Father Kgaogelo Ntsie: 5-Year Anniversary of Priesthood
Father Kgaogelo Ntsie Thanksgiving Mass
By Kati Dijane – Despite the grey clouds, the Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Soweto was filled with joy as parishioners, family and friends gathered to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Father Kgaogelo Ntsie’s ordination as a diocesan priest in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg. The Thanksgiving Mass was attended by people as far as Botswana who wanted to show love and support to Father Ntsie during his unwavering commitment to his vocation.
The thanksgiving Mass was concelebrated by Father Zipho Ngwenya and Father Petrus Matheadira Shia, adding to the communal spirit of the occasion. The atmosphere was one of joy as hymns of praise, led by the St Cecelians from the Vaal Deanery, echoed through the church.
Outside the church, Father Limpho Maoela was seen tending to the pots, cooking his famous potjiekos. The culinary delight was not only a highlight of the day but also a fundraising effort for the upcoming Jubilee of Priests, set to take place in June 2025.
Adding to the significance of the celebration was the presence of the Auxiliary Bishop of Pretoria, Bishop Masilo John Selemela.
Bishop Selemela is Father Kgaogelo’s mentor and was his formator during his days as a rector at St John Vianney Major Seminary in Pretoria before his appointment as an auxiliary bishop. In his moving homily, Bishop Selemela emphasised the essence of the priesthood as a call to serve with mercy, love and dedication. He reminded the congregation that priesthood is a divine mystery, requiring humility and complete surrender to God, attesting: “To many of us who have been priests for a long time, priesthood continues to be a mystery far greater than ourselves. Every time we get in touch with this reality we are brought down to humility, submission even surrender to God who has achieved so much through us.”
He quoted St John Chrysostom, who once said: “If priests sin, all the people are led to sin. Hence, everyone must render an account of his own sins; but the priests are also responsible for the sins of others,” urging Father Ntsie to embrace his calling as an anointed servant, bringing God’s grace and anointing to others.
Father Kgaogelo Ntsie Thanksgiving Mass
The bishop described the characteristics of a priest, saying, “A priest is the living image of Christ in this world, of Christ watching, praying, preaching, catechising, working, weeping, going from town to town, from village to village, suffering, agonising, sacrificing himself and dying for the souls created to his image and likeness.”
Reflecting on the readings of Sunday, 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23, 1 Corinthians 15:45-49 and Luke 6:27-38, which Father Ntsie chose for his special Mass, the bishop highlighted the importance of mercy in priestly service. “A priest is a man of mercy and compassion, close to his people and a servant to all,” Bishop Selemela said, quoting Pope Francis. He continued, “To love others and to give of ourselves in love is the ultimate standard for discipleship and to do what God would do. Be merciful just as your father is merciful. Compassion means literally to “feel with”: it is a visceral sharing of someone else’s pain, so that you suffer right along with that one, and find yourself moved to do something about it.” He also encouraged Father Ntsie to lead his congregation in holiness and to be a shepherd who accompanies his people with love and understanding.
Bishop Selemela further expounded on the transformative power of love, urging the faithful to take the initiative of loving, blessing and praying for others. “On the cross, Jesus did not curse his enemies but prayed for their forgiveness. St Francis of Assisi, Martin Luther King, Jr and many other disciples have proven the power of love through the centuries. Love wins! It overcomes the world!” he declared, reminding everyone that true discipleship requires embracing the principles of mercy and forgiveness.
Emphasising the readings, he also quoted the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, highlighting that forgiveness is a journey that leads to healing: “Forgiving is not forgetting; it’s actually remembering and not using your right to hit back. It’s a second chance for a new beginning.”
The celebration concluded with well-wishers, including family and sodality members, congratulating Father Ntsie with praises and gifts.
