Story

Srs. Mary Jael, Judith, and Chinwendu professed their final vows on Saturday 23 April in Makhanda, Eastern Cape.

LISTENING TO THE PERSON

Notes from LCCLSA AGM 2022 (with acknowledgement to www.skillsyouneed.co.za)

Lead by listening. To be a good leader, you have to be a great listener. (Richard Branson)

The greatest gift you can give another is the purity of your attention. (Richard Moss)

Getting into the right space to listen

1. Ideally, set up an appointment – at a time when you will have the energy to listen well.
2. Choose a suitable and helpful setting. Across a desk is not ideal. ‘Neutral territory’ may have an advantage.
3. Relax so you can focus on the person speaking.
4. Concentrate. Try to put other thoughts out of your head. If your attention wanders, catch it and bring it back to the speaker.
5. Consciously decide to listen, and to really understand the speaker and what is said.

Showing that you are really listening

• Put the speaker at ease – by your words, gestures, and well-judged eye contact.
• Avoid fiddling, doodling, touching things, and looking around.
• Show by your posture that you are engaged.
• Don’t interrupt, or guess at finishing the speaker’s sentences.
• Relax when the speaker pauses. Don’t rush in to start fill the gap with talking.

Reflecting what you have heard

1. Sometimes, when you need to check whether you have understood, reflect back what you have heard. This enables the speaker either to affirm or to correct your understanding.
2. Sometimes, reflect back what you have heard simply in order to reassure the speaker that you have understood.
3. But don’t do it too often!

Reflecting feelings

1. Try to listen not only to the speaker’s ideas but to pick up the feelings behind what is communicated. Listen not only to the words but also to non-verbals – facial expression, posture, body-language, hesitations, tempo, pauses, voice tone and pitch and volume.
2. Reflect these feelings, and their intensity, so the speaker feels heard and understood emotionally, e.g. “You feel a little bit/quite/very/extremely helpless.”
3. If you’re not sure, test what you pick up and let the speaker either affirm or correct you.

Door-opening

1. Encourage the speaker to keep speaking, or to say more, by using words & non-verbals that invite them to stay open – a smile, a nod, “uh-huh”, “mmm”, widening your eyes, leaning forward, “go on”, “ah”, “and so?”
2. Let the speaker lead the conversation, deciding when they want to pause and showing you when they want you to speak.
3. If the speaker’s words and non-verbals do not match, generally trust the non-verbals and point out the inconsistency.

Listening with empathy

• Try to see things from the speaker’s perspective. Let go of your own way of seeing things for long enough to understand the speaker’s point of view and concerns.
• Keep an open mind when the speaker says something with which you disagree. Wait. Keep listening to the speaker’s views and opinions until they have finished and you have fully taken in what they have to say. Only then, think of how to respond.
• Try to put yourself in the speaker’s shoes and make an emotional connection with what the speaker is feeling.
• When you can feel what the speaker is feeling, show it in your face or with other non-verbals.

Questioning to enhance listening

• Try to ask the right questions at the right time.
• Don’t start questioning too soon.
• Use questions not to control the speaker but to clarify, to show interest, to build rapport with the speaker, to express empathy, to explore the speaker’s beliefs and attitudes, to check out any assumption you may be making, or to encourage the person to think about something more deeply.
• Pausing before asking a question helps to stress its importance. Pausing after a response can encourage the speaker to continue.
• You can use facial expressions to ask all kinds of gentle questions without using words, e.g. raising your eyebrows to ask “Are you sure?”

Eliminating barriers to listening

• Be aware of any mannerism or habit that you find annoying in the speaker (e.g. accent, pointing, or “like”). Consciously avoid becoming irritated or distracted by such things. Focus on what the speaker is trying to communicate.
• Listen for the whole picture - grasp the idea. Don’t get ‘hung up’ on some little part that annoys or upsets you.
• Don’t jump in and speak every time there is a moment of silence. Be patient with the speaker.
• Avoid formulating a reply while listening.
• Remain open. Try not to judge the speaker or let your prejudices dismiss them.
• Switch your phone off.

Generative conversation

The whole is more than the sum of its parts. (Aristotle)

• Everyone walks into a meeting with their ideas and their ability to make a contribution.
• But we do not simply pool our ideas and then choose which one to go with.
• Instead we make our best contribution by building upon each other’s ideas.
• And together we generate something that no one preconceived and ‘sold’ to us.
• And what we co-create, we own. It is ours.

____________________

Wishing you and your loved ones a Blessed Christmas and Grace-filled New Year!

LCCLSA

Please click the link to view the Christmas Card.

