Motherhood, Theotokos and Other Reflections at Ga-Rankuwa New Year’s Mass

by Daluxolo Moloantoa · January 2, 2023

Theotokos – A word that to the average South African ear might sound like an appetiser on a Greek menu, is actually older than many Greek foods. The word is an ancient Greek title for Mary, Mother of God.

Translated, it literally means “God-bearer” or “Birth-giver to God,” in English.

This was the focus of the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God jointly celebrated by Maria Mater Ecclesiae (MME), Holy Cross and the Christ the New Man parishes in Ga-rankuwa, north-west Pretoria yesterday. On the eighth day of Christmas, the feast is observed on January 1 every year, and it is regarded as the most important of all Marian feast days. The Mass was held at the Maria Mater Ecclesiae (MME) parish.

This is primarily so because the Blessed Virgin Mary, as the protector of life and family, intercedes to protect the natural family. As part of the Mass service, a candle-lighting ceremony was held. Representatives of each family present came forth to light a candle in front of the altar. The candle lighting was followed by the singing of the Creed.

This was followed by an offertory procession, where various symbolic gifts were offered. For each gift, an explanation was given as to why it was being offered. A loaf of bread was meant to be a sign of God`s generosity towards humankind. It symbolises health, luck and prosperity.

A cross was a symbol of resurrection, of Christ`s victory over death. A broom was a symbol of fertility, freedom and luck. A bunch of flowers expressed hope purity and power.

In his homily, parish priest of all three Ga-rankuwa parishes Fr Harrison Mulenga CSS gave a broader explanation of the word Theotokos.

“To a certain extent, it expresses the love bestowed upon Mary for the baby Jesus, Joseph and humanity at large,” he said. He went further to urge women to be deliberate about empowering each other especially in Church structures and in the general society. Equally, he urged men to give space to their spouses “lead the family, and to fulfil the unique talents that they are blessed with”.

A speech titled “A Talk on the Family” was given by Mrs Nhlapo, accompanied by her husband. The couple represented the Family Life ministry in the North-West deanery of the archdiocese of Pretoria. In her speech, Mrs Nhlapo outlined the roles of fathers, mothers and children as explained in varying books of the bible. “As Catholics, it is our duty to guide our families towards what God wants from us. It is His intention for all families to live blessed lives”, she said. She concluded by stating that the year 2023 is one in which families needed to strive for unity of the family.