St Rose of Lima Parish in Delmas Celebrates the Feast of Its Patron Saint

by Kati Dijane · September 1, 2025

By Kati Dijane – The parishioners of St Rose of Lima in Delmas in the Diocese of Witbank gathered to celebrate the feast of their patron saint in a joyful, festive atmosphere on August 24. The celebration was attended by parishioners from neighbouring parishes, including St Daniel Comboni and St Lewis Bertrand in Payneville, as well as St Lambert in Daveyton.

The main celebrant of the Mass was Bishop Xolelo Thaddeus Kumalo, Bishop of Witbank Diocese. He was joined by concelebrants Father Richard Okanya AJ, parish priest of St Rose of Lima, Father Raphael Ntlou OP from St Lewis Bertrand in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, retired priest Father Pheko Thinane OP (who, at 83 years, graduated with a PhD in theology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in May 2025) and Father Mokete Sibuka OP from the Diocese of Welkom. Deacon Vincent Morare, representing the parishes of Daveyton in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, was also present at the altar.

Among the notable guests in attendance were Mr Mario Bustamante, head of mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Peru; Mr Edward Lebatse, ward councillor and Mr Vusi Buda, the mayor of Victor Khanye Local Municipality.

The Homily

In his homily, Bishop Kumalo extended his congratulations to Mr Bustamante for representing a nation that produced the first saint from the Americas. He also praised the Dominican Order for their longstanding contributions to the parish.

“St Rose of Lima and St Martin de Porres, also from the Americas, were companions in the service of the Lord,” the bishop remarked. “They worked together for the kingdom of God.”

Bishop Kumalo urged the congregation to reflect on their Christian values and commitment to the teachings of the Church. He cautioned against the dangers of living a faith disconnected from Christian virtues, citing the example of “baptised pagans” who fail to carry their faith beyond the church walls. “When we reflect on the lives of St Rose and other saints, we must ask ourselves: What is our relationship with God? What are we willing to sacrifice for the kingdom of God?”

He reminded everyone that, like the saints, we must seek holiness in all things. He also highlighted the words of St Rose of Lima: “Lord, increase my sufferings, and with them, increase your love in my heart,” he said. “Apart from the cross, there is no ladder by which we can ascend to heaven.”

Bishop Kumalo also emphasised that true discipleship comes not from earthly desires, but from embracing Christ’s calling to be “the light of the world and the salt of the earth.” He encouraged the parishioners to live out their faith through both words and deeds, reflecting on God’s communication with them in every situation.

Continuing the celebration

After the Mass, Mayor Vusi Buda addressed the gathering, expressing his gratitude for the parish’s role in fostering unity and supporting the community. “I am humbled to stand before you, alongside the representative from Peru, whose presence adds dignity to this feast. St Rose of Lima was an exemplary figure, living humbly and working tirelessly for the kingdom of God,” he said. “As a municipality, we align with the Church’s mission to uplift our community, support those in need and spread God’s message of love and hope.”

Mr Bustamante, the Peruvian representative, also took the opportunity to share the story of St Rose of Lima. He highlighted the saint’s virtues—her purity, holiness, service to the Church and deep compassion for the poor. St Rose, born Isabel de Flores in Lima, Peru, on 20 April 1586, is remembered for her ascetic lifestyle and commitment to serving others, especially the destitute. Though her parents opposed her desire to join a convent, she devoted her life to prayer and charitable works, eventually transforming a small hut into a hermitage and a room in her home into an infirmary for the poor. She passed away in 1617 at the age of 31 and was canonised by Pope Clement X in 1671.

As a gesture of goodwill and ongoing partnership, Mr Bustamante presented the parish with a painting of St Rose of Lima and a generous donation to support the construction of a parish house.

Words of gratitude

In closing, Bishop Kumalo expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Archdiocese of Johannesburg for their contributions to the parish building before it was transferred to the Diocese of Witbank. He encouraged the congregation to not only care for their church building but also to continue evangelising and growing the faith in their community.

True to African tradition, the celebration culminated with a festive feast, where a cow was ceremonially slaughtered, ensuring that all those in attendance were abundantly fed.