Catholic Women’s League Archdiocese of Pretoria Visits Sizanani Children’s Home
Inspiring Act of Faith and Charity
Sizanani, 29 March 2025 – In an inspiring act of faith and charity, members of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) from the Archdiocese of Pretoria visited Sizanani Children’s Home to celebrate Holy Mass and donate much-needed essentials to the residents. The Home, which cares for children and adults living with physical and mental disabilities, has been adopted as a diocese-wide charity initiative by the CWL.
CWL’s Commitment to Sizanani Home
According to Ms. Lemao Dorah Modise, Deputy President of the Catholic Women’s League in the Archdiocese of Pretoria, “The CWL in the Archdiocese of Pretoria adopted the Sizanani Children’s Home as its diocese-wide charity initiative, over and above the many other charities supported by different CWL branches.”
The visiting members were from Maria Regina Catholic Church (Lyttelton), St. John Fisher Catholic Church (Lynnwood), and the Catholic Church of the Beatitudes (Zwavelpoort). They generously provided basic necessities, including bed linen, detergents, toiletries, and food items.
A Day of Spiritual Fellowship
“The children, caregivers, and members of the CWL started the day with Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Mathibela Sebothoma,” said Ms. Modise. “After Mass, we spent time with the residents of the Home, sharing moments of joy and companionship.”
CWL’s Long-Term Support for Sizanani
Ms. Hlezi Marele, Chairperson of the Catholic Women’s League from the Church of the Beatitudes in Zwavelpoort, highlighted the ongoing commitment of the CWL to the Sizanani Home. “The motto of the Catholic Women’s League is Charity, Work, and Loyalty. The League of the Archdiocese of Pretoria has adopted the Sizanani Home of children with special needs as its dedicated project. To advance this, the CWL has allocated a fund to donate to the Home, and this is used to purchase specific items identified by the Home. These items are delivered on a quarterly basis by League branches.”
Donations to Promote Well-Being
In line with the mission of Sizanani—to care for people with disabilities and improve their quality of life—the CWL’s donations of toiletries, linen, and foodstuffs aim to promote well-being among the Home’s residents. “Sharing Holy Mass with children with special needs was very memorable. Seeing them receive the ‘Body of Christ’ is a reminder that we are all children of God. As long as there is life, there is hope,” Marele reflected.
She emphasized that charity work is at the core of the CWL’s mission. “Caring for those in need is central to our ministry. Participation in spiritual upliftment is something we promote among our members, which is why celebrating Holy Mass with the Home’s children today was so significant.”
Sisterhood and Community Engagement
Ms. Marele further stated, “The objective of the CWL is to unite Catholic women in their service to God, the Church, and those in need. Today’s visit was about sisterhood, where five CWL branches in the Archdiocese of Pretoria came together to spend time with the Home’s children. We aim to make a difference, no matter how small our contributions may seem.”
The CWL’s presence and support provide a great sense of encouragement to the children and caregivers at Sizanani. “Our contributions make a difference, no matter how small,” Marele noted. “Being present and spending time with the children brings hope and joy. The children truly value the time spent with visitors.”
Fundraising and Financial Support
The CWL also plays an essential role in fundraising for the Home. In 2024, the organization donated R100,000 towards capital equipment for Sizanani. “Working for charity and serving our communities is what we stand for and promote. Being a member of the CWL means engaging in social welfare activities, such as caring for those with special needs. Raising funds to support the charity work we focus on is a key priority for us as members at the parish level,” Marele emphasized.
A Profound Spiritual Experience
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Modise shared her personal encounter with the Sizanani community. “For me, Sizanani Home is a place where one encounters God. The children and young adults at the center have an amazing sense of calm, a purity that is effortless. While we may be tempted to pity their condition, if you look deeper, you see that they are the most peaceful, humble, and embracing people. The caregivers at Sizanani are also inspiring. Theirs is not just a job; it is a calling to care for fellow brothers and sisters. I pray for their continued strength and patience as they journey through life with these special individuals.”
She concluded, “I leave Sizanani today filled with deep love for my fellow brothers and sisters, irrespective of their circumstances. The material gifts we brought today cannot compare to the spiritual growth and wealth that one gains from this encounter.”
CWL’s Ongoing Commitment
The Catholic Women’s League of the Archdiocese of Pretoria remains committed to working alongside Archbishop Dabula Mpako, Bishop Selemela, and the Sizanani Center team in their efforts to rebuild, uplift, and revitalize the Home. Through their continued support, they ensure that Sizanani remains a beacon of hope for the most vulnerable in the community.