By Thabile Mbhele – St Anne Sodality from the Archdiocese of Durban have launched a booklet about the history of the sodality. The book was launched at the celebration of the Feast of Saints Anne and Joachim at St Albini Parish in Ntshongweni on Saturday. Hundreds of members from the seven deaneries attended the Feast Day, marked with prayers, reflections and songs in honour of their patron Saint Anne.
Auxiliary Bishop of Durban Elias Kwenzakufani Zondi presided over the Mass, concelebrating with Fathers Solly van Roos, Malusi Zaca, Mndeni Hadebe and David Sithole.
The publishing of the booklet was the realisation of a dream of former Presidents of St Anne Sodality in the archdiocese. The 50-page booklet reflects on, among other things, the establishment of the sodality at archdiocesan level, the structure and functioning of the sodality, uniform, training of new members, workshops and conventions as well as working with other dioceses.
It further details the support the sodality offers to widowed mothers as well as the elderly and infirm. This is done through prayers, Holy Mass dedicated to them as well as gifting them with groceries, blankets and other necessities. Other works of mercy documented on the booklet is the commitment to supporting the Bishops with vocations to religious life. The sodality does not only support vocations with prayers but it makes an annual donation to the bishop during the Siyonqamlezweni Pilgrimage, two weeks before Easter. This goes towards supporting seminarians and religious sisters.
Former St Anne President Mrs Nompumelelo Chapi says this booklet is part of a three-part series, this focuses on St Anne formation at diocesan level, the two will focus on deanery and parish level. She says this will ensure preservation of the history of the sodality for future generations. Chapi thanked the former presidents for their commitment to fulfilling this dream of having the history of the sodality officially documented. She adds that while she is happy with the progress made thus far, she will be happier once the other two booklets are compiled and published successfully.
At the same celebration, the new St Anne chaplain for the Archdiocese of Durban was introduced. Father Solly Sphamandla van Roos has been appointed as the spiritual advisor for St Anne Sodality in the Archdiocese. He takes over from Father Malusi Zaca who had been with the sodality for 8 years before his appointment as Interdiocesan Chaplain. Father Van Roos is the parish priest in KwaKristo Umsindisi in KwaMashu, he was born Kraanskop in KwaZulu Natal and was ordained a priest 14 years ago. Welcoming Van Roos, Auxilliary Bishop of Durban Elias Kwenzakufani Zondi reminded him of the responsibilities of the chaplain, saying he is expected to guide members spiritually not to meddle in the everyday running of the sodality, particularly the finances. He is expected to report to the bishops once or twice a year.
Bishop Zondi also called on St Anne members to respect their chaplain and give him all the support he needs. In his response Father van Roos says he was pleasantly surprised by the appointment and notes the challenging task ahead of him. He says he is encouraged that he will be working with a group of prayerful women and prays that by God’s grace he will carry this task successfully.
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