St Matthew’s Catholic Church marks 50 years of faith and hope

by Kati Dijane · Published September 11, 2025 · Updated September 11, 2025

St Matthew Parish in Pretoria’s 50th anniversary celebration

By Kati Dijane – On Sunday, 7 September 2025, the Catholic community of St Matthew’s parish in Pretoria stepped into a golden moment of history. Together with their sister parishes, Moya and Emmanuel Catholic Church, they celebrated not only a milestone of 50 years of faith but also the countless encounters with God that have shaped their journey. Fittingly, many parishioners marked the occasion in style, donning vintage clothing.

The procession

The day began with a lively procession from Endulwini Primary School, led by Bishop Masilo John Selemela, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Pretoria, who served as the main celebrant of the Jubilee Mass. He was joined at the altar by Father Nathaniel Kagwima IMC, the delegate superior of South Africa and Eswatini, parish priest Father Gabriel Kwedho IMC, Reverend Deacon Sy Mamabolo, and Reverend Deacon Mayeko.

A homily of hope

“Dear people of God. Today is a day of great joy,” Bishop Selemela began, “we are gathered here because God has done great things for us. We celebrate not just the bricks and mortar of this church, but a sacred space where we encounter Him, receive His blessings and share in His love.”

The bishop reminded parishioners that St Matthew’s is a living testimony of grace, where baptisms, confirmations, weddings, catechism lessons and final farewells have drawn generations closer to God. He also reflected on Fulton Sheen’s “three surprises of heaven”: Those we expect to see may not be there, for we are judged by love, the bishop said. Those we least expect may be there, for God sees the heart . And the greatest surprise of all: to find ourselves there, saved by God’s mercy.

In harmony with the Jubilee of Hope, the bishop encouraged the faithful to remember that God is a God of hope. Drawing from Luke 14:25-33, he urged them to put God first: “When we encounter Jesus, our lives must be touched. Whoever does not carry their cross and follow Him cannot be His disciple. We must swim against the tides of sin.”

The celebration also became a moment of gratitude, as parishioners who dedicate their time and resources to the church’s growth were honoured with certificates of appreciation. The gesture, led by Bishop Selemela, highlighted the truth that the strength of a parish lies not only in its clergy but also in its faithful people.

A Feast of fellowship

After the sacred celebration, parishioners gathered to share a joyful meal. The day grew even more special with the arrival of Archbishop Dabula Mpako of Pretoria, who unveiled and blessed a newly built grotto.

Entertainment

The festivities continued with music, drama, and dance. The parish youth brought delight to the community by playfully imitating their priests, adding both humour and affection to the celebration of years of pastoral service. A special nod was given to Bishop Vitalis Sekhonyana Marole OMI, recently appointed by Pope Francis as the Bishop of Leribe.

Two unforgettable highlights crowned the day: A rare and joyful moment of two bishops dancing on stage and the soulful performance of renowned Catholic musician Kgethang Konese, whose hymns, including the beloved Kabelo, got everyone on their feet in worship. Konese praised the church leaders for guiding the faithful with care and urged parishioners to continue electing leaders who put the church’s well-being at the centre, so that faith may flourish for another 50 years and beyond.