Catholic Women’s Association Conference: Honouring Faith, Service and Hope

 By Daluxolo Moloantoa, pics by Clement Menyuko – The Catholic Women’s Association (CWA) held its Inter-Diocesan Triannual  Conference from 14–16 November 2025, gathering hundreds of Catholic women at the Sizanani Pastoral Centre for prayer, fellowship and reflection on the past year.

The event was held at the Sizanani  Pastoral Centre in northern Gauteng province, and it marked a major moment of renewal and unity for the organisation.

In a comprehensive report released ahead of the conference, written by  Fr Mathibela Sebothoma, the CWA of the Archdiocese of Pretoria presented its 2023–2024 Annual Review — a detailed account of a year shaped by evangelisation, charitable outreach, and women’s spiritual empowerment.  Under the theme “Evangelisation” and the motto “Faith and Action,” the  CWA continues to play a vital role in strengthening Catholic life and serving communities in need.

Strengthening Leadership and Expanding Mission

The CWA’s presence across the six deaneries of the Archdiocese of Pretoria continues to grow steadily. Membership now stands at 1,171 women, comprising 1,059  full members, 112 auxiliary members, and 53 new recruits. Under the leadership of President Mme Makola Sema and Spiritual Advisor Fr Gabriel  Kwedo, the association has maintained strong organisational structure and pastoral direction.

A Year of Spiritual Renewal

 The report highlights a deep focus on spiritual formation and personal  sanctification:

• Annual Retreats in all deaneries
• A prayerful Novena to the Holy Spirit leading up to Pentecost
• A vibrant Annual Conference (30 August – 1 September 2024) with  adoration, teaching, and parish contributions
• A keynote spiritual session by Fr Thabiso Ledwaba, calling members to  holiness and deeper prayer

Charity at the Heart of CWA Service

 The CWA’s charitable outreach remains a cornerstone of its mission:

• R100,000 donated to support seminarians, along with assistance for  priests and deacons
• R120,000 to Sizanani Projects, R15,000 to Radio Veritas, and R10,000 to  Caritas
• Regular monthly groceries to assist the Society of St Vincent de Paul
• Home, hospital, and bereavement visits across parishes
• Empowerment programmes for women and youth, including financial  literacy, mental health awareness, and career guidance

Nurturing Families and Christian Values

 Recognising the family as the “domestic church,” the CWA promotes strong  Christian homes through:

• Marriage enrichment programmes
• Counselling for families experiencing challenges
• Support for widows, single parents, and the elderly
• Encouraging family participation in the sacraments
• On World Day of the Sick, members devoted the day to ministering to the elderly with meals, prayers, and companionship.

Expanding the CWA Footprint

The report notes continued efforts to grow the association’s reach:

• Establishing new branches in parishes across the archdiocese
• Recruitment at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
• Strengthening regional ties through a spiritual revival visit to Lesotho  in September 2024

Fundraising for Sustainability

 To maintain its programmes, the CWA undertook a series of fundraising  activities:

• After-Mass and jumble sales
• A significant R60,000 contribution toward renovating the Auxiliary  Bishop’s house
• Parish-based tiling projects and thanksgiving celebrations
• These initiatives ensure ongoing support for both church development and community outreach.

Looking Toward 2025: A Year of Hope

 The report outlines major plans aligned with the Church’s Year of Hope:

• Recollection Day on 15 March 2025
• Launch of the Year of Hope with a solemn Holy Mass
• Establishment of the 54th branch in North West Tsunami
• Celebration of the 25th branch in the North Western Deanery — a Silver  Jubilee milestone

Testimonies of Faith and Transformation

A Spiritual Transformation by Naomi Seabi (Christ the New Man Parish)
During the Spiritual Upliftment event, the Jericho Walk led by Fr  Thabiso Ledwaba encouraged deep reflection and spiritual surrender. A  memorial service led by Fr Gabriel Kwedo offered healing for members mourning their loved ones.

 Growing in Faith – by Pinky Mokgokolo
“2024 was a year of spiritual renewal,” Pinky shares. Serving at deanery and diocesan levels strengthened her reliance on prayer and her commitment to supporting others.

 A Journey of Hope by Kate Khumalo
Coordinating the 60th Thanksgiving Celebration affirmed the unity and dedication of members. She enters 2025 inspired by:
H.O.P.E. – Hold On, Pain Ends.
H.O.P.E. – Have Only Positive Expectations.

A Mission That Endures

As reflected in the report, the Catholic Women’s Association of the  Archdiocese of Pretoria continues to embody unwavering faith, generous service, and steadfast hope. Their work across parishes and communities stands as a powerful witness to the Gospel — and a promise of continued growth and renewal in the year ahead.