A Harvest of Grace: Goedgedacht Trust’s Olive Harvest Eucharist
The Goedgedacht Trust recently gathered for its annual Olive Harvest Eucharist, a tradition that celebrates both the bountiful olive harvest and the enduring faith of the community. This year’s event held special significance as it honoured Cardinal Stephen Brislin, whose elevation to the rank of Cardinal in 2023 brought great joy and pride to the Trust.
Led by Cardinal Brislin, the congregation gave thanks for the abundant olive harvest and the spiritual growth of the Goedgedacht family. The event highlighted the deep connection between the Catholic Church and the Trust, a bond forged through years of shared mission and faith.
Pieter Brand, Goedgedacht’s farm manager, shared details about the 2024 harvest. Despite challenges posed by unseasonal winds, the farm yielded a fruitful harvest of 142,780 kg of olives, resulting in 24,188 kg of olive oil. The revenue generated from the harvest, amounting to R2,902,599.67, is a testament to the farm’s commitment to sustainable farming practices.
Brand emphasised the importance of careful planning and stewardship, quoting Proverbs 28:19: “He who tends the land will have abundant food.” The farm’s ongoing partnership with Willow Creek supports its efforts to enrich the soil and implement innovative farming techniques.
Farm foreman Jonathan Meloi offered a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving for the land’s abundance and resilience. The congregation joined in prayer, acknowledging the divine provision that sustains both the physical and spiritual well-being of the community.
Cardinal Brislin blessed the Justice Olive Grove, a sacred space honouring those who fought for justice and truth. Each tree in the grove bears the name of a courageous member of the Christian Institute. The Cardinal’s blessing further sanctified this memorial, ensuring that the legacy of these individuals will endure.
The Cardinal also blessed the newly established Goedgedacht library, a space for knowledge and reflection. The library houses sketches of those honoured in the Justice Olive Grove, preserving their stories for future generations.
As a token of gratitude, Cobid Swartz, a dedicated farm worker, presented Cardinal Brislin with a gift of Goedgedacht olive oil, symbolising the sharing of the harvest’s bounty with the Lord’s work.
The Olive Harvest Eucharist was more than just a celebration of the annual harvest. It was a spiritual gathering that reaffirmed the community’s commitment to faith, justice, and sustainable practices. As the congregation continues to “labour for the body and the soul,” they draw inspiration from the enduring legacy of the Goedgedacht Trust.
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