Sacred Heart Sodality’s Annual Retreat: A Gathering of Faith and Commitment

By Fr. Mathibela Sebothoma, Woord en Aksie, Pretoria — October 27, 2024

In a powerful testament to devotion, unity, and service, 400 members of the Sacred Heart Sodality gathered at the Woord en Aksie Conference Centre just outside Pretoria for their annual retreat. The retreat, led by the sodality’s dedicated chaplain, Fr. Amos Mabuti Masemola, offered members a rejuvenating experience grounded in prayer and reflection.

Welcoming attendees, Fr. Masemola emphasized the significance of the retreat, stating, “This is a time of prayer and reflection. Through activities such as this retreat, it shows you remain resolute in advancing and realising the objectives of the sodality as outlined in your constitution.” He further encouraged the congregation, calling it “a moment of grace and spiritual nourishment to every member present,” while expressing his delight at the presence of young members, signaling a thriving future for the sodality and the Church at large. Fr. Masemola highlighted the retreat’s goal to deepen participants’ love and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, symbolizing a wellspring of love and unity.

Themed around John 15:16, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you,” the retreat’s message was expanded upon by Fr. John-Paul Mathebula, offering fresh perspectives on living out one’s calling with purpose and dedication.

Representing the Archdiocese of Pretoria, Bishop Masilo Selemela extended warm thanks on behalf of Archbishop Dabula Mpako. “You are doing wonderful things,” he affirmed, commending the sodality’s active response to the call to serve, which included a R100,000 donation towards the restoration of the Sizanani Pastoral Centre. This generous donation is integral to the center’s ongoing development, which, once complete, will host future retreats and conferences.

In addition to supporting the Sizanani Pastoral Centre, the Sacred Heart Sodality contributed R100,000 to the Seminary Fund to assist with the formation of future priests. Currently, the Archdiocese has two seminarians at Saint John Vianney Seminary—Brothers Kagiso Mokibelo David Semenya and Obakeng Innocent Masetlha—both expected to complete their training in 2025. Bishop Selemela urged continued prayers for vocations, emphasizing the importance of strong families as a foundation for future religious life and the priesthood.

The sodality also donated R10,000 to Caritas Pretoria, the Archdiocese’s charity branch, further reflecting their commitment to helping those in need.

During his homily, Bishop Selemela referenced Pope Francis’s latest encyclical, Dilexit Nos (“He Loved Us”), released on October 24, 2024. This timely document reaffirms the Sacred Heart’s symbolism of divine and human love, presenting it as a source of compassion that resonates with today’s fragmented society. The Pope’s message highlights the need for “the heart” in a world increasingly impacted by technology and consumerism, underscoring Jesus’s love as a powerful antidote to societal challenges.

The President of the Sacred Heart Sodality in the Archdiocese of Pretoria, Mr. Reginald “Reg” Masemola, also addressed the members, reflecting on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The pandemic had a huge impact on us as a sodality, particularly the disruption it caused to our calendar programme,” he shared. “As regulations eased, we slowly returned to our normal programme, and almost three years later, we were fortunate to see the return of the 3-day Annual Retreat.”

Masemola celebrated the strong attendance, with 395 members in attendance, noting, “It was beautiful to witness the united spirit that flowed throughout the weekend, accompanied by the discipline and open-heartedness of our members. Building that deep and personal relationship with the loving Christ in order to take His love and concern to all people, especially the needy, oppressed, and poor, was the mandate we aimed to achieve from these efforts.” He also extended gratitude to the spiritual leaders, Fr. Amos Masemola and Fr. JP Mathebula, and the plenary team for their dedication, which made the retreat possible.

The retreat concluded with a special ceremony honoring long-standing members. Twenty members celebrating 25 years of continuous membership received Silver Jubilee certificates, while Rose Masoga and Lizzy Makama were recognized with Golden Jubilee certificates for 50 years of dedicated service. These milestones are a testament to the enduring devotion and faith that characterizes the Sacred Heart Sodality.

As Bishop Selemela reminded everyone, “Let us work together to build the Church of Christ,” he inspired all gathered to embody the compassion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, renewing their commitment to their mission within the Church and the broader community.


Sacred Heart Sodality Members Honored for Long Service

Silver Jubilee Certificates (25 Years of Service)

  • Joyce Makola
  • Rebecca Modiba
  • Andrew Stalmeester
  • Thuli Tom
  • Kgomongwe Amos
  • Agnes Ledwaba
  • Herminah Chechane
  • Cecilia Ramoupi
  • Lydia Kamashu
  • Maria Ngobeni
  • Sylvia Masoga
  • Nthabiseng Meyer
  • Florina Mokete
  • Regina Zwane
  • Henry Mbewe
  • Maria Mkhize
  • Miriam Legodi
  • RG Mabula
  • V Molefyane
  • F Sishongwe
  • A Phakoe

Golden Jubilee Certificates (50 Years of Service)

  • Rose Masoga
  • Lizzy Makama