On Sunday 21st September, pilgrims from various parishes within the Catholic Diocese of Polokwane congregated in Materdei Pastoral Centre for their Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage. This year’s pilgrimage was a profound experience of faith, renewal, worship and deep reflection aligning with the 2025 Jubilee Year theme “Pilgrims of Hope”.
Upon arrival Rev. Father Vincent Ferrer Sserubiri welcomed the pilgrims with the Penitential service followed by Fr. Father Godfrey Sekhaolelo who unpacked the Jubilee Year theme “Pilgrims of Hope
The pilgrimage was filled with moments of intense spiritual activities. The Rosary prayers, recited fervently in unison, invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The adoration of the Blessed Sacrament allowed pilgrims to sit in silence and communion with Christ, strengthening their personal relationships with Him.
The pilgrimage was led by the Shepherd of the diocese His Lordship Right Rev. Bishop Masela, together with the clergy and the religious. The Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) and the Diocesan Liturgical committee coordinated by Rev. Father James Mashamaite, worked together to ensure that the day’s programme flow smoothly.
The readings of the day added rich spiritual context to the Pilgrimage. The first reading from Genesis12:1-4 The responsorial Psalm (Psalm 33), Second reading from Romans 8: 18-25 and the Gospel of the day taken from Luke 4:14-21
In his homily, Bishop Masela invited pilgrims to entrust their whole lives to Jesus Christ during their Jubilee pilgrimage. “We must trust God because he cares about each one of us and our life is a gift from Him. As Christians we must change our lives from focusing on things that kills and destroys us to something that gives life, faith and prayer are the sources of life. The journey of faith has its own challenges, but the rewards are enormous; let us be steadfast to our faith knowing that hope does not disappoint”.
This pilgrimage was not just a gathering for pilgrims, it was an encounter with God, a moment of spiritual growth, renewal and a testament to the power of faith. In the spirit of the Jubilee Year 2025, Bishop Masela urged the faithful to be true Pilgrims of Hope, spreading light, love, and renewal wherever they go. The day concluded with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament led by Bishop Masela.
