St Martin de Porres Parish Welcomes Fr Norbert Munekani SJ

By Selby Makgotho – On a freezing Sunday morning worshippers welcomed the new parish priest for St Martin de Porres parish in Orlando West, Soweto, Johannesburg.

Jesuit Father Norbert Munekani was confirmed as the new parish priest after serving time as the priest of the Holy Trinity parish in Braamfontein.

Fr Munekani, who received a heroes welcome amid the Covid-19 compliance rules and regulations, was presented to the congregation by the Jesuit local superior, Fr Russell Pollitt SJ.

In the homily, Fr Pollitt emphasised the significance of compassion among society.

Making reference to the cross of Jesus Christ, which is hanging in the centre of the wall behind the altar, Fr Pollitt said it symbolised the compassion and connection between us and God and also among members of the Christian community and the broader Church in the world.

“Compassion is a very significant and amazing phenomenon that we need to live and abide with. Jesus showed compassion to us. It is us in turn who should show compassion to one another,” Fr Pollitt said.

“We are all created in the image of God. By showing compassion to one another we represent God and emphasise his existence among us all times. We should create and sustain a habit of loving and caring for one another. In this trying times of Covid-19, God calls on us to be more compassionate to one another than ever before,” Fr Pollitt stressed, before turning his attention to Fr Munekani, who, he said, had also shown compassion and love for his community and the broader Catholic community.

“Let us support our priests. Let’s show compassion to one another,” he said.

Fr Munekani said he was honoured to serve the St Martin de Porres community and looked forward to a meaningful stay in the parish.

He welcomed his appointment which was read out to the congregation by Fr Pollitt and thanked him for making time to introduce him