CWA Celebrates Diamond Jubilee at Founding Parish

by Daluxolo Moloantoa · Published December 21, 2024 · Updated December 22, 2024

Catholic Womens Association celebrates 60 years

(Photos: Clement Menyuko)

The Catholic Women’s Association (CWA) in the Archdiocese of Pretoria commemorated its 60th Anniversary on December 8 at St Anne’s parish in Atteridgeville, Pretoria.

During the opening of the Mass service, parish priest Fr Ernest Banda (CP) reflected on the origins of the association, which began in 1964 at the same parish where the celebration took place. He honoured both the living and deceased founding members of the association, stating, “These are the women who paved the way for our presence here today, in this very parish, as we celebrate sixty glorious years of the CWA.”

In his homily, Father highlighted that the founding members of the association aimed to be guided by the Holy Spirit. He further stated that it is the current members of the CWA who hold the duty to “maintain the flame and pass the torch to future CWA members.” Following the conclusion of the Mass service, a member of the association recited a poem in her native Xhosa language, honouring the CWA. Subsequently, erstwhile CWA president Mrs Rachel More delivered a speech. In her address, she provided a brief history of the association. “I was privileged to join the CWA under the guidance of the original founding members. I embraced their principles and vision for the association. Today, the association operates in eleven dioceses and in over sixty parishes throughout South Africa, and it is also present in Botswana. On this occasion, we are also commemorating the enduring legacy of the exemplary leadership cultivated by those women,” she said.

Mrs More indicated that initially, two women convened to explore the concept of establishing a women’s sodality in reaction to the directives of Vatican II, which called for increased participation of the laity in the Church’s activities. “The initial discussions were led by Mrs Aletta Motsepe and the late Mrs Mawela, who sought to capitalise on the momentum generated by Vatican II in our nation. Over time, the group expanded, welcoming additional women, including Mrs Oletta Bogopa, Mrs Mathibe, and others,” she remarked.

She additionally mentioned that, at one point, four women from the Holy Cross Church in Garankuwa travelled to Atteridgeville to learn more about the association. Among these women were Mrs Sophie Sono and Mrs. Gweeny Makwane. The association expanded from the St Anne Church firstly to the Holy Cross Church in Garankuwa, and to various locations, including Mamelodi, Tzaneen, and even reaching Botswana.

She proceeded to recount the tale of how the association discovered its logo. “During a pilgrimage in Italy one year, we visited a souvenir shop in Vatican City and encountered this logo. It resonated with us, as it encapsulated the essence of the CWA, and we decided to adopt it,” she explained. She wrapped up her address by emphasising that “Every member present here has played a role in achieving this milestone.” Fr Banda offered a final blessing to the CWA leadership and attendees, marking the conclusion of what was truly a historic event.