More than 3000 members of the sodality of the Sacred Heart from across the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Johannesburg gathered at Spirit Word Ministries in the Diocese of Klerksdorp on Friday, 12 June 2026, for a night vigil in honour of the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The prayer-filled celebration brought together members from the Archdiocese of Johannesburg and the dioceses of Klerksdorp, Witbank and Manzini in Eswatini.
The Holy Mass was presided over by Bishop Masilo John Selemela, Auxiliary Bishop of Pretoria. Also present were Father Modise Daniel Nthutang, Vicar General of the Diocese of Klerksdorp, and Father Rodney Khuluse, Spiritual Adviser of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Sodality in the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Johannesburg.
The gathering was marked by prayer, praise and deep reflection on the love and mercy of God, revealed through the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Throughout the evening, members participated in devotional prayers, hymns and moments of silent contemplation, renewing their commitment to living out Christ’s love in their families, communities and parishes.
Encountering the heart of God
In his homily, Bishop Selemela reminded the faithful that the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart is fundamentally an invitation to encounter the limitless love of God and to become instruments of that love in the world.
“Today, we have come to encounter the heart of our God, the God who loves us,” he said. “We have come this evening to encounter a loving God so that we may go out as messengers of love to transform a world that is longing for the love of God.”
The bishop reflected on how every encounter with Jesus transforms those who experience His presence. He noted that devotion to the Sacred Heart draws believers into the mystery of God’s infinite mercy and compassion.
Using the images of the Incarnation and the Good Shepherd, Bishop Selemela explained that God continually reveals His love through His closeness to humanity.
“The Good Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep,” he said. “Love is never truly love until it is given away.”
He challenged members of the sodality to ask themselves how divine love could transform the world through their own acts of kindness, compassion and service.
Called to build unity
Drawing from the readings of the feast, Bishop Selemela reflected on the many challenges facing the world today, including war, division, selfishness and conflict.
He warned against attitudes that place personal interests above the common good and urged the faithful to reject pettiness and self-centredness.
“The Synodal Church is calling all of us today to let go of our own pettiness and embrace unity,” he said. “We are called to have one mind and one heart and to build the Church together.”
Using the image of a choir, he emphasised that harmony can only be achieved when different voices work together. Likewise, the Church flourishes when people use their unique gifts in service of one another and the mission of Christ.
A call for a ‘heart transplant’
One of the most powerful moments of the homily came when Bishop Selemela spoke about the need for a spiritual “heart transplant.”
He explained that many hearts have become hardened through constant exposure to violence, injustice, selfishness and indifference.
Referring to the prophet Ezekiel, he reminded the congregation of God’s promise to replace hearts of stone with hearts of flesh.
“The celebration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus invites us to a heart transplant,” he said. “If our hearts are not compassionate, merciful and loving, then we need a heart transplant.”
The bishop encouraged the faithful to model their hearts on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, learning from Christ’s humility, gentleness and self-sacrificial love.
Living the love of God
Bishop Selemela stressed that love is not merely one of God’s attributes but the very essence of His being.
“Love is the foundation of all of God’s actions,” he said, urging the faithful to examine whether their actions truly reflect their relationship with God.
He challenged those present to practise forgiveness, kindness, empathy and compassion, especially in difficult situations.
“When we love one another in this way, we become living examples of God’s love on earth,” he said.
To conclude, Bishop Selemela reflected on the biblical story of the prophet Hosea and his wife Gomer, describing it as a powerful illustration of God’s unwavering love for His people.
“God says to us: You have run away, you have betrayed me, but I have never stopped loving you and I am willing to pay any price to bring you home,” he said.
Holy Hour ushers in feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Later in the evening, following the Eucharistic celebration, the faithful participated in a Holy Hour led by Rev Fr Laone Motlhwe. The time of adoration and prayer served as a spiritual bridge between the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The Holy Hour provided an opportunity for worshippers to deepen their devotion to both the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, reflecting on the inseparable bond between the Son and His Mother in God’s plan of salvation. The event ended with Holy Mass, presided over by Father Modise Daniel Nthutang.
- Sacred Heart Sodality Gathers for Night Vigil at Spirit Word Ministries - June 20, 2026
- Father Chaka Motanyane, Champion of Youth - June 18, 2026
- How Kgethang Konese Found His Voice Through the Sacred Heart Sodality - June 12, 2026