https://www.greetingsisland.com/ecard/pafyrkjbyzs1/en

Warm Greetings from LCCL Secretariat!
The last few months have been eventful in our country. We all watched with horror as
our country was reduced to ashes and utter lawlessness with the looting that erupted
after the arrest of the former state president, Mr Jacob Zuma. One can argue that this
was the worst violence South Africans have ever seen since the end of Apartheid. The
riots claimed more than 340 lives and resulted in extensive damage to infrastructure;
more than 200 shopping centres suffered looting or damage, while 100 malls were
subject to arson attacks, 161 liquor outlets and distributors were damaged, 1,400 ATMs and 90 pharmacies
were damaged and about 300 banks and post offices were vandalized. In addition, 40,000 businesses and
50,000 traders were affected overall, while stock worth R1.5 billion was lost and 150,000 jobs were stated
to be at risk.[1] The damage to KwaZulu-Natal's economy alone is estimated to be R20 billion and estimated
losses suffered by the province of Gauteng are at R3.5 billion meanwhile these damages could cost a loss of R50
billion to South Africa's national economy.[2]
Much of the unrest is said not to have been driven by direct political issues, but was instead driven by the
country’s long-term challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment. Unemployment is measured at
34.4%, which is the highest globally amidst the worsening pandemic crisis and as a direct result of the deadly
unrests and looting that gripped the country.
[3]
Around the same time, Eswatini was also experiencing
violent protests which were calling for democratic reforms in the country.
As Church and Religious, these unrests left us feeling uncomfortable and unsure as to what to do about the
situation. The LCCL(SA), in conjunction with Radio Veritas called for a day of prayer for the two countries on
17th July for healing and an end to the violence. The intervention was well received, most people felt healed
by this gesture as it gave them an opportunity to get in touch with the pain and to release it. Members were
further invited to intensify their prayers for an end to this violence. Noble as our intervention might have
been, the question is, was that enough? As Religious, we are called to be prophetic and the question is, how
prophetic were we in response to this situation?
During the Apartheid years, the Church, and Religious were known to be the voice of the voiceless. I
remember stories of some of my own Religious sisters who were staunch ANC members (Some of you might
remember Bernard Ncube who became a Parliamentarian). Some of the sisters suffered incarceration
because of their participation in the fight against Apartheid. I cannot help but ask myself, what has silenced
the voice of the Church? As Religious we are called to respond to the signs of the times and the question
remains, how are we responding to these times of Covid 19 with high joblessness, poverty and inequality?
How can we as Religious and as Church today carry out our mandate of being prophetic witnesses during
these unprecedented times? The Executive is formulating a response/action plan in a bid to respond to these
Social Justice/economic issues. If you have ideas on how we can remain prophetic as Religious and as Church
during these times, you are welcome to share those ideas with the Executive through the Secretariat. May
God bless our beautiful country as we navigate our way through this maze of unprecedented events.
Sr Nkhensani Shibambu CSA, President LCCL(SA)
CATHOLIC CARE FOR CHILDREN INTERNATIONAL (CCCI) - From Institution to a family and community based
care.
CCCI is a new Project from the International Union of Superiors General (UISG). The vision of CCCI is to create
a world where every child grows up in a safe, loving family or supportive community. It aims to help religious
men and women involved with care of the child to read the signs of the times and thus respond accordingly
by providing the best care to children, to reduce reliance on institutionalisation, and to encourage family
and community based care. Children for one reason or another, are removed from their parental care or
when orphaned and or abandoned would be placed in foster care or be put up for adoption and in other
instances, be placed in a children’s home. The aim of CCCI is to promote de-institutionalisation which is
about moving such children from institutions back to their families and to stop new ones from coming in.
It is said that 80% of the children in our institutions in Africa, have family members and or parents and that over 6000
catholic sponsored child care institutions are in the Global South. The CCCI Movement says placement in a
facility should not be the first option but should be the last option. There has been extensive research conducted
into the impact of institutionalized care on the development of a child. This research indicates that
institutionalisation has a negative impact on the development of the child. This global movement aims to
bring this awareness to all those who work in this space. Religious conferences in the African region have
started this movement and hence the need for us to join in the movement.
As LCCL(SA), we were approached by CCCI last year to begin the conversation around de-institutionalisation
of our facilities. Several meetings were held with the UISG – CCCI where the objectives of the project were
outlined and upon further reflection, the Executive committee took a resolution to join the movement. This
was brought to the AGM in March 2021 where the Executive was given a mandate to further engage on the
matter with the UISG. More meetings were held with the UISG and subsequently with GHR Foundation who
is the funding partner for the project to explain the project in detail. From these meetings, the Executive is
of the view that participation in this venture will be beneficial to the members and the country as a whole..
What are the implications of our participation in this venture?

1. First we need to form a working group/team who will be responsible for getting the project
   started.
2. Apply for funding from GHR Foundation.
3. Conduct a landscape assessment of Catholic Care in South Africa. This requires to be done by a
   team using an assessment tool. It requires desk research and field work. Field work entails
   collecting information from Catholic-sponsored care institutions to create a portrait of Catholic
   care within the area. This includes information about religious life, Catholic care institutions,
   contextual factors effecting care for children, and available resources to support care reform. The
   landscape paints a picture of religious life and care for children and will help establish a system
   that is responsive to local needs.
4. Convene stakeholders and discuss and discern the results: how are we called to live our
   charism? Shall we move forward with efforts to advance the CCC vision?
5. Move ahead to implement the CCC.
   We need at least five (5) members to form the working group/team and so would like to invite you if you
   have members in your congregations or staff in your care facilities who are social workers, child and youth
   care workers, psychologists, researchers, data analysts etc., who can make part of the working group. Some
   of the responsibilities of the working group would include to manage and oversee the project. We would
   like to ask you to get in touch with the Secretariat by 22nd October if you have members who meet this
   criteria and submit their details. Do not hesitate to contact the Secretariat should you need further clarity
   on the project.
   We would also like to have a list of all those Religious institutes within the conference that have a charism
   of care or mission to care for children and other vulnerable persons. The Secretariat will get in touch with
   you to update and verify information that is in our database. We are grateful for all the work and
   contribution that you have been making over the years in this ministry.
   Upcoming Activities
   The following activities are planned for the next coming months:
6. A course on Self-Care with Fr Hugh Lagan SMA:
   The Executive Committee is planning for a workshop on “Looking Back to Move Forward” for elected
   leaders on 05 November 2021 from 11am to 12:15. More information will be sent to you in due
   course.
7. A session on Professional conduct and Child Safe Guarding:
   Fr. Mike Lewis, SJ, Chairperson of the National Professional Conduct and Child Safeguarding
   Committee will give a presentation as indicated below:
   Date: Mon 18 Oct
   Time: 2.30pm - 4.00pm
   Platform: Virtual
   You are all urged to participate in this webinar as Professional Conduct and Child Safeguarding very
   essential topic, and as leaders, we need to be more aware of the requirements thereof. A link will be
   sent to you in due course.
8. Peer Groups in Durban and Gauteng: Fr Bheki, Fr Jude, Fr Neil and Fr Siphelele will contact male
   religious members in the Gauteng and Durban areas to form peer support groups for male leaders. A
   woman’s support group is already in existence in the Joburg area. You are all encouraged to form peer
   support groups in your areas as per the outcome of our AGM 2021. If you are interested in getting
   one started in your area and would like advice on how to go about it you can contact the Secretariat
   for more information.
9. Joint Witness Meeting:
   We thank God for the success of the National Joint Witness meeting 2021 which was held from 6-9
   September via ZOOM under the theme: “Enabling an Emerging Church”. Attached herewith, are the
   outcomes of the meeting for your reading pleasure and further discernment and dissemination.
10. LCCL 2021 Subscriptions:
    Members are reminded to pay their 2021 Subscriptions to help LCCL secretariat to cover the running
    cost of the office. You contribution is deeply appreciated! So far only 6o members have paid out of a
    102 members.
11. COVID 19 Stats
    You are kindly requested to submit all the information on Covid 19 infections, deaths and or
    recoveries to LCCL office on a monthly basis. We will continue praying for each other’s safety and
    healing.
12. LCCL Website
    Please check LCCL website for new posts and if your congregation would like to post any items, please
    email the contents to LCCL office.
    Sr Thao Phi FMM (Secretary General)
    Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life South Africa: lcclsa@mweb.co.za: www.lcclsa.co.za

