Daveyton parishes celebrate the feast of Patron St Monica
Feast of St Monica at Daveyton Parish
By Kati Dijane – The Catholic faithful of Daveyton gathered in unity and celebration to mark the feast of their patron, St Monica, on August 31, 2025. The vibrant liturgy was also an occasion to reflect on the plight of migrants and refugees and to bid farewell to Father Charles Orero IMC, who has served the Daveyton community with dedication and love for nearly three years.
The parish patron saint
The annual feast of St Monica, mother of St Augustine of Hippo, is an important day for the Daveyton Catholic community, one of four parishes in the area under the Archdiocese of Johannesburg. St Monica is revered across the Catholic world as a woman of perseverance, prayer and faith. Her life of patience and intercession converted her husband and mother-in-law, and her unceasing prayers helped transform her son Augustine into one of the greatest bishops and Doctors of the Church.
Every year, the feast is celebrated on the last Sunday of August, and parishioners turn out in great numbers, dressed in colourful cultural attire, to reflect the diversity of their community. The Malawian Catholic community, an integral part of St Monica Parish, took part in leading the liturgical music.
Also present were representatives from the Archdiocese’s Department of Pastoral Care for Migrants and Refugees, highlighting the community’s commitment not only to honouring their patron saint but also to standing in solidarity with those who journey far from home in search of safety and peace.
A Farewell Celebration
The Mass carried a bittersweet tone, as it also marked the farewell of Father Charles Orero IMC, who has been transferred by the Consolata Missionaries to Tanzania. Father Charles, who first arrived in Daveyton as a seminarian, grew into his priestly vocation among the people of this community. For almost three years he walked alongside them as their pastor, mentor, and friend.
Concelebrating with him were parish priest Father Michael Miriti, Father Nathaniel Kagwima (Delegate Superior of the Consolata Missionaries in South Africa and Eswatini), Father Steven Limbani Kassimu from Mangochi Diocese in Malawi, and Deacon Vincent Morare. Together they stood as a testament to the universality of the Church and its missionary spirit.
The Homily: A Message of Refuge, Peace, and Dignity
Preaching on Luke 14:1, 7-14, Father Charles offered a powerful reflection that connected the feast of St Monica with the annual day dedicated to migrants and refugees.
He began by acknowledging St Monica’s perseverance and intercessory spirit but quickly turned the focus to migrants and refugees, asking: “Who is a refugee? Who is a migrant?”
With conviction, he reminded the faithful that God never created human beings as refugees or foreigners:
“The whole world belongs to everyone equally. Why then should we have refugees and migrants? Because of our human greed. Because we want more than we should, and in our pursuit of power and possessions, we even rob our brothers and sisters of peace and security.”
Father Charles challenged the congregation not to take their homes, citizenship, and stability for granted, especially when so many live without shelter, identity, or dignity. He invited everyone to see beyond labels, noting that sometimes the reality of being a refugee exists even within families:
“You may have a house, an identity card, and citizenship, but if in your family you have no peace, no respect, no love, then your family is nothing more than a refugee camp.”
He urged families to strive for peace, dignity, and security that only Christ can provide.
Reflecting on the Gospel, Father Charles reminded the faithful that Jesus never excluded anyone, even accepting the invitation of Pharisees who sought to trap Him. This, he said, is a sign that salvation is offered to all:
“Salvation is here with us. Salvation is in St Monica, St Lambert, St Martin, and St Nicholas. The choice is yours—do you move closer to Jesus, or do you step back when He comes to you?”
He concluded with a sober warning about modern traps—particularly food, drink, and materialism—that can undermine faith and family life. His words left a deep impression on the faithful, reminding them that true peace and dignity can only be found in Christ.
Voices of Farewell and Hope
At the close of the celebration, the community shared heartfelt tributes to Father Charles, who admitted to being saddened by his departure. Yet he affirmed his openness to God’s call and his missionary vow of obedience. He encouraged young people in South Africa to consider the vocation of priesthood, saying the Church’s mission continues only if others step forward to serve.
Father Nathaniel expressed gratitude for Father Charles’ missionary spirit, thanking God for his service and urging Christians to always respond to God’s call in every aspect of their lives.
Father Steven shared a moving personal testimony: once a Muslim, he converted to Catholicism in 2012. August holds special meaning for him, as it was the month he was ordained in 2024, baptised his mother in 2025, and celebrated his birthday. He said it was a joy to join the Daveyton faithful in honouring both St Monica and Father Charles.
Migrants and Refugees Share Their Stories
The day also gave space for migrants and refugees within the community to speak of their experiences.
Memory, a Malawian parishioner who arrived in South Africa in 2022, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome she had received in Daveyton. She praised the Consolata Missionaries and the Pastoral Care Department for their constant support and for helping foreign nationals to live with dignity.
“I hope people may recognise that as much as we are identified by our nationality, we are all one as a human race,” she said.
Khanyi Figlan, representing the Pastoral Care Department, explained that their mission is to support migrants and create awareness within parishes. Their presence at St Monica was a reminder that migrants are not outsiders but part of the one body of Christ.
A Feast That Unites
After the solemn liturgy, the congregation shared a festive meal, embodying the spirit of unity and family that defined the day. It was a moment to celebrate heritage, faith, and community—while also acknowledging the challenges faced by migrants and the reality of saying goodbye to a beloved pastor.
The feast of St Monica in Daveyton was more than just a parish event. It was a vivid reminder of the universality of the Church: diverse in cultures and languages, yet united in one faith. It was also a call to conscience: to welcome the stranger, support the vulnerable, and work for peace and dignity within families, communities, and the wider world.
As the faithful returned home, the lessons of the day lingered—perseverance in prayer like St Monica, compassion for migrants and refugees, and the challenge to see Christ in one another.
