Pretoria — The Catholic Women’s Association (CWA) celebrated a significant milestone in 2024, marking 60 years of faithful service to the Church and community. This year, 800 members gathered at Woord en Aksie for their Annual Conference under the theme of “Faith and Action.” The CWA has remained a vital part of the Church’s mission, deeply committed to both spiritual and financial support for the Church, as highlighted during this landmark gathering.
The conference was officially declared open by Ms Moipone Mathole, the Interdiocesan Secretary of CWA from the Diocese of Polokwane. The event featured various insightful addresses from Deanery chaplains of the CWA in the Archdiocese of Pretoria, each covering diverse themes aimed at inspiring and equipping members for their roles in the Church. Among the speakers were:
- Fr. Erick Samson Mwakibete OFMcap, who spoke on “Evangelising in a Digital World,” encouraging members to embrace technology in spreading the Gospel.
- Fr. Cephas Mubanga CSS, who discussed “The Word Acted Upon Revealing Our Faith,” emphasising the importance of living out one’s faith through actions.
- Fr. Zanele Lebelo, whose theme was “Changing the Inside to Change the Outside,” focusing on personal transformation as the key to impacting the world around us.
- Fr. Tlholegelo Rapule, who spoke on “Spiritual Wellness in the Golden Years—Aging Gracefully,” offering guidance on maintaining spiritual health in later life.
- Fr. Thabiso Ledwaba, who addressed “Remembering God’s Grace in the Storms of Life,” reminding attendees of God’s enduring presence even in times of trial.
Bishop Masilo Selemela, addressing the assembly, encouraged the women to continue being “phenomenal women who make a difference in the community,” reminding them that the Gospel “lives and acts” through them. He called upon the CWA to make better use of their God-given talents, emphasising that no one can claim they lack the ability to serve God. “God does not want us to compete with one another but to complement each other with our personal gifts,” Bishop Selemela said.
Bishop Selemela also pointed out the different personalities within the Church: “Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who don’t know what is happening.” He commended the CWA members for their active role in “making things happen” and contributing to the Church’s mission, especially through their financial support.
The Archdiocese of Pretoria, under the leadership of Bishop Selemela and Archbishop Dabula Mpako, is actively working towards building a self-reliant and self-sustaining Church. The CWA’s financial contributions, aligned with the Archdiocese’s Pastoral Plan, continue to play a vital role in achieving this vision. This year, their donations included:
- R100,000 towards the formation of future diocesan priests,
- R120,000 for the renovation and upgrading of the borehole at the Sizanani Pastoral Centre,
- R15,000 to Radio Veritas, South Africa’s only Catholic radio station,
- R10,000 to Caritas South Africa, managed by the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
In total, the CWA contributed R245,000 to various Church initiatives, exemplifying their commitment to both faith and action.
Archbishop Mpako, expressing pride in the CWA’s consistent support, said, “Everywhere we go, we can’t miss the presence of the Catholic Women’s Association. The Church is alive because you are alive.” He also introduced Fr Gabriel Kwedo as the new chaplain of the CWA, ensuring the continued spiritual guidance of this vibrant sodality.
The Catholic Women’s Association’s 60th anniversary not only celebrates their rich legacy but also serves as a reminder of their vital role in the growth and sustainability of the Archdiocese. With their unwavering dedication to service, the CWA continues to be a beacon of faith, action, and generosity in the Church.
By Fr. Mathibela Sebothoma