Report on the Southern African Regional Meeting held on 17^th August 2021 via Zoom

On 17 August 2021, six conferences of Major Superiors in the Southern African region met together on Zoom for the first time in their history heeding the call of the Conference of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COMSAM) for the conferences to form the Southern African regional conference of COMSAM. The six conferences making up this new region are South Africa which includes South Africa, Eswatini and Botswana; Angola, Namibia, Mozambique, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. COMSAM had previously written to the Presidents of these conferences advising them to form themselves into a regional conference.

The meeting was facilitated by three presidents of Religious Conferences of Major Superiors- Sr Nkhensani Shibambu CSA, Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life (LCCLSA), Fr Constantino Bogaio, MCCJ Mozambique, and Fr João Fernandez CSsR Angola. 

 The purpose of the meeting was to formally begin the process of forming a Southern African Regional Conference of Major Superiors and to give an opportunity to the members of the 6 conferences to get to know each other. 

Present in the meeting was Fr Agostinho Maholele from COMSAM who is the Southern African Focal Point.  Fr Maholele gave a presentation on what COMSAM is and what their expectation about the new regional conference is. He highlighted that the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, (CICLSAL) expects COMSAM to animate religious life in Africa and Madagascar.  However, COMSAM can only achieve this when there are national and or regional conferences in the continent. This is the reason why COMSAM wants all the national conferences to organise themselves into regional conferences. This ensures collaboration and communion amongst the different conferences. Fr Maholele went further to say that individually, the conferences will not achieve much but can achieve more when they work together. He highlighted the advantages of collaborating together but warned that advantages also have disadvantages and that there will always be challenges in collaboration; nonetheless the gains far outweigh the challenges.  Language for instance, will be a challenge but the Bishops through IMBISA have shown that it is possible, it just needs creativity.  He concluded by saying that this meeting will be written in history as the birth of COMSAM Southern Africa and the participants will be referred as the pioneers thereof.  

Fr Dumisani Vilakati the Director of the Secretariat of the Inter-Regional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) also graced the meeting with his presence and gave a brief overview of what IMBISA is and how it functions. He highlighted that it is important to be a sharing Church and that it is out of collaboration that our resources can be utilised optimally because we need to share the limited resources at our disposal.  Most importantly, he emphasized that it is through this collaborative venture that we can grow together.

After the 2 presentations, the 6 conferences were each given an opportunity to present their conferences, highlighting their achievements, challenges and how they think they can make the collaboration work. From the sharing, the participants reflected that it was striking to learn that a lot of the conferences had commonalities such as their prioritisation of formation.  They found it inspiring to witness the vitality of religious life and the works and contributions of each conference and heart-warming to see the attendance of the members from the different conferences.  This was said to be proof that everyone is keen on moving ahead with the establishment of the regional conference.

Br Kipoy Pombo, President of COMSAM was also in attendance. He congratulated the members and encouraged them to continue with the good work. He also expressed gratitude to the organising team – Sr Nkhensani, Frs Constantino and João.   He concluded by stating that he hoped the members will join COMSAM’s General Assembly to be held in February 2022.    

An opportunity was given to the participants to get to know one another where they were divided into groups and went into break-out rooms.  They were given questions for reflection after which they came back into plenary and gave feedback. From their reflections, the members were very excited about this initiative and felt called to unity and collaboration in the region. They expressed hope that this initiative will give the conferences space to work together especially in the area of formation of formators and leaders as this is a priority for all the conferences. They further reflected that this initiative will provide a platform for the conferences to support and learn from each other, deal with common problems, share resources, share ideas on how to deal with current challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic etc. They also saw a need to continue with communication to improve collaboration.  All the members present voted in favour of the establishment of the Southern African Regional Conference.

As a way forward, the meeting resolved that each conference will appoint a member to form a steering committee whose responsibility will include the development of statutes for the newly formed region.  The statutes will then be presented to the assembly before COMSAM’s General Assembly in February 2022.  The gathering was adjourned with new bridges built, barriers dissolved and friendships made.

All Bishops of the SACBC and all members of LCCLSA (leaders of Congregations or their representatives) are invited to attend the

SACBC Joint Witness meeting (held every fourth year)

online via Zoom on Tuesday 7^th and Wednesday 8^th September 2021

three sessions per day: 9.00–10.30 am, 11.00–12.30, 3.30–5.00 pm.

Theme: Enabling an emerging Church -

exploring needs & ways of being Church now.

Purpose: How can we in our spheres offer leadership in

activating responsiveness to the impact of Covid & other challenges,

with mutual appreciation and in line with our new Pastoral Plan,

with the potential resources available to us?

Programme:

Tuesday:

• The challenges and opportunities presented to us by Covid.
• Creative responses that have arisen.
• How we can collaborate in leading responsive ways of being Church in these times.

Wednesday:

• Good relations between Bishops and Consecrated Life leaders and members.
• Various interest-groups on specific matters.
• A paraliturgy of listening to the experience of groups that are ageing and diminishing, and also that of those that are growing and attracting new life.

The paraliturgy of the last session

(Wednesday 8^th September 3.30 – 5.00 pm)

is open to all members of Congregations –

a Facebook link will be supplied.

Some may be unfamiliar with Zoom and feeling anxious about it.  For those interested, there will be a short optional practice session

on Monday 6^th Sept. at 3.30 pm.

Before this time, please ensure that you are registered on Zoom (just the free membership), and when the time comes, you will be able to join simply by clicking on the link that will be sent to you by email.

The link for the Zoom sessions

(including the optional technical practice)

will be sent out shortly before it is needed.

24^th August 2021

Dear Brothers and Sisters

We are in the fourth wave of this Covid -19 pandemic, be assured of our continued prayer during this pandemic.

