Father Dikotsi Tjamela Mofokeng, coordinating secretary of the Department for Formation, Life and Apostolate of the Laity at the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), celebrated 25 years of priestly ministry with family, friends, fellow priests and religious, and parishioners on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
The silver jubilee Mass was celebrated at his home parish of Mofumahadi wa Kgotso in Bohlokong, Free State, where hundreds of parishioners gathered to give thanks for his priesthood vocation and service to the Church. Many attended dressed in traditional Basotho attire, adding to the cultural richness of the celebration.
Father Mofokeng was joined by 15 priests from the dioceses of Bethlehem and Kroonstad, as well as colleagues from St John Vianney Major Seminary and the SACBC.
Love must overflow
Preaching at the Mass, Father Moshoeshoe Molebatsi Emmanuel Ntomane of the Diocese of Kroonstad reflected on the Gospel reading from Matthew 22:34-40, in which Jesus identifies the two greatest commandments: to love God with all one’s heart, soul and mind, and to love one’s neighbour as oneself. Father Ntomane reminded the congregation that Christian life is founded on these two commandments, which call the faithful to move beyond words and feelings towards a love demonstrated through everyday actions. He explained that loving God requires a total commitment that encompasses every aspect of a person’s life. This love, he said, must find expression in how people treat one another.
“True love for God cannot exist in a vacuum; it must overflow into how we treat other human beings,” was the central message of his homily. The priest also drew attention to the first reading from Exodus 22:21-27, which warns against mistreating widows and orphans. He connected the biblical passage to the challenges faced by widows in South Africa, particularly when relatives of deceased husbands attempt to claim property that the couple had built together.
Father Ntomane urged the faithful to recognise the dignity and rights of widows, reminding them that love demands compassion, justice and respect for the vulnerable. He emphasised that marriage involves a profound commitment between husband and wife, which must be respected even after the death of one spouse. He also encouraged the congregation to reflect on God’s unconditional love, which remains steadfast despite human weaknesses and shortcomings. Christians, he said, are called to extend that same love to others rather than allowing resentment, judgement or bitterness to determine their relationships.
Recognising human dignity
Using the image of a camera, Father Ntomane illustrated how people often focus on the imperfections of others instead of recognising their inherent dignity.
“Life is like a camera,” he explained, describing how people focus, capture, edit, save or delete images. While people are often quick to judge others and attempt to change them according to their own expectations, God continues to love them despite their imperfections. He encouraged the faithful to resist the temptation to dwell on the faults of others and instead recognise the image of God in every person. The reflection offered a fitting message for the jubilee celebration, highlighting the importance of a ministry rooted in love, compassion and a willingness to serve others. Before the final blessing, Father Mofokeng expressed his gratitude to everyone who had supported him throughout his priestly journey and contributed to making the celebration memorable. Parishioners presented him with gifts and a celebratory cake in recognition of his 25 years of service.
Message to Father Mofokeng
Lerato, a parishioner from the Diocese of Kroonstad who now lives in Bethlehem, joined the church in celebrating the milestone. “We gathered here to celebrate Father Tjamela Mofokeng’s 25th anniversary as a priest. May God bless him and grant him more years to continue doing his work,” she said.
Father Khahliso Mofokeng, the rector of Our Lady of Bethlehem Marian Shrine in the Diocese of Bethlehem, also congratulated the jubilant priest, encouraging the Catholic community to remain welcoming and persevere in doing good. He reflected on their shared history, recalling that Father Dikotsi was part of the vocations team when he was ordained 25 years ago.
“When he was ordained, he was part of the vocations team, and I am one of his first recruits. I am happy to celebrate this special day with him as a priest,” Father Khahliso said. He thanked Father Dikotsi for the love he had shown the Church and acknowledged the significance of reaching 25 years of priestly ministry.
The parish priest, Father William Kaupa, also congratulated Father Mofokeng, praying that God would continue to bless and strengthen him in his vocation, with the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Surrounded by those who have accompanied him throughout his journey, Father Mofokeng’s silver jubilee was an occasion of thanksgiving for his years of service and a reminder of the enduring call to love God and neighbour. Among his qualifications, Father Mofokeng, holds a PhD in Missiology from the North-West University an MA in Canon Law from St Augustine College, and a Higher Diploma in Ministerial Skills from St John Vianney Major Seminary.
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