The Infinite Joy: Sr Mary Shange’s 40th Anniversary

by Admin · June 23, 2023

By Sr Margaret Mary Makuwerere: – On June 9, 2023, South African Provincial Superior, Sr Mary Shange SU celebrated her 40th anniversary of religious profession. The celebration was held at the South Africa Provincial House in Libode, Mthatha Diocese, with Bishop Sithembele Sipuka of Mthatha Diocese as the main celebrant.

In his homily, Bishop Sipuka outlined the three sources of joy which the first reading (Tobit 11:5-15) brought up. These sources were;

Tobit’s sight was restored and able to see his son Tobias,
Tobias had found a wife,
Tobias had brought home the money which was needed to help his family.

Though this Joy was more material, Tobias praised God, who is the source of all the Joy. The Infinite Joy is God’s Gift to us. Whenever we connect our life with God, the result is an unfading state of joy. In the Gospel of the day (Mark 12:35-37), the crowds who listened to Jesus explaining His Divine Nature were delighted. It is a joy to know that the God we believe in is God and is ever present in all circumstances. The ability to know God’s Presence and rely on Him always is what the religious are striving to proclaim through their vows. Through our vows, we express our joy to the Lord by promising to find all in Him. Whatever sacrifices that we make along the way, we trust that our union with God is fulfilling, and that truth is, enough for us.

40 years of religious life is indeed a motivation to the young generation as it is a proof that this life is possible. Hardships, challenges, difficulties, fears, and many more are part of the journey. However, these struggles are nothing compared to the Joy that we gain from trusting that our lives belong to God, He is enough for us and at the end of it all we will be eternally united with Him.

The Ursuline Family is grateful to the Lord for the gift of Sr Mary Shange, for the role she has played and is still playing in the rebuilding and progression of the Province of South Africa and the Society of St Ursula at large.