Southern Deanery Celebrates Holy Trinity with Unity, Prayer, and Generosity

By Fr Mathibela Sebothoma – Pretoria

On a vibrant Saturday, hundreds of faithful from the Southern Deanery of the Archdiocese of Pretoria converged at Saulsville Arena, west of the capital, to celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. This gathering, a highlight of the Jubilee Year of Hope, was a profound expression of faith, unity, and synodality. It was more than a Mass; it was a pilgrimage of hope, bringing together parishioners, clergy, religious, and youth from diverse parishes in a powerful display of communion, participation, and mission—the core pillars of a synodal Church.

The atmosphere at Saulsville Arena buzzed with joy, reverence, and purpose. The event provided a rare opportunity for the Southern Deanery to unite as one body, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared mission. Justin Whitehead, chairperson of the Southern Deanery Pastoral Council, set a warm tone in his opening remarks. “It is not often that we gather as a deanery to celebrate Mass, but today is a special occasion,” he said. “We extend heartfelt gratitude to our clergy, religious, and all who have joined us. This is a day of joy, where we share our faith, connect with one another, and strengthen our bonds as a community.” His words resonated deeply, filling the arena with anticipation and warmth.

The Holy Mass, presided over by Archbishop Dabula Mpako, was the centrepiece of the celebration. In his homily, he delivered a powerful reflection on the Holy Trinity’s significance in Christian life. “The belief in the Holy Trinity is a central tenet of our faith,” he proclaimed. “It reveals God as both one and three—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—perfectly uniting unity and diversity in a divine mystery.” He drew parallels between the Trinity’s relational nature and the need for communion, inclusion, and justice in the Church and society. “The Trinity teaches us to live not in isolation or selfishness, but in mutual love and shared responsibility,” he said. “This wisdom is the antidote to the conflicts we see in families, communities, and nations—whether driven by greed, corruption, or neglect of the common good.”

Archbishop Mpako connected the Trinity to the Church’s synodal journey, a theme emphasised by the late Pope Francis. “Synodality is not a trend; it is the way of being Church that mirrors the Holy Trinity,” he said. “A synodal Church is a Trinitarian Church—one that listens deeply, dialogues openly, and shares in mission. As the Archdiocese of Pretoria, we are called to grow into a Church where every member embraces differentiated co-responsibility for our shared mission.” He urged the faithful to apply Trinitarian principles to address South Africa’s challenges—political unrest, socio-economic inequality, and environmental degradation—by fostering peace, unity, and mutual respect.

Fr John-Paul Mathebula, Dean of the Southern Deanery, echoed the Archbishop’s call for a self-sustaining Church. “Today is more than a celebration; it is a call to build a Church that is spiritually mature, financially independent, and structurally resilient,” he said. “Our Jubilee Year is not just about gratitude for the past but about moving forward with courage and hope. This pilgrimage of hope in Saulsville inspires us to ignite faith amidst challenges.” His words highlighted the Deanery’s commitment to becoming a vibrant, self-propagating community that inspires future generations.

A key focus of the day was a fundraising initiative for the Archdiocese of Pretoria, which raised an impressive R296,700. This remarkable show of generosity reflected the Deanery’s solidarity and dedication. Bishop Masilo Selemela, Auxiliary Bishop of Pretoria, praised the faithful, saying, “We are the Church. You are the Church. When we give freely, we grow richer—not only materially but spiritually and communally.” Quoting Proverbs, he added, “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer.” He envisioned a self-sustaining, self-evangelising Church, urging the community to invest in infrastructure like an archdiocesan arena for worship and empowerment. “We need spaces we can call our own, where we gather without booking,” he said. He made a special appeal to youth, encouraging them to save R3 weekly as a small but meaningful act of commitment to the Church’s mission.

Michael Tloubatla, chairperson of the organising committee, described the event as “spirit-filled and awe-inspiring.” “This Jubilee celebration allowed us to encounter the joys of being Pilgrims of Hope,” he said. “The Holy Spirit was present in our prayers, our giving, and our unity as one family in Christ.” The event’s success underscored the Deanery’s journey toward a participatory, responsive local Church.

Parish and Youth Contributions:

• Emmanuel Catholic Church, Phomolong: R8,000
• Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Ivory Park: R20,000
• Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Olifantsfontein: R20,000
• Maria Regina Catholic Church, Lyttelton: R30,000
• Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Midrand: R35,000
• Moya Catholic Church, Tembisa: R20,000
• Our Lady Queen of Peace, Thaba Tshwane: R2,700
• St Matthew Catholic Church, Tembisa: R20,000
• St Agnes Catholic Church, Olivenhoutbosch: R16,000
• St Stephanie Catholic Church: R10,000
• St Thomas More Catholic Church, Monavoni: R70,000
• St Vincent Catholic Church, Tembisa: R20,000
• Deanery Youth: R5,000

These contributions, from urban and township parishes alike, reflected the Deanery’s diverse yet united spirit. The youth’s R5,000 offering was a hopeful sign of their commitment to the Church’s future. Each donation, whether large or small, embodied the Trinitarian wisdom of unity in diversity and dedication to the common good.

The Mass was enriched by the vibrant participation of choirs, altar servers, and liturgical dancers from various parishes, creating a joyful and inclusive atmosphere. Workshops throughout the day explored synodality, encouraging attendees to reflect on their role in a Trinitarian Church through listening and dialogue. These sessions deepened the community’s understanding of communion, participation, and mission, reinforcing the event’s theme of hope.

As the day concluded, parishioners left with renewed commitment to live out the Trinitarian wisdom—balancing individual aspirations with collective responsibilities, fostering dialogue, and embracing co-responsibility. The Saulsville gathering was a powerful step toward a synodal future for the Archdiocese of Pretoria. Archbishop Mpako’s closing words encapsulated the vision: “May our local Church become a Trinitarian Church—a Church of communion, participation, and mission, guided by the life-giving wisdom of the Most Holy Trinity.” The Southern Deanery’s celebration was a testament to this call, uniting hundreds in faith, generosity, and hope for a vibrant, mission-driven community.