Submitted by: Elaine Prosper, Photos by: Fr Nkosinathi Njoko, Zelda Molebatsi and Andrzej Dulik
Lent
There was such profound symbolism during Lent which incorporated the three pillars:
- prayer including outdoor Stations of the Cross
- fasting
- almsgiving which was indicative of the ‘Bags of Love’ Project as just one example
The prayer of the Parishioners is that their faith will continue to be enriched beyond Lent and become a way of life. The Parish Secretary, Agnes Khawula, ensured valuable insight into the Lenten message through the symbolism of a bare cross with something new added each week:
1st: a bare cross highlighting the beginning of a new season in the church year;
2nd: cross draped in purple cloth, the liturgical colour of the Lenten journey also associated with suffering based on the Lord’s Passion – ‘soldiers clothed him in a purple cloak and tortured him’;
3rd: piece of sackcloth around the central post and arms of the cross incorporating this as a sign of penitence which Jewish people clothed themselves;
4th: the message of Christ’s suffering was conspicuous with the crown of thorns, reminding us of the pain which our Lord underwent;
5th: Stones are a recollection of Jesus’ time in the desert for forty days and being tempted, and asked to change stones into bread. The Lord didn’t heed to temptation and replied “One does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God”.
Holy Week
Holy Week was a time of deeper prayerful reflection, commencing with Palm Sunday followed by various priests who joined in the Penitential Service. The next aspect was the Paschal Meal where parish priest, Fr Nkosinathi Njoko OFM, together with ‘the family’ according to the script narrated by Jacob Thulo, led this event.
Easter
St Francis of Assisi Parish is a diverse community with a rich cultural/traditional heritage. One of which was the Święconka, meaning “the blessing of the Easter food baskets”, a beautiful and significant Polish tradition, conducted on Holy Saturday. Easter as always, is an immensely spiritual experience and journey, enjoyed by all, with Baptisms on Easter Sunday during which five new members were welcomed. Alleluia, our Lord is Risen, Amen!
- Mater Dolorosa Parish’s Weekend of Grace and Mercy - April 18, 2026
- Xhosa Pastoral Region meets in Gqeberha - April 17, 2026
- WATCH: Pope Leo XIV in Bamenda, Cameroon - April 16, 2026
