Young Priests Gather in Francistown for AGROP 2025: A Call to Self-Care and Ministry

By Father Mathibela Sebothoma, Francistown, Botswana

The Diocese of Francistown, Botswana, had the honour of hosting the 2025 Annual Gathering of Recently Ordained Priests (AGROP) for the Metropolitan Province of the Archdiocese of Pretoria, from 28 April to 2 May. This ecclesiastical province includes the Archdiocese of Pretoria and the Dioceses of Gaborone, Francistown, Rustenburg, Polokwane, and Tzaneen. The gathering brought together 33 young priests and two deacons—each ordained for less than five years—for a time of reflection, fellowship, and renewal.

The gathering opened with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Father Thulani Madinda and Father Tlhologelo, who both celebrated the second anniversary of their priestly ordination on 29 April. Reverend Father Gabriel Lionel Afagbegee SVD, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Francistown, also celebrated Holy Mass, warmly acknowledging the “baby priests” in their formative years of ministry. The atmosphere of joy and fraternity set a vibrant tone for the days that followed, reminding participants of the grace and responsibility of their vocation.

A central highlight was a thought-provoking presentation by Dr Kgomotso Jongman, a community practice and youth specialist from the University of Botswana. Dr Jongman, who holds a PhD in Social Work with a focus on youth development, delivered an insightful talk on mental health and the necessity of self-care for clergy. He addressed topics such as childhood trauma, anger, sexuality, and the need for safe spaces where clergy can share their burdens without stigma. His message was clear and sobering: “If you overuse or overwork yourself and you die, the only people who will remember you are your family—because the Church will move on.” He urged the clergy to take responsibility for their own well-being, warning, “When you die, the bishop will send another priest, and life goes on. The responsibility for taking care of yourself lies with you.”

Dr Jongman’s words struck a chord, encouraging the young priests to balance their pastoral zeal with healthy personal boundaries. “Self-care is the practice of taking action to preserve or improve your own health,” he said, leaving a lasting impression.

As part of the programme, the group visited Mahalapye State Prison, which houses over 700 male and female inmates serving sentences for various offences. The AGROP priests and deacons ministered to both inmates and correctional staff, offering preaching, spiritual counsel, and motivational talks. A particularly moving moment occurred when Ms Chantelle Sibalwa was released from lawful custody, facilitated by a “warrant of liberation” (J1 warrant)—a legal document issued by Botswana’s courts or the Director of Public Prosecutions. Father Johannes Sibanyoni from the Archdiocese of Pretoria described the experience as transformative, remarking, “What Jesus preached more than two thousand years ago became real: ‘For I was in prison, and you visited me.’” Both inmates and staff expressed deep gratitude for the clergy’s presence.

AGROP 2025 was a powerful blend of spiritual enrichment, practical wisdom, and meaningful outreach. As these young priests return to their dioceses, they do so renewed in their commitment to both ministry and personal well-being. The Diocese of Francistown was privileged to host such a dynamic gathering, which fostered a spirit of unity, purpose, and hope among the future leaders of the Church.