St Matthews Catholic Church in Thembisa hosts all-night revival
By Kati Dijane – St Matthews Catholic Church in Thembisa, part of the Archdiocese of Pretoria, hosted a powerful all-night revival from Friday, January 17, to Saturday, January 18, 2025. The event, centred around the theme of hope, was designed to uplift and inspire those who attended. Parishioners, donned in white, gathered to start the night with praise and worship, lifting their voices in music to invite the Holy Spirit into the space.
Several guest priests joined the event, including Father Nathaniel Kagwima IMC, delegate superior of the Consolata Missionaries in South Africa and Eswatini, along with Father John Paul Mathebula and Father Tlhologelo Rapule.
Father Kagwima spoke about the importance of hope, especially during this jubilee year. He compared hope to an anchor, which a ship uses to stay steady in turbulent seas. “We all face storms in life, and we need something to keep us grounded,” he said. He asked the congregation to think about what they would hold onto if they lost everything they had. Referring to Hebrews 6:19, he reminded everyone, “We have this hope as an anchor for our soul.” He encouraged the faithful to root their hope in God’s promises, which never fail. “Hope is not just about wishing for something—it’s about trusting in what’s to come,” Father Kagwima explained.
He also shared some ways to keep hope alive, such as prayer, valuing oneself, leaning on the support of loved ones and the church, and taking care of one’s mental health.
In the second session, Father Rapule led a moving candlelight prayer session, with the pilgrim candle as the central symbol of light. A procession around the church was held to represent the church as a community of pilgrims, journeying together in hope.
Father Mathebula then led a benediction and healing service. During his homily, he spoke about how people often lose hope because of impatience, particularly when it feels like God is not answering quickly enough. He reminded the faithful that hope is key to developing a deeper relationship with God. He also emphasised the healing power of Jesus’ love, referencing the story of Jesus healing a man with leprosy (Mark 1:40-45). “Healing comes not just in physical form, but in God’s forgiveness,” Father Mathebula said, adding that no sin is bigger than God’s mercy, though we may still face the consequences of our actions.
He also pointed out that the man with leprosy probably got tired of his suffering and turned to Jesus for healing. “Until we’re tired of our struggles, we may never seek change,” Father Mathebula noted. “We need to be willing to bring our problems to God and let Him transform our lives.”
The priests then prayed for and blessed the oil they used for the healing service. The revival concluded the next morning with a Thanksgiving Mass.