The faithful of St Joseph Catholic Church in Actonville, Benoni, gathered in joyful celebration as the parish marked its 75th anniversary. This milestone honoured decades of unwavering faith, sacrifice and community building. The jubilee Mass was a moving occasion of thanksgiving and reflection, bringing together parishioners, clergy, religious sisters, youth and elders who have all formed part of the rich history of the parish.
Parishioners from Our Lady of Loreto in Kempton Park were also present to celebrate the occasion.
His Grace, Archbishop Emeritus Buti Joseph Tlhagale OMI, was the main celebrant of the jubilee Mass, while Father Boniface D’Souza OCD, the parish priest, and Father John D’Souza OCD, former parish priest, concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration. Also present were the Dominican Sisters, who have walked a long pastoral and spiritual journey with the people of St Joseph over many decades.
The celebration was not only a commemoration of the parish’s history, but also a reminder of the enduring mission of the Church: to evangelise, serve and journey together in faith.
A jubilee rooted in thanksgiving
In his homily, Archbishop Emeritus Tlhagale reflected deeply on the meaning of a jubilee, describing it as a sacred moment of thanksgiving, renewal and spiritual assessment. Drawing from the biblical tradition of jubilees, he explained that jubilees historically marked liberation, restoration and new beginnings.
“Jubilee is a time of celebration and thanksgiving,” he said. “We celebrate every 25 years to mark the history or the conditions under which we have been living.”
The Archbishop reminded parishioners that jubilees are not simply festive occasions, but moments to reflect on how far communities and individuals have come in their spiritual journey. He praised the St Joseph community for its growth over the decades, particularly the physical development of the church and the unity shown by parishioners who worked together to sustain the parish.
“The more obvious achievement has been the extension of this church over the years, which means monies have been collected, groups have formed, people have been working together,” he said. “And in doing those material things, you are also able to build the body, the community.”
Throughout his homily, Archbishop Emeritus Tlhagale repeatedly called the faithful to introspection. He urged parishioners to examine whether their lives reflected the Gospel values they profess as Christians.
“Jubilee celebrations are important because they remind you of your obligations,” he said. “Ultimately, we are answerable to God.”
He challenged the faithful not to become complacent in their spiritual lives, stressing that attending church alone is not enough if one’s actions are not guided by the Gospel.
“We will be saved by the commitment or the decisions informed by the Gospel,” he reminded the congregation.
A message to young people
A significant part of the Archbishop’s message focused on the youth. Speaking passionately about the future of young people in the Church and society, he encouraged them to remain focused on education, responsibility and moral values.
“All young people should be in school,” he said, urging them to seek education and skills that would help them build meaningful futures.
Drawing inspiration from the legacy of Pope John Paul II and World Youth Day, Archbishop Emeritus Tlhagale called on young Catholics to become ambassadors of kindness, mercy and goodness in the world.
“One of the things Pope John Paul II emphasised among young people was kindness and mercy and goodness,” he said. “You are young. Be good. Be merciful. Be kind.”
The Archbishop also used the occasion to invite young people to begin preparing for World Youth Day 2027. Although he referred to the upcoming gathering in Seoul, Korea, he encouraged the youth to embrace the spirit of international Catholic gatherings and to start fundraising and preparing spiritually for future World Youth Day pilgrimages.
“I do want to encourage young people, if they can manage, to be able to go,” he said. “Take that invitation to heart and raise funds.”
His message resonated strongly with many young parishioners who attended the celebration, reminding them that the Church continues to place hope in the youth as the future of evangelisation.
A history of humble beginnings
The history of St Joseph Catholic Church is one deeply rooted in missionary work, resilience and community faith.
According to the parish history, the roots of Catholicism in the area date back to the early 1900s when the Oblates of Mary Immaculate arrived in Benoni and established their base at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in central Benoni. From there, missionaries spread the Gospel throughout the East Rand, ministering to communities in Benoni Location, Boksburg, Germiston and surrounding areas.
The beginnings of St Joseph’s Parish were humble. Missionaries travelled to local communities, celebrating Mass in homes and baptising converts whenever possible. Catechists trained by the priests played an important role in spreading the faith among the people.
Oral history recalls that the first church structure was built from corrugated iron. With the assistance of the Dominican Sisters, a Catholic primary school was established in 1935. The school building also served as a place of worship, which is why the parish traces its origins to that year.
Education and evangelisation went hand in hand during those early missionary years. Religious instruction formed an essential part of school life, helping to nurture generations of Catholics in the community.
As the congregation grew, parishioners recognised the need for a dedicated church building. A brick-and-mortar church was eventually constructed and consecrated on 12 May 1951 by Bishop Whelan.
One of the most distinctive features of the church remains the large statue of St Joseph holding the Child Jesus, mounted prominently above the main entrance. The statue was donated by renowned boxing champion Vicky Toweel, whose family still maintains ties with the Catholic community in Benoni.
The legacy of missionaries and religious sisters
The jubilee celebration also highlighted the tremendous contribution made by priests, missionaries and religious sisters over the decades.
The Oblates of Mary Immaculate played a foundational role in shaping the Catholic presence in Benoni and surrounding townships during the twentieth century. Several OMI priests served the parish faithfully through different periods, helping to build both the spiritual and physical foundations of the community.
Over time, diocesan priests and missionaries from various congregations continued the pastoral work at St Joseph’s, ensuring that the parish remained spiritually vibrant despite the many social and political challenges faced by communities on the East Rand.
The Dominican Sisters were also acknowledged during the jubilee celebrations for their enduring presence and service to the parish community. Their role in education, catechesis and pastoral care has left a lasting impact on generations of parishioners. Their attendance at the anniversary celebration served as a powerful reminder of the long-standing partnership between the sisters and the St Joseph community.
Meanwhile, the Carmelite Order have served the parish since 2006, which was officially handed over to their care in 2009. The following priests have since served St Jospeh:
2009 to 2010 Fr Joachim Rodrigues
2010 to 2012 Fr Peter Rebello
2012 to 2017 Fr Boniface D’Souza
2017 to 2026 Fr John Cyrus D’Souza
2026, from February Fr Boniface D’Souza
A celebration of faith and hope
The 75th anniversary, celebrated on Sunday, became more than a historical commemoration. It was a testimony to the faith of ordinary people who kept the Church alive through prayer, sacrifice and unity.
Archbishop Emeritus Tlhagale reminded the faithful that a jubilee should inspire not only joy, but also repentance and spiritual renewal. He encouraged parishioners to make use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist as part of the true spirit of jubilee.
“It should be more than just a joyous occasion, but truly a moment of spiritual renewal,” he said.
For many parishioners, the celebration was also deeply personal, a reminder of baptisms, weddings, funerals, confirmations and countless moments of grace experienced within the walls of St Joseph’s Church.
Seventy-five years after its humble beginnings, St Joseph Catholic Church continues to stand as a beacon of faith in Actonville, carrying forward a legacy built by missionaries, religious sisters, priests and generations of faithful Catholics committed to the Gospel mission.
As the parish looks toward the future, the jubilee celebration served as both a thanksgiving for the past and a hopeful invitation to continue building a vibrant and united Catholic community for generations to come.
Additional information by Mr Theo Kgapola.
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