By Ilze Sidney, Parish Building Portfolio / Jubilee Co-Ordinator – St Philip Catholic Church Strandfontein celebrated its 40th Ruby Jubilee Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday, 27 September 2026, with Bishop Sylvester David OMI as the principal celebrant. The celebration was attended by former parish priests and a representative of the Salesians of Don Bosco, who joined the parish community in giving thanks for four decades of faith, service and fellowship.
The church was officially opened on 26 October 1986. From humble beginnings, when Holy Mass was first celebrated in parishioners’ homes and the school hall, St. Philip has grown into a vibrant and thriving parish, serving generations of families.
In his Jubilee message, Parish Priest Fr Galal John O Praem reflected on the significance of the milestone, saying:
“Over the past four decades, our parish has been far more than a place of worship. It has served as our spiritual home and a sanctuary where generations of families have encountered Christ, shared in one another’s joys and sorrows, and grown together in faith. We are deeply grateful to the countless parishioners, past and present, who have generously supported our church with their time, talents, prayers, and resources.
Our Jubilee is a sacred opportunity to renew our commitment to Christ. It inspires us to continue building a parish where every individual feels welcomed, valued, and loved.
Let us look back with gratitude, live the present with joy, and move forward into the future with hope, trusting always in God’s continued blessings.”
Following the Thanksgiving Mass, parishioners were invited to a Family Day celebration, which provided an opportunity to reconnect with former parish priests and share in the joy of this occasion.
A particularly special moment was the cutting of the Jubilee cake by Basil and Barbara Trout, the parish’s first parishioners, The occasion was enjoyed by all in attendance, bringing together past and present members of the parish family in a spirit of gratitude.
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