I begin by thanking you for the money that has been collected during the 2021 Bishops’ Lenten Appeal Collection. Despite the difficulties that the Covid -19 pandemic has brought to us as a Church, we give thanks to God for the kindness and the generosity that has been shown through your support in this challenging financial times.

The collection in 2021 is about 49% of what was collected 2019. However with only 4 weeks of the Bishops’ Lenten Appeal collection and only a 50% capacity in parish attendance, the total sum of R 4 833 492, 94 was raised. (Please refer to the attached spreadsheet for the different Dioceses collections.)

The money received will be distributed in the following broad categories in support of the Works of the Church: Works of Charity, Education, Communication, Justice and Peace and the Training of Priests.  Those who are supported form a cross section of society and include women and children, the young and the old.

This year we tried various ways of making everyone aware of the annual collection. We used Radio Veritas, The Southern Cross and also other forms of social media. The purpose was to assist people, to be reflective during this time with an emphasis on the 4 pillars of the Bishops’ Lenten Appeal which is Prayer, Fasting, Penance and Almsgiving.

I would like to encourage you to please take note of the Bishops’ Lenten Appeal Facebook page: SACBC Lenten Appeal.

Please sign up to it now and you will be in line to receive future reflections and information on ways of supporting the Bishops Lenten Appeal.

We thank you all for your prayers and support.

Yours in Christ

Regards

Bro. Ashley Tillek, OFM

 National BLA Director

“Human trafficking is an open wound on the body of contemporary society” 

Pope Francis, Address to participants in the internationa conference on human trafficking, 10th April 2014

We hope more members will receive vaccine to protect ourselves and others.

Number 16: June 2021
COME HOLY SPIRIT!
Greetings from LCCL Secretariat,
LCCL 2021 AGM
“Behold, I make all things new.”(Rev 21: 5)
LCCL would like to thank each and every one who organised and participated in the AGM 2021 from 6-9 March 2021
via Zoom. Members received inputs from Fr Michael Lapsley, the Vatican Dicastery for Consecrated Life, SACBC Tax
Desk and the office for Counter Human Trafficking in Persons, St Joseph’s Theological Institute, Catholic Conferences
such as the Conference of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COMSAM), the Conference of Mozambique, and
the South African Council of Priests (SACOP). Various reports from the Executive Members were delivered. New
members of the Executive Committee were elected: Sr Mary McAteer MSA, Sr Juliet Khosoane RGS, Sr Boitumelo
Matlhabe SC, Fr Neil Frank OMI and Fr Siphelele Gwanisheni OFM. The outgoing members of the Executive Committee
were thanked for their dedicated service and commitment. The AGM was skilfully facilitated by Br Michael Burke CFC.
From the feedback and evaluation, the three-day AGM was a resounding success, for which we thank God and all those
who organised it.

The LCCL EXECUTIVE had a MEETING on 13-14 MAY 2021 by ZOOM
Here below are the outcomes of the deliberations.

1. Executive Portfolios
   Portfolios were allocated as indicated below:
   Secretary General: Sr Thao Phi FMM
2. CATHCA: Fr Bheki Shabalala CMM
3. Catholic Board of Education [CBE]: Fr Neil Frank OMI
4. Council for Evangelisation: Sr Nkhensani Shibambu CSA, Fr Jude Burgers MCCJ, Sr Thao
5. Counter Human Trafficking: Sr Juliet Khasoane RGS
6. Finance Committee: Sr Nkhensani, Sr Maureen Yenson OP King, Sr Thao
7. Formation Initial: Fr Siphelele Gwanisheni OFM
8. Formation Ongoing: Sr Cecilia Anawanti EHJ
9. Gender Issues: Fr Myke Mwale OP
10. National Joint Witness: Sr Nkhensani, Fr Bheki, Sr Thao
11. Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation: Fr Jude
12. Professional Conduct and Child Safeguarding: Sr May McAteer MSA, Sr Nkhensani Shibambu
    CSA
13. Website & Communication: Fr Myke, Sr Thao, Fr Siphelele
14. Youth: Sr Boitumelo Matlhabe SC
15. ACTIONING OF AGM 2021 SUGGESTIONS:
    ● HEALING WORKSHOP FOR LEADERS: from the suggestions after the AGM, it came out that members
    are interested in a WORKSHOP ON HEALING OF MEMORIES with Fr Michael Lapsely. We would like
    to invite those members who are interested in participating in this workshop to please kindly email
    to lcclsa@mweb.co.za or WhatsApp to 0637972301 before 25th June 2021. This will ensure that
    LCCL office will have enough time to plan for this workshop. Thank you in advance!
    ● RETREAT FOR LEADERS: another issue that was mentioned in the suggestions is the retreat for
    leaders. If you are interested in this retreat, please kindly email to lcclsa@mweb.co.za or WhatsApp
    to 0637972301 before 25th June 2021.
    ● A COURSE ON SELF-CARE: this was another suggestion that was raised. We are currently
    engaging with Fr Hugh Lagan to give this course. More information will be communicated with you
    in due course on this item.
    ● PEER GROUPS: the evaluation also mentioned a need for peer group support for leaders. To start
    off with, this will be in Dundee, Durban, Botswana and Gauteng. Sr Cecilia, Fr Bheki, Sr Boitumelo
    and Sr Mary will contact members of the identified areas to form regional support groups for leaders
    within the conference.
16. COVID 19 Stats
    You are kindly requested to submit all the information on Covid 19 infections, deaths and or
    recoveries to LCCL office on a monthly basis. We will keep praying for each other’s safety.
17. VACCINATIONS
    LET’S VACCINATE TO MAKE SOUTH AFRICA SAFE!
    When are you vaccinating to do your bit to keep SA safe? The country is now on phase 2 of the vaccination
    rollout. To address vaccination hesitancy as a result of the different theories that are out there, we decided
    to do our bit to encourage people to vaccinate. We invite you to talk about the efficacy of the Covid-19
    vaccine in your different platforms to get as many people vaccinated as possible for the country to reach
    “herd” immunity.
18. CALLED TO SERVE
    We have had very successful seasons one and two of the “Called to Serve” programme on Radio
    Veritas. Season three is about to kick off. However, very few congregations have signed up for season
    three. This means the lifespan of the show is short lived unless if more congregations sign up for the
    show. If your congregation would like to participate on the show, kindly contact lcclsa@mweb.co.za or
    WhatsApp to 0637972301 before 17th June to register for the next seasons.
19. LCCL Website
    Please check LCCL website for new posts and if your congregation would like to post any items, please email
    the contents to LCCL office. You all reminded to kindly pay your subscriptions for 2020 and 2021
    respectively.
    Sr Thao Phi FMM (Secretary General)
    Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life South Africa: lcclsa@mweb.co.za: www.lcclsa.co.za

Many Religious Sisters received the vaccine and hope to keep our South Africa safe during this pandemic!

