SACBC Young Adults’ Conference enters second day with inspiring Mass

by Kati Dijane · October 4, 2025

SACBC Youth Conference Day 2

By Kati Dijane – The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Youth and Young Adults Ministry’s first-ever Young Adults’ Conference entered its second day on Friday, 3 October 2025, with an uplifting celebration of the Holy Mass at the Don Bosco Youth Centre in Walkerville in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg.

Father Nhlanhla Mchunu, coordinating secretary of the SACBC Department for Formation, Life and Apostolate of the Laity, was the main celebrant of the Mass, joined on the altar by six chaplains from across the SACBC region: Father Tshiamo Makaba (Diocese of Gaborone), Father Sibusiso Sithathu (Eshowe Diocese), Father James Ngamone (Diocese of Witbank), Father Thabiso Sedia (Diocese of Klerksdorp), Father Thembalethu Sandondo (Diocese of Mthatha) and the SACBC national youth chaplain, Father Mahlako Motanyane.

A call against indifference

In his homily, Father Mchunu drew from the day’s Gospel reading (Luke 10:13–16), where Jesus rebukes the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum for failing to respond to his mighty works.

“The tragedy in our Gospel is not so much that these people did not hear the word,” said Father Mchunu. “The biggest tragedy is not ignorance, but indifference. They heard Christ’s teaching, they saw his miracles, yet they remained unmoved and unchanged.”

Highlighting the call to faith, Father Mchunu reflected on the example of Abraham in Genesis 12, who trusted God’s word because he believed in the one “incapable of deceiving us.”

“Faith,” he explained, “is hearing the message that comes from God and believing it because of who it comes from. Once we believe, hope arises in us that what we have heard will come to pass.”

The homily challenged the young adults to live their faith with conviction and purpose.

“As a young adult, your actions can’t be indifferent. You have to side with the Gospel,” he urged. “We have so many opportunities to draw closer to Christ. Even here at this Mass, we are not just hearing his word — we will receive him. The question is, will we remain unmoved and unchanged?”

A story of transformation

Father Mchunu concluded with an inspiring story about a street beggar who played a violin but failed to draw any attention. A passer-by offered to help by simply tuning the violin, and once the beggar played again, the music was transformed — attracting crowds and generosity.

“Sometimes,” said Father Mchunu, “we just have to hand over our lives to Jesus Christ. He will fine-tune us, and then we will become credible witnesses.”

His homily was followed by a moving rendition of hymns that filled the chapel, creating a prayerful atmosphere that set the tone for the day’s programme.

Building young adult leadership

Friday’s sessions were focused on leadership, spirituality and building unity among young adults in the Church. Sixty-one young adults, accompanied by their coordinators and chaplains, participated in this historic gathering.

The programme included a talk by Father James Ngamone on the role of young adults in the Catholic Church, followed by a synodal discussion on the challenges young adults face today. Participants explored the contributions of young adult-led movements and sodalities, such as YACO, CHIRO, CYA, St Vincent de Paul, and the Dominican Youth Movement under the Leadership Conference of the Consecrated Life.

Other highlights of the day included:

Team-building games
A “Conversation in the Spirit” session led by SACBC communications officer, Sheila Pires.
A session by Father Nhlanhla Mchunu on the role of chaplains and chairpersons.
A talk on patron saints led by Father Sibusiso Sithathu.
An introduction to the Young Adults’ Policy Manual.

A spirit of renewal

The conference, which began on the Feast of the Guardian Angels on 2 October, has brought together young Catholics from various dioceses to deepen their faith and strengthen their role in the life of the Church. The inspiring homily on Friday morning called the young adults to embrace their faith with renewed commitment and to reject indifference in their spiritual lives.

With its blend of prayer, reflection and practical engagement, the SACBC Young Adults’ Conference continues to nurture a new generation of Catholic leaders ready to witness to Christ in their communities.