St Joseph Parish, Benoni visits Little Eden

by Kati Dijane · Published December 9, 2024 · Updated December 9, 2024

St Joseph’s Parish Visited Little Eden Home with parish priest Fr John D’Souza OCD

By Kati Dijane – Over 30 parishioners of St Joseph parish in Benoni, Archdiocese of Johannesburg, visited Little Eden, a residence for people with profound intellectual disabilities on December 7. Parish priest Fr John D’Souza OCD celebrated Mass with staff of Little Eden, two Sisters of the Imitation of Christ, as well as Elvira Rohrbeck, the care centre coordinator.

In his homily, the priest reminded those in attendance of their calling to be missionaries, which is not only reserved for the clergy. Pointing to the gospel of the day, Matthew 9: 35 – 10: 1-8, which says the harvest is great, but the labourers are few, the priest urged parishioners to be of service to the community and the Church, just as Jesus served others. He also explained that the purpose of the visit was to bring joy to the residents ahead of the festive season and to extend compassion to the less fortunate. After Mass, parishioners entertained the residents through music and dance.

Reflecting on her visit to the society, Gizelle Pillay, one of the young people present, said that the experience made her more grateful and not judge those living with disabilities. She also urged people to help organisations like these as much as possible by donating clothes, food and their time.

Little Eden, founded by Domitilla and Danny Hyams, whose cause to sainthood has been opened, provides life-long care to 300 children and adults with profound intellectual disabilities. It has two residential facilities, in Edenvale and Bapsfontein. The residential home says that the average intellectual age of the resident is that of a one-year-old. “Some function at the newborn level and have to be fed, carried, changed and bathed. Others are able to manage tasks like feeding themselves, brushing their teeth, dressing and using the toilet.”

If you would like to help in any way, especially financially, please visit https://www.littleeden.org.za/donate/