Kristo iNkosi Parish hosts St John Vianney Seminarians

by Kati Dijane · May 10, 2024

By Kati Dijane – Father Chaka Motanyane OP was all smiles on Sunday, May 5, as his parish, Kristo iNkosi Catholic Church in Kwa Thema, Springs, hosted a number of seminarians from St John Vianney Seminary in Pretoria.

They were accompanied by Fr Aaron Gabela, the vice-rector, who was also the main celebrant, Fr Jerome Nyathi, the spiritual director, Fr Nkosinathi Ngcobo, the dean of students, Fr Sibongiseni Msomi, the registrar and examination officer, and Fr Tebello Moeti, in charge of liturgy and communications.

Before Mass, the churchyard was filled with local parishioners, visitors from other parishes and deaneries, as well as men in black clerical attire. The morning breeze was not the only thing that filled the yard, it was the smell of coffee and excitement that set the tone of how fulfilling the day would be.

Inside the church, notes of tenor and bass were magical to listen to. In his homily during Mass, Fr Nyathi highlighted the day’s Gospel of John 15: 9-17 in which Jesus gives his disciples the commandment to love one another.

A concert then followed after midday. The seminarians were joined by various music groups in the far east rand, including the young adults and marimba band of the parish. After the event, seminary vice-rector, Fr Gabela said he was happy with the turnout and grateful to Fr Chaka for inviting them to raise funds for the seminary.

Registrar Fr Msomi added that the event was successful, especially from the music side of things and being able to minister to people about the religious vocation. He added that they had prepared for Mass and the concert since February when the priest requested that they do a pastoral visit to his parish.