HELD FROM 9TH TO 11TH MARCH 2021

THE MEETING WAS HELD VIRTUALLY BY MEANS OF ZOOM

The Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life Southern Africa (LCCL SA) is a national body whose members are about 100 and constitute men and women Major Superiors from Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in Southern Africa.

The LCCL AGM is held annually in March. The Executive chose the following theme for the 2021 AGM:

In preparing for the AGM, the Executive had to take into consideration the new reality of COVID-19. Thus, back in October 2020, they decided that the AGM would be held virtually…the first-ever way of conducting an LCCL AGM. Not only would it be held on-line for three half days, but it would incorporate the usual number of significant proceedings and procedures into its programme.

In effect this meant time on the agenda for:

1. Sharing reflections on a specific topic of current significance. This year, participants had been asked to read Pope Francis’s Encyclical “Fratelli Tutti”.
2. Time was given to listen to representatives from LCCL networks such as
3. The Vatican Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
4. The SA Catholic Bishops’ Conference: Department for Finance: Tax Desk, and the office for Counter Trafficking in Persons.
5. The President and Marketing officer from St Joseph Theological Institute (Cedara) on courses especially aimed at training women theologians and having women theologians as lecturers.
6. Conferences of Major Superiors such as the Conference of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COMSAM), the Conference of Mozambique, and the South African Conference of Priests (SACOP)
7. The conference needed to hear reports from all the executive members on their portfolios, representing an extraordinary amount of work accomplished under difficult circumstances.
8. The conference also had to incorporate an election of new Executive members. We learnt how to elect on line – or to “do polling on-line”! There were 5 vacancies which were Fr Callistus Zulu TOR, Fr Gerard Pagnan SMA, Sr Stephany Thiel OP Newcastle, Sr Thobile Gumede OP Montebello and Sr Marichu Gacayan SSsP. These were replaced by: Sr Mary McAteer MSA, Sr Juilet Khasoane RGS, Sr Boitumelo Matlhabe Sisters of Calvary, Fr Neil Frank OMI and Fr Siphelele Gwanisheni OFM.  
9. The practice of remembering the deceased members of the Conference who had died in the past year was honoured by the solemn reading out of each one’s name.
10. One of the key highlights was input by Guest Speaker, Fr. Michael Lapsley, an Anglican priest very well known in South Africa as an activist who opposed apartheid and supported the liberation struggle, and also known internationally. His prophetic witness in South Africa led to him losing both of his hands and one eye as a result of a letter bomb delivered to him between two religious magazines, by the security police. His message was the importance of caring for self in order to be able to minister to others; to bring good news to the poor, to bring comfort to the broken hearted (Beatitudes). He also highlighted the importance of developing the human traits of kindness, generosity and compassion. In this present time, we are faced with new challenges, and that dares us to develop new skills.

The AGM was skilfully facilitated by Bro. Michael Burke (Christian Brother).

From the feedback and evaluations, the three-day AGM was a resounding success, for which we thank God and all those who organized it.

                                                      Written by Sr Stephany Thiel OP Newcastle

Number 15:  February 2021

Greetings from LCCL Secretariat,

The LCCL EXECUTIVE had a MEETING on 21-22 JANUARY 2021 by ZOOM

The Executive members planned for LCCL 2021 AGM and would like to share with you the deliberations from this meeting:

1. 1.    READING FRATELLI TUTTI

The Conference Members are asked to read and answer prepared questions sent to you with the LCCL 2021 AGM invitation. These questions will be used during the AGM.

2. LIST OF DECEASED MEMBERS

Please send a list of the deceased members of your congregation to LCCL Office before or on 5 March 2021. This will be utilized during the AGM.

3. JUBILEES AND ANNIVERSARIES

Please send a list of your congregational anniversaries and personal jubilees to LCCL Office before 5 March 2021. This will also be used at the AGM.

4. LCCL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS REVIEW COMMITTEE

LCCL would like to request for 3 volunteers from the conference to review LCCL 2020 financial Statement. Please contact LCCL Office before 25 February 2021 if you would like to help with this task. Thank you!

5. 2021 AGM REGISTRATION

   The deadline for registration to participate in 2021 AGM is 28 February. Please confirm your 

    participation to LCCL Office to help us compile voters roll.

6. 2021 AGM DONATION

Please feel free to donate any amount for LCCL 2021 AGM if you would like to help with the cost for facilitator and guest speaker; even as little as R100.00. Thank you in advance.

7. COVID 19 Stats

You are kindly requested to submit all the information on Covid 19 infections, deaths and or

Recoveries from March 2020 to 28 February 2021. Kindly submit by 3rd March 2021. You are             reminded to continue sending COVID 19 Stats to LCCL office on a monthly basis.

8. LCCL Website

Please check LCCL website for new posts and if your congregation would like to post any items, please email the contents to LCCL office.

Sr Thao Phi FMM (Secretary General)

Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life South Africa: lcclsa@mweb.co.za:  www.lcclsa.co.za

My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“My dear people, since God has loved us so much, we too should love one another…” (1 Jn. 4:11). I greet you by wishing you a blessed 2021, a year that we give thanks to God, notwithstanding the heartache, confusion, fear, and anxiety brought on by the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic that is ravaging our country.  Let us continue to pray for the strength to encourage each other during these challenging times because God is always walking by your side.

Popes Francis writes that the period of Lent is a time of Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving. Fasting, prayer and almsgiving, as preached by Jesus (cf. Mt 6:1-18), enable and express our conversion. The path of poverty and self-denial (fasting), concern and loving care for the poor (almsgiving), and childlike dialogue with the Father (prayer) make it possible for us to live lives of sincere faith, living hope and effective charity”(Pope Francis, Lent 2021).

