St Joseph Sodality Interdiocesan Conference

St Joseph Interdiocesan Conference in the Diocese of Witbank

By Bokang Tsoanamatsie – The St Joseph Sodality held its interdiocesan conference in the Diocese of Witbank from June 26- 29. The event began with delegate registration and a warm welcome from Mr T Ngcobo of the interim committee.

On the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, delegates attended Mass at the Cathedral of Christ the King, with Bishop Xolelo Thaddeus Kumalo OMI of Witbank as the main celebrant. Bishop Kumalo expressed camaraderie at the sight of so many men in the church. In his homily, he urged men to think with both their heads and hearts, like God the Father, emphasising their roles as providers and protectors who embody mercy and care for women and daughters.

Following Mass, the programme featured reflections from various priests. Fr Thabiso Ledwaba addressed “Make Me the Instrument of Your Peace,” lamenting that modern practices have caused men to lose their sense of manhood and their role as instruments of peace. He encouraged courage in their roles. Fr Mahlako from the SACBC commended the sodality’s existence and offered support for establishing a unified sodality.

On the third day, delegates celebrated the Mass of the Immaculate Heart at Witbank High School, with Fr Sakhele Zulu as the main celebrant. His homily called for greater faithfulness and trust in God, drawing parallels to Abraham and the Centurion. Fr. Bheki Shabalala then elaborated on “Unifying St Joseph with Faith through Service and Actions,” defining faith and its principles based on Catholic Social Teachings and advocating for unity within the Church using St Paul’s letters (Ephesians 4:3 and 1 Corinthians 10). He emphasised that unity strengthens faith, fosters oneness, and embodies St Joseph’s virtues of humility, gentleness, and patience.

Deacon Malatsi provided insights on the Sacrament of Marriage and ongoing formation, reminding delegates of their unbroken covenant in marriage, citing Church documents on its sanctity.

A key outcome of the conference was the decision to hold the next interdiocesan conference in Durban Metropolitan. There, the aim is to establish a unified St Joseph Sodality that complies with SACBC endorsement requirements.

The conference concluded on June 29th with a Holy Mass at Witbank High School, presided over by Fr. Harry Bopape from the Archdiocese of Pretoria.

The InterDiocesan Conference of the Sacred Heart took place concurrently in Umzimkhulu, in the Metropolitan of Durban, from June 27th to June 29th, 2025.