Archdiocese of Pretoria Commemorates Deceased Clergy and Religious in Annual All Souls Mass
By Fr Mathibela Sebothoma, Pretoria — 4 November 2024
On 4 November, the Archdiocese of Pretoria gathered at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart to honour deceased clergy and Religious Sisters and Brothers in the annual Commemoration of All the Clergy & Religious Faithful Departed Mass. Presided over by Archbishop Dabula Mpako, and joined by Auxiliary Bishop Masilo Selemela and Archbishop Emeritus William Slattery, the Mass saw clergy and Religious assemble in reverent purple vestments — symbolising penance and prayer for the faithful departed.
During the service, the names of the deceased clergy and Religious were solemnly read by representatives, accompanied by sacred hymns. Votive candles, lit from the Easter candle symbolising Christ as the light of the world, were offered in tribute. This act powerfully echoes Jesus’ promise: “I am the light of the world; no follower of mine shall ever walk in darkness” (John 8:12). In his introduction
, Archbishop Mpako encouraged the faithful to carry on the work of their predecessors, highlighting their foundational role in building the local Church. He urged the Church community to embrace synodality — a journey of shared responsibility, listening, and collaboration — to deepen unity and strengthen the mission of the Church.
Bishop Selemela offered inspirational words, observing that the deceased now serve as powerful intercessors who support the Church through prayer. He emphasised the Eucharist as the foundation of the Church’s mission, describing it as a source of hope and strength amid the struggles clergy and Religious face. “God lifts us up in our fight with the forces of darkness,” he affirmed, calling upon all to respect and promote life.
Following the Mass, the congregation processed to Rebecca Street Cemetery, where most of the Archdiocese’s clergy and Religious are interred. Bishop Selemela led prayers for the dead and presided over the unveiling of the tombstones of Fr Jonathan Shand, SCP, and Fr Obed Tlhalefang Ramoipone. Fr Shand, who died on 2 April 2019, and Fr Ramoipone, born on 6 September 1976 and passing on Christmas Day in 2021, were honoured in the presence of their family members and loved ones.
Afterwards, attendees gathered in the church hall for a delicious Agape meal prepared by the Catholic Women’s League of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. The meal fostered a spirit of fellowship, enabling clergy, Religious, and laity to connect and reflect on the legacy of those who served the Church before them.
This annual Mass fosters a deep sense of gratitude, community, and remembrance, as the Archdiocese honours the labour of past clergy and Religious, and seeks to advance their mission with renewed faith and a commitment to journeying together in synodality.