Every year, the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference organises the annual Lenten Appeal which is a collection that is taken in all parishes and dioceses within the Conference area during Lent.  This money is used for the works of the Conference such as: Justice and Peace, Communication, Liturgy, etc. and the assistance of the poor and needy. We are seeking new ways, to do the weekly collections for the Lenten Appeal during this season of Lent for 2021. 

We are appealing to all Religious and Priest to look at options as to how we can continue to support the poor and needy and the works of the Church. We have one suggestion and that is to make the banking account details available to the people of God, for all of them to be able to contribute during this period of Lent.

Once more the SACBC, Bishops Lenten Appeal Office would like to thank you for taking your time to look at this correspondence and consider how you will be open to new possibilities of supporting the works of the Church during this period of Lent. Attached is the poster we ask you to share with all the people of God especially those who do not have internet connections.

Let us continue to Believe, Love and Hope because this is how Jesus changes our lives on the journey through Lent. Keeping in mind the pillars of the Lenten journey, Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving, not forgetting that this is a time for reconciliation and to be ready for the light of Easter.

With thanks and prayers.

Bro. Ashley Tillek, OFM

National Lenten Appeal Director

INVITATION

To the

 2021 LCCL (SA) ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Theme: “Behold, I make all things new”

    VENUE: ZOOM

    DATES:   Tuesday 09 March           09h00 – 13h00 Exploration of Theme

                     Wednesday 10 March      09h00 – 13h00 Guest Speaker: Fr Michael Lapsley

                     Thursday 11 March          09h00 – 13h00 Reports- Response – Elections

    Each day there will be a break from 10h45 – 11h15

    Logging in will begin at 8h30 each day.

The link will be sent out on Monday 08March.   

   COST: There is no charge!

Preparation: 

You are invited to read Fratelli Tutti. It is available online.

1. What is your favourite quote or idea from Fratelli Tutti? Why did you choose this?

 2. What message or call does Fratelli Tutti give you as a leader?

Address any queries to Sr Thao at lcclsa@mweb.co.za or 063 797 2301

Number 14: December 2020
Waiting on God during a pandemic
As the year draws to an end, we look back with teary eyes to the
destruction that has been left by the COVID 19 pandemic – the
many job losses, our dearest ones who have responded to the
call of death! Our community members who have succumbed to
the unsurmountable pressures of being unable to breathe due
to Covid! As a result, we look to this Christmas with anxiety as
the numbers on our TV screens of those infected and dying of
COVID keep increasing; as we are told we are now in the second
wave of the pandemic. We wonder what kind of Christmas this is going to be. Saints like Ignatius of
Loyola direct us to "find God in all things," yet, in moments of crisis like the present, we may find
ourselves wondering, "Where is God in all this?" It may feel to some that God is simply absent. And a lot
of our fear and anxiety arises out of the unknown and perhaps a bit of the known we have experienced
in the first wave - death! We must be asking ourselves, what’s next? What if I get infected, or what if a
member of my family gets infected, or worse even, a member of my community gets infected or maybe
die? Yet, when we look back through the history of God's dealings with humanity, we see that God has
brought good forth from evil over and over again. In the Old Testament, we hear of a people that were
in exile, waiting and hoping in prayerful expectation for the coming of the messiah; a people who were
reminiscing about God’s previous acts of intervention that lead them out of Egypt in the Exodus and
calling God to once again act for them. So today, we also cry out to the same God during this time of the
pandemic to make things right. We can ask ourselves, what good can come out of this pain? Instead of
reminiscing over what has been, what if we were invited to sing the Magnificat like Mary? After all, the
scriptures implore us not to be afraid. Because God does not desire our suffering but is always working
on turning our suffering to joy.
In March this year, we started the lockdown and it was during the season of lent. Now in December we
had the pronouncement that we are officially in the 2nd wave and its during the season of advent. Both
these seasons have something in common, preparation. This Advent, as we chart our way through the
second wave, we are invited to wait on God in these unprecedented times. The rich symbols of our
waiting are through the Advent wreath with its candles. The circle of the wreath reminds us of God, His
eternal and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope
that we have in God, the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life. These remind us that as we wait
on God during this pandemic, may we never lose sight of his merciful love; may we have hope in the God
who makes all things new.
The candles on the Advent Wreath also give us a message of hope during this time of darkness. They
symbolise the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son, Jesus: 1) The Candle of
Hope (Prophecy candle) based on Isaiah/prophets who foretold the birth of Christ. As we put on this
light, May we pray that our hope in God becomes the light that will penetrate the darkness that has
engulfed our world and our lives through this pandemic. 2) The Candle of Love/Faith (Bethlehem candle)
reminds us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. As we look at the light of this candle, may we
celebrate the love we have in Christ. 3) The Candle of Joy (Shepherd’s candle) Gaudete Sunday is a
reminder to us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Christ and it is also a celebration that
we have reached midpoint of Advent. As Christians we are challenged to be joyful people. May our joy
in Christ brighten up the lives of those around us, especially the downtrodden, the bereaved, those who
can do with good news during this time of uncertainty. May we learn from St Paul to “rejoice always,
pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). 4) The Candle of Peace (Angel’s
candle) based on the Angels’ message: ‘Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men’. As we put on this
candle, may its light illumine the anxiety and fear that has taken over our lives in the wake of Covid 19.
May we find peace in Christ.

