville, which has been used at Church Councils and Synods for centuries. This prayer, calling on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, provided a sacred foundation for the retreat’s proceedings as the priests sought spiritual renewal and deeper fraternity.
Rev. Dr Fr Mchunu delivered two conferences daily, offering reflections on the themes and encouraging the participants to engage in personal introspection and a prayerful way of life. Each day also included 45 minutes of Exposition, Adoration, and Benediction. Daily Holy Mass, celebrated by the attending priests, with homilies by Fr Mchunu was filled with sacred songs
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The retreat concluded with a joyful Gaudium, where the priests shared a meal together in a relaxed and informal setting, strengthening bonds of fraternity and fellowship.
Through his insightful talks and the daily prayer sessions, Fr Mchunu helped the priests renew their commitment to Christ, their priestly identity, and the importance of journeying together in their ministry.
Photos by Fr John-Paul Mathebula and Rev Deacon Bongani Mahlangu.
Location: Sizanani Pastoral Centre, Bronkhorstspruit.