Blessing and Dedication of Mater Dei Pastoral Centre New Chapel

Bishop Jeremiah Masela of the Catholic Diocese of Polokwane consecrated a new chapel at Mater Dei Pastoral Centre in Mokopane on January 25.

The chapel project came as the result of the faithful contribution of St Francis Church in West Des Moines, Iowa, USA, arranged by Fr Ray McHenry, who has led a mission team of parishioners to South Africa to serve with Blessman Ministries. Bible study students, numerous private financial contributions, DPC council, parishes and other church structures contributed towards this project.

The day started with a procession of the Bishop, the clergy and 2025 Bible study students from the old chapel to the newly constructed chapel, followed by the handing over of the building by Dustin Blessman.

Bishop Masela performed the blessing and invited the pilgrims to enter the new chapel for the celebration of Holy Mass.

The readings of the day added rich spiritual context to the celebration. The first reading was taken from 1 Kings 8:22-23 and 27-30. This dates back to the time Solomon built a temple of fine material as a place for everyone to enter, a place of silence to say prayers.

The responsorial Psalm (Psalm 84:4) was a song of joy and privilege of living in God’s presence—“Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.” A fitting echo of the joy and praise that radiated from all the pilgrims.

The Gospel reading from Luke 19:1-10 described the story of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector in Jericho who was short in stature. He climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus as He passed by. When Jesus reached the spot, He looked up and called Zacchaeus by name, telling him to come down because he must stay in his house. Zacchaeus joyfully welcomed Jesus, which led to the crowd’s disapproval, as they saw him as a sinner. Jesus declared that salvation had come to Zacchaeus’ house, emphasising that He came to seek and save the lost.

Some of the highlights of the day included:

• Dustin Blessman handing over the Chapel keys to Bishop Masela.
• The Incensation of the Altar followed by anointing of the Altar, where Bishop Masela rolled up his sleeves and spread the oil evenly over the whole Altar with his bare hands.
• The Altar cleansing and covering in preparation for Mass.
• The proceedings took place in darkness until the Altar candles were lit.
• The Offertory procession which was followed by numerous parishioners offering gifts to the Church.
• Speeches by Father Sunny John, Marcia Kwapa representing Bible study students, and Dr Jim Blessman
• Cake cutting, blessing and unveiling of the memorial plaque.

Addressing pilgrims, Bishop Masela started by acknowledging the presence of the diocesan Vicar general Father Clemens Selemela, the director of Mater Dei Pastoral Centre, Father Sunny John (SVD),  Dr Blessman and his family, his brother priests, bible study students, all the benefactors, as well as all the guests and the faithful of the diocese.

He started his speech by dropping a bombshell to the congregants, announcing the departure of the Chapel’s visionary Father Sunny from the Diocese of Polokwane to take his new appointment as a Parish priest in Leondale under the Archdiocese of Johannesburg.

Bishop Masela commended Father Sunny for his vision, coupled with hard work and commitment.

“It is very painful to say goodbye, but I am not going to dwell on the sad news of you leaving the diocese; however, walking around the centre, one can see Fr Sunny’s footprints. This chapel stands out among all the projects you initiated in this centre. Your legacy will always be with us. When you came, we used to live in rondavels, and you initiated the magnificent villas that we all cherish today. We will always remember you and the contribution you made to this centre. We pray that God always remembers all your needs”.

Bishop Masela expressed his gratitude to Dr Blessman and Fr Ray McHenry for being benefactors of this project. He further said that their involvement assured him of a complete project, which is being celebrated today.

The day was made even more special with the unveiling and blessing of an opening plaque outside the walls of the chapel. After the spiritual celebrations, the community gathered together to share a meal.