As we face the second wave during this advent season, may we garner strength in knowing that we are
not alone, as Philippians 4:6-7 states: “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every
situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. On Christmas

Eve, a fifth candle (Christ Candle) is lit. This represents the birth of Christ. The flame of this candle
reminds us that He is the light of the world and that if we follow Him, we will never walk in darkness, but
will have the true light of life. As we put on this candle, may the birth of Christ bring us the long awaited
good news in these unprecedented times.
The LCCL executive would like to wish each of you a blessed Christmas filled with God’s blessings for the
New Year. May God keep all of us safe in His love and care!
Please continue reading next pages
The LCCL Executive had Zoom meetings on 7-8 OCTOBER 2020 as well as on 2-3 December 2020 by
Zoom
We would like to share with you some of the resolutions and new developments from the Executive
meeting
❖ Talitha Kum Steering Committee
Thalita kum International, a body of the UISG made contact with the LCCL inviting the
conference to join its network. Research was undertaken with other conferences to understand
how the network functions. The Executive then took a resolution in the meeting of 07-08
October to head this invitation. For the network to take off, it was agreed that a steering
committee can be set up to work on this project. The Executive would like to invite members
both male and female, who are involved in anti-human trafficking or are interested in antihuman trafficking work to a virtual meeting on the 16 January 2021 from 14pm-15:30pm or 18
January 2021 from 11-12:30pm. The purpose of the meeting is to share information on Thalita
Kum and set up the committee. Those who are interested in participating in this project are also
invited to participate in the anti-human trafficking workshop arranged by the CTIP below. If you
or your congregational members would like to help with setting up the steering committee,
please contact LCCL office before the 15 January 2021.
❖ Anti-Human Trafficking Workshop
Counter Trafficking in Persons [CTIP] would like to invite you a workshop on Human Trafficking
from 26-29 January 2021 at Lumko. If you are interested in this workshop, please submit your
name to moconnor@sacbc.org.za as soon as possible for CTIP to organise.
❖ LCCL Facebook
The Communication team has managed to set up a Facebook page for LCCL. Please check the
LCCL Facebook page at https://www.faceboo.com/groups/349524034722874/?ref=share
❖ LCCL Twitter Account
The communication team also established a twitter account for LCCL. Please check our twitter
at LCCL SA@lccl_sa
❖ LCCL Instagram Account
The communication would like to invite you to join the LCCL Instagram Account at lccl.sa
❖ LCCLSA WHATSAPP GROUP
The Executive has started a Whatsapp Group for faster communication amongst all members. If
you have a WhatsApp number and would like to join the LCCLSA WhatsApp Group, please send a
Whatsapp message to 063 797 2301
❖ LCCL WEBSITE
Please check LCCL website for new posts and if your congregation would like to post any items,
please email the contents to LCCL office. www.lccclsa.co.za
❖ LCCL AGM 2021
The dates for LCCL AGM 2021 will be from 9-11 March 2021 by Zoom. The theme is: “Behold, I
make all things new” (Revelation 21:5). Br Michael Burke will be the facilitator. More details will
be shared with you in due course.
❖ National Joint Witness 2021
The National Joint Witness preparation team has confirmed that the dates for the National Joint
Witness 2021 will be from 6-9 September 2021. Br Michael Burke and Sr Cheryl Ann Ziervogel HC
will be the facilitators. More details about the Joint Witness 2021 will be communicated in due
course.
❖ COVID 19 STATS
It is imperative that all Major Superiors submit their COVID 19 stats to LCCL office on a monthly
basis. As a Conference, we are expected to monitor and report on the impact of Covid 19 on our
members. Without your submissions, we have a skewed picture of what is happening, which
prevents us from responding appropriately to your needs. We also cannot motivate for any
assistance. As at 30 November, there were forty one reported infections, thirty nine recoveries
and three deaths. You are therefore kindly reminded to update your stats with the LCCL office.
❖ CATHCA FUNDING FOR PPE FOR CATHOLIC CLINICS
Cathca has PPE funding available for Catholic Clinics. We will communicate with you in January
2021 the procedure to apply for this funding.
❖ TRAINING OF WOULD BE FACILITATORS
We are pleased to report that this course started on 30th October and ran until 5th December

2020. There were thirteen participants from Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe and of course South
      Africa with only one male participant. This is a two part training where the participants have
      completed part 1 of the training which was the theory. They will still need to do part 2 which will
      be the practical aspects of the training. Part 3 will be for the participants to get involved in
      apprenticeship with an experienced facilitator. Br Michael Burke and Sr Cheryl Ann have been
      very generous to offer their time and expertise to render this training. Please contact LCCL
      office if you and your congregational members are still interested to participate in this course. If
      more people are interested in the course, another round can be arranged in the New Year based
      on the availability of the facilitators. We would like to make a special request for male
      congregations to participate in this process. Thank you to all those members who availed their
      congregational members to participate in this training. The participants reported that they
      found this a good and enriching program which gave them a good foundation in facilitation
      skills.
      ❖ INVITATION FOR COORDINATOR/S FOR TEMPORARY PROFESSED PROGRAMME
      Sr Barbara Standing and Sr Cecilia Anawanti were coordinators of the Junior professed
      programme. However, Sr Barbara retired from this role and Sr Cecilia was given other
      responsibilities as an executive member. As ongoing formation is a crucial aspect of our
      religious formation, there is a need to fill this gap with a sense of urgency. Your help is urgently
      sought in filling this gap. Kindly give suggestions of people who can be contacted to fill in this
      important role by contacting the LCCL office.
      ❖ SACBC TAX DESK
      The tax desk is now operating and congregations/orders are asked to give the contact details of
      their bursars for the contact list for SACBC. Workshop. More details will be given when
      available. Information sharing will be done at the AGM.
      ❖ Orientation for new missionaries
      Workshop is postponed until 19-25 April 2021.
      ❖ Visa and work permit
      Congregational leaders are reminded that they should inform the SACBC and Home Affairs to
      cancel the visa and work permit for members leaving the congregations.

