The diocese of Klerksdorp is situated in South Africa‘s Northwest Province, an area with a population of 1.8 million souls, of whom roughly 117,000 are Catholics. They are ministered to by 31 priests.
In the past there were only very few vocations in the diocese, with the result that even those who did perhaps feel a calling to the priesthood were very reluctant, fearing that they might be quite alone in the seminary. That meant that there were still fewer vocations… Then, in 2017 the bishop opened up the seminary to young men from other African countries. This has brought new life to the seminary, and also led to an increase in the number of young men from the diocese itself who wished to explore a vocation to the priesthood. As of today the seminary has produced 11 new priests, who are currently serving in the diocese, as well as several others working in other dioceses of South Africa. Thanks to your support, we have already several times been able to help the seminarians training at the seminary.
Letsoara Tshediso is one of the seminarians you have already been helping for his formation so far.. He tells us: „My time in the seminary has changed my life and has not only made me a servant of God, but also someone firmly determined to live the values of the Gospel. Every stage of my formation was a step towards a better understanding of my own vocation – and the enormous responsibility associated with it of serving the People of God. For me the seminary is a sacred space, where I have experienced a profound encounter with Christ, through the Eucharist, the Sacred Scriptures and the people I have been able to serve during my practical pastoral training. This has deepened my love for the Church and strengthened my determination to devote myself to her mission.“
His fellow seminarian Thapelo Michael thanks you on behalf of all the seminarians you have already helped. „I would like to thank you for your support. I am firmly convinced that without your help I would not be where I am today. The generosity you have shown me gives me the strength to give of my best each day. It motivates me and reminds me of the words of Christ: ‚Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age‘ (Mt 28:20). So I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. And I promise to pray for you all.“
Right now there are four young men from the diocese studying at the seminary. The bishop is once again asking our help, since the local Church has few resources in this impoverished and overwhelmingly rural region. Previously there was a possibility of work in the mines, but now there are very few employment opportunities. The people were already poor, even before the pandemic, and now the situation has grown still more difficult. So even for the Church it is very difficult to make ends meet.
Can these young men count on your support, as they aspire to follow the call of God and continue their priestly formation?
