Consecrated Life in Johannesburg Celebrates Jubilee of Hope

by Fr Vaclav Klement SDB · October 10, 2025

By Fr Vaclav Klement SDB – 85 religious sisters, brothers, priests, and novices from over 30 congregations convened at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg on October 9 to celebrate the Jubilee of Consecrated Life. This joyful event marked the first significant step in a collaborative journey aimed at strengthening the religious community in the archdiocese, a process that began on August 13.

Program Highlights and Community Focus

The celebration was guided by Sr Katy van Wyk, OP, and a small steering team, including executives from the Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life in South Africa (LCCL-SA). The atmosphere was one of family spirit and mutual support, reflecting the diversity of participants from many different cultures and nations.

The program was structured around reflection and communion:

Spiritual Input: The morning included a holistic prayer moment and reflection on Reconciliation and Communion, framed as “7 stepping stones” for growth.
Synodal Sharing: Participants engaged in group sharing using the “Conversation in the Spirit” (Synodal Way) method.

Following the input, the religious committed to a practical way forward for the archdiocese’s nearly 400 consecrated men and women (representing 53 congregations): holding two common meetings every year, supported by a new steering committee and rotating venues.

Mass and Call to Renewed Hope

The event culminated with a Mass presided over by Cardinal Stephen Brislin, the Archbishop.

Homily: The Cardinal reflected on Hope, the main Jubilee theme, specifically encouraging the religious to never tire of their daily vocation journey. He stressed the importance of addressing the cry of the poor and caring for our common home.
Communion: The celebration concluded with a shared meal, to which each congregation contributed, further reinforcing the family atmosphere.

After the Eucharist, all the religious present, including Cardinal Stephen Brislin, shared a communal meal made up of contributions from each congregation.

The gathering also led to the first step in creating a new LCCL Vocation animation group, with the presence of Sr Zelna Ooshuizen, RGS (President of LCCL-SA) and Br John Bwanali, Marist Brother (Vice-President), emphasised the commitment to supporting future vocations.

The Jubilee celebration was highly appreciated as a catalyst for greater communion, mutual support, and renewed energy in religious life. Its date was deliberately chosen to be in communion with the gathering of 16,000 consecrated people from 100 nations simultaneously meeting in Rome (October 8–12, 2025).