The Catholic Women’s Association (CWA) of the diocese of Polokwane had its Annual Conference from 30 – 31 August at Materdei Pastoral Centre under the theme “CWA for Evangelization” and motto “Faith and Action”. The official opening message was delivered by President Nomvula Mashabane, President of Witbank Diocese on behalf of the Inter – Diocesan President.
A two-day event featuring spiritual talks, adoration, praise and worship, annual report presentations, competitions, fun & entertainment by showcasing members unleashed talents as well as donations for church projects. During the conference members paid tribute and remembered their fallen heroes by lighting prayer candles and presentation of flowers to respective parishes.
The conference’s historic moments were marked by pinning some of their members for twenty-five & ten years of service loyalty, blessing of 70 years and older members as well as a memorial service in remembrance of the fallen heroes. The Saturday memorial service, conducted by the Spiritual Advisor Rev. Fr. Sello Maboea created a space for healing and hope as members honoured and remembered their departed members.
The guest priest Very Rev. Fr. Mabuti Amos Masemola Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Pretoria led a powerful Praise & Worship session that encouraged deep reflection and prayer. Fr. Masemola encouraged members to live a holy life and commit to deeper prayer practices.
St. Benedict was awarded the first prize for the best performed parish in report writing and execution of CWA activities, followed by St. Martin de Porres in position 2 and St. Gregory the Great in position 3.
CWA has made significant strides in expanding its presence across the fourteen parishes since it was launched in the diocese in 1995; currently, the association has 380 members. It has continued to strengthen the Catholic faith while uplifting communities through charity and social engagement. The association’s leadership, under the guidance of President Rachel Mantshiu and Spiritual Advisor Fr. Sello Maboea played a crucial role in ensuring stability and growth.
CWA remained committed to its motto through acts of charity and social responsibility, the association is a driving force behind various charity initiatives in the community. The association donated nine beds, bedlinens and curtains to the religious sisters’ residential place in Sekutu, Ga- Molepo Laastehoop. Adopted school of peace for children from disadvantaged families, the association contributes money monthly towards the learners’ meals during learning hours. School of peace is dominated by the community learners from St. Egidio. The association demonstrated unwavering commitment to faith, service, and empowerment by donating R70 000.00 towards the education of seminarians/ future priests.
The Spiritual Advisor Rev. Fr. Sello Maboea extended his gratitude to the outgoing executive committee council and presented them with candles that will illuminate their ways wherever they are going to serve after the end of their term in office
The conference closed with Holy Mass concelebrated by His Lordship Right Rev. Masela and Rev. Father Maboea. As the association’s ritual, Bishop Masela was ushered with Drum majorettes to the conference closing Mass. Bishop Masela blessed and pinned Mrs. Martha Mohale for her 25 years of Loyalty service to the association during the Mass.
