By Father Mathibela Sebothoma
Photos by Laurika Nxumalo & Fr. Harry Bopape
The Daughters of Saint Anne (DOSA), also known as Baradi or Amadodakazi, gathered on 9 November for their Annual General Meeting at Sacred Heart Parish in Diepsloot. The meeting, attended by Archbishop Dabula Mpako and Chaplain Father Harry Bopape, was a time to celebrate the 2023-2024 year in the Archbishop’s presence and to report on the sodality’s activities over the past year.
Archbishop Mpako presided over the Holy Mass and delivered an impassioned homily, reminding Baradi that the Church God desires is not merely a building but a living presence—“walking churches” and “living temples” in the world. “Our most fundamental vocation as Christian believers is to be walking churches,” he said. Jesus introduced a new form of worship, with Himself as the Body, becoming the temple where people encounter God in a special way.
Referring to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, he reminded the Daughters of Saint Anne: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” He urged them to be “signposts to God,” radiating warmth and embodying the presence of God wherever they go. Archbishop Mpako encouraged Baradi to be compassionate and forgiving, allowing others to experience the fullness of God through them. “Your first vocation is to be the essence of the temple where God abides,” he said. “You are called to be ministers and ambassadors through whom God is known and experienced.”
In invoking the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Archbishop called on the members to be channels of peace, charity, and generosity in a world often marked by injustice and strife. He urged them to be symbols of hope and joy: “Where there is hatred, let me be the temple of love; where there is injury, let me be the temple where people experience pardon and forgiveness.” He concluded by inspiring the Daughters to shine brightly as beacons of hope and encouragement for all they meet, lifting up those burdened by despair and darkness.
Membership and Activities
In 2024, DOSA’s membership grew significantly from 460 in 2023 to a total of 510, spanning four deaneries within the Archdiocese of Pretoria. Key activities throughout the year underscored DOSA’s commitment to faith, service, and leadership:
- January: The Diocese held an opening Mass at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, led by the Chaplain, where members gathered for an inspiring worship and Holy Mass.
- March: DOSA responded to the Archbishop’s request for assistance by supporting Sizanani Agricultural Centre in Bronkhorspruit. Diocesan and Deanery Executives visited the centre, pledging and later donating 300 sets of bed linens and pillowcases. This effort, achieved with the support of all deaneries, was warmly received by the Centre Manager, Ms. Sibanyoni.
- May: DOSA organized a Leadership Workshop at Sizanani, facilitated by Rev. Fr. Dr. Dikotsi Mofokeng, aimed at empowering Diocesan and Deanery executives. Although attendance was lower than expected, the workshop proved highly informative, culminating in the handover of the pledged bed linens.
- July: The Diocese held a retreat at Woorde n Aksie. Despite a last-minute venue change due to sewerage issues at Sizanani, the retreat saw enthusiastic participation. Members provided feedback to guide future retreats.
- September: DOSA held a one-day pilgrimage to Holy Redeemer in Mmakau. This well-attended event included a closing Mass, which also celebrated the feast of the Nativity of Mary.
- October: Although DOSA had planned to attend a Funday, the event was postponed to 16 November due to the passing of a member from St. Clare Parish in the North West Deanery.
Throughout the year, the Diocese Executive maintained a steady schedule of meetings—both virtual and physical—to plan and evaluate events, as well as to engage with the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council and inter-diocesan meetings.
Participation and Achievements
The Diocese Executive noted improved member participation in events such as funerals, meetings, pilgrimages, and retreats, though acknowledged there is room for further growth.
Some of the highlights for 2024 include:
- Membership growth across all deaneries
- Enhanced liturgical practices
- Improved communication between Deanery and Diocese Executives
- R100,000 donation towards the Archdiocese Seminarians’ Fund
- The first-ever R5,000 donation to Caritas
- Consistent support and guidance from Chaplain Fr. Harry Bopape
- Commemoration of departed DOSA members
- Timely compliance with affiliation and donation commitments
Challenges
The Diocese Executive identified several ongoing challenges:
- The loss of members
- Non-compliance with uniform standards among some members
- Low attendance at certain diocesan duties, such as funerals and events
- Delayed and individual affiliations from some members
- Insufficient support from certain deaneries
Upcoming Events and Recommendations
Looking forward, DOSA is preparing for its 25th Jubilee in 2025, with a Jubilee Committee working closely with the Diocese Executives. Additionally, there is a proposal to increase the annual membership affiliation fee to R600 per person to reduce the need for ad-hoc contributions throughout the year.
To foster stronger community bonds and build trust, the Diocese Executive plans to increase its presence in parishes, creating supportive platforms for addressing concerns and uplifting members spiritually.
In closing, DOSA President Ms. Pinky Dlamini expressed her gratitude for the accomplishments of the past year, thanking both the members and Chaplain Fr. Harry Bopape for their dedication. She attributed their successes to God’s guidance and the light of the Holy Spirit, reaffirming DOSA’s mission to proclaim the Word of God and build a vibrant, believing community.
The Annual General Meeting was a time of inspiration, reflection, and recommitment for the Baradi, as they embraced their sacred role as living temples in the world.
