By Karabo Ntanzi
Saturday, 6 January 2024, was a memorable day for the Catholic Diocese of Klerksdorp as they ordained five Priests and a Deacon. The Klerksdorp Auditorium was filled to the brim, resembling a beautiful summer garden with parishioners clad in various solidarity uniforms, 120 Priests from various Dioceses, and congregants from other denominations robed in their regalia.
There was a strong presence of women from Botswana, adorned in blue shweshwe skirts, patterned red headscarves, white tops and shawls. Nigerians enhanced the occasion with their colorful attire.
Amongst the dignitaries was Kgosi Gaborone of the Batlokwa clan from Botswana, Bishop Stephen Diseko from Anglican Diocese of Matlosane, Executive Mayor of Klerksdorp James Tsolelo and soon-to-retire Vicar General Fr Donatus Bohe, who served the Catholic Church for over 60 years. Moderator General, Rev Professor LG Modise from the Dutch Reform Church was also in attendance.
The candidate list included Steward for Klerksdorp Diocese Bishop Victor Phalana ordained to Priesthood In-Abasi Wilson and Umunnakwe Justin from Nigeria, Keabetswe Laone Motlhwe and Thuto Prince Mosomane from Botswana and Thabisho John Sedia from Mafikeng. Brother Thabang Mothai Bogosi Matlaba was ordained as a Transitional Deacon.
Phalana delivered a well-packaged homily touching on the Catholic Catechism. He informed congregants that he did not know the origin of some of the candidates, but he accepted and trusted that God sent them to assist in his Diocese. “I have limited knowledge about some of them. However, those who truly know them are the parishioners from their hometown. My responsibility as Bishop is to facilitate this process”, continued Phalane.
The Bishop indicated that the candidates were obedient and performed well at the seminary. Hence, it was recommended that they be ordained.
Proud parents and family members presented candidates to the Bishop who performed the ordination rites. A combined choir of choristers from Klerksdorp and Botswana sung the Litany of Saints.
Afterward, newly ordained Priest, Father Umunnakwe Justin, appointed by his colleagues, thanked Phalane for taking a calculated risk by accepting. “Today, your risk paid off as you witnessed us from boys to men,” said Justin. The new Priest pledged loyalty and paid homage to parents, mentors, and all those who cared for them while they were at the seminary.
Ma Sedia, representing parents of the newly ordained Priests, applauded the Bishop and the institution where the candidates received their training. “Your teachings, care, and love molded them to be people we see today,” she said.
She praised the candidates for being resilient, “this is proof that God was good through their trials and tribulations. Some lost family members during the process. Others took longer to complete their studies.”
Congregants were invited to lunch after mass.
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