The naming of a church often has meaning for the local community. In Mogwase in Rustenburg diocese, the local Batswana are traditionally cattle farmers and know how to take care of their livestock.
So it followed that naming the new church thereafter the Good Shepherd, Modisayo o Molemo, would speak clearly to the people that the Good Shepherd takes care of his sheep—a witness to the loving caring presence of God.
The Good Shepherd is the second church at Mogwase, the first being St Theresa’s. The new church building began three years ago, in 2016.
The Good Shepherd was dedicated by Bishop Kevin Dowling of Rustenburg, in the company of parish priest Fr Vincent Brennan and his confrères from the Society of Missionaries for Africa, deacons, church members from surrounding villages, Sisters, visitors (including from overseas) and local neighbours.
A carved statue of Our Lady has been presented to the church by a parish from Britain which had also assisted with donations.
Carved in Kenya, the statue had been given to a retiring priest who returned to the UK. On his death it was bequeathed to his former parish, which felt it should come back to Africa. Now Our Lady of Africa adorns the church of the Good Shepherd.
The church is now open daily for private and public prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
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