      ❖ CALLED TO SERVE
      This is a new programme on Radio Veritas where religious congregations share about their
      charisms and spirituality. This is a partnership with Radio Veritas to raise awareness about
      religious life as well as promote vocations to religious life. Every week, different
      congregations/orders will be sharing about their charisms and ministries. The show started in
      October 2020 and will be broadcast every Tuesday from 7-8pm until April 2021, see below
      attached schedule. If you didn't register to participate, don’t worry, there will be another
      opportunity for training sometime next year. Thank you to all the congregations/orders that
      headed the call and responded so generously.
      ❖ PSS Tuesdays on Radio Veritas
      As a response to the Covid 19 pandemic, the LCCL partnered with Cathca and Radio veritas to respond
      to the Psychosocial needs of communities during this pandemic. This show intends to
      strengthen the Church's response to the Communities affected by COVID 19 by providing
      psychosocial support to members of society. This was launched in October with a focus of
      dealing with covid related matters. However, given the immensity of social ills in our country,
      this show is going to evolve so as to respond to other issues that are burning in the society. To
      achieve this, kindly note the following areas that you or your members can assist with further:

2020. An anchor is needed from LCCL. Currently, this is provided by Sr Nkhensani. The show airs on
      Tuesdays from 4-5:30 pm. The hosts do not have to be in studio. The hosts plan the show and
      conduct interviews with guests.
2021. The show also has a segment that looks at giving hope to the listeners. This is a 5-10 min slot
      where the person can give words of encouragement to the listeners based on the theme for
      the day.
2022. The show also needs counsellors/psychologists/ social workers who can render counselling
      services to those in need. This will work on referral basis.
2023. The show also needs other experts such as doctors/nurses that could be interviewed for
      different aspects of the show.
      Radio Veritas wants the LCCL to own the show, it should be for us by us! If you or any of your
      congregational members are interested in participating in this show with Sr Nkhensani, you are
      invited to make contact with her on nkhensi.shibas@gmail.com for further details.
      The LCCL Executive would like to wish you and your congregational members a grace-filled Christmas
      and a prosperous New Year of 2021 in God’s outpouring love and peace!

      Sr Thao Phi, FMM
      (Secretary General)
      Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life in Southern Africa: lcclsa@mweb.co.za: www.lcclsa.co.za.

Number 13: September 2020
Greetings from LCCL Secretariat,
The LCCL EXECUTIVE had a MEETING on 26-27 AUGUST 2020 by ZOOM
During the meeting Executive Members shared their vision for the Executive Committee and for their respective portfolios and reported on their engagement with their portfolios.

1. 2020 SUBSCRIPTIONS:
   The Executive would like to remind conference members to pay 2020 subscriptions to help with administration and running costs of LCCL Office.
2. TAX DESK AT SACBC
   For your information, a tax desk has been established at the SACBC. This is a free service whose aim is to ensure legal compliance for Public Benefit Organisations (PBOs) with South African Tax laws. The SACBC Tax Desk is recommending that each organisation undertakes an immediate review of their tax status including:
   ● PBO registration;
   ● Constitution which will be linked to their PBO status; and
   ● Tax compliance history.
   It is important to remember that all our Institutions/Organisations must submit income tax return forms to SARS/ TEU each year for Tax Compliance.
   All enquiries/submissions to the SACBC Tax Desk should be in writing and sent to SACBC Tax desk sacbctaxdesk@sacbc.org.za
3. LCCL WHATSAPP GROUP
   The Executive would like to open a Whatsapp Group for faster communication amongst all members. If you have WhatsApp number and would like to join LCCLSA WhatsApp Group, please write a Whatsapp message to 063 797 2301
4. TRAINING TO BE FACILITATORS:
   The Executive took a resolution that there is a need to train future facilitators in the conference. If you know any members of your congregation who would like to be trained as facilitators or are interested in facilitation, please do not hesitate to contact LCCL Office by 28 September 2020. More details about the training will be communicated in due course.
5. 2021 NATIONAL JOINT WITNESS
   The date for the Joint Witness Meeting will be from 6-9 September 2021. More details about the meeting will communicated to you in due course.
6. LCCL AGM 2021
   As Joint Witness next year will be in September, there are implications for our AGM. Consultations with conference members were thus undertaken for the AGM. From the consultations, most congregations agreed for March 2021. We will inform you the dates for LCCL AGM 2021 after our next Executive Meeting.
7. DATABASE on COVID 19 Counselling
   LCCL office have a list of available counsellors and places for quiet reflection. The resource list will be sent to you soon.
8. COVID 19 Stats
   Please continue sending COVID 19 Stats to LCCL office on monthly basis.
9. COVID 19 Training with CATHCA
   As soon as our meeting with CATHCA is scheduled, you can include the outcome there in to keep them informed.
10. LCCL website
    Please check LCCL website for new posts at https://www.lcclsa.co.za and if your congregation would like to post any items, please email the contents to LCCL office.
    Sr Thao Phi FMM (Secretary General)
    Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life South Africa: lcclsa@mweb.co.za: www.lcclsa.co.za

Number 12:  July 2020

• 2020  LCCL AGM:  09 - 11 MARCH 2020 EMSENI, JOHANNESBURG

Theme: I was a stranger and you welcomed me. The AGM was very well attended and much appreciated. The new Executive Committee was elected. Thank you for all your support and participation.

• LCCL NEW SECRETARY GENERAL

  Sr. Thao Phi FMM was appointed by the Executive Members and began her service at LCCLSA office on the 01 June 2020. She is a member of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM). She was born in Vietnam and joined the FMM in the USA. She began her mission in South Africa in 2008. She worked as teacher and principal in Coronationville, Johannesburg and Mpuluzi, Mpumalanga. She was appointed the Provincial Bursar for the FMM in South Africa from 2018 until now.  She is looking forward to work, to learn and to give her best in the service and interest of LCCL (SA).

• LCCL EXECUTIVE MEETING 27-28 MAY 2020 on ZOOM

During the meeting Executive Members discussed and accepted their engagement with their portfolios.

The Portfolios were as follows:

Secretary General: Sr Thao Phi FMM

CATHCA: Fr Bheki Shabalala CMM

Catholic Board of Education [CBE]: Sr Stephany Thiel OP Newcastle

Council for Evangelisation: Sr Nkhensani Shibambu CSA, Fr Jude Burgers MCCJ, Sr Thao

Counter Trafficking: Sr Marichu Gacayan SSsP

Finance Committee: Sr Nkhensani,  Sr Maureen Yenson OP King, Sr Thao

Formation Initial: Sr Thobile Gumede OP Montebello

Formation Ongoing: Sr Cecilia Anawanti EHJ

Gender Issues:  Fr Myke Mwale OP

National Joint Witness: Sr Nkhensani, Fr Bheki, Sr Thao

Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation: Fr Gerard Pagnan SMA

Professional Conduct and Child Safeguarding: Sr Nkhensani and Fr Callistus Zulu TOR

Website & LCCL Communication: Sr Stephany, Fr Myke and Sr Thao

Youth: Fr Callistus

• NATIONAL  JOINT WITNESS MEETING 15 MAY 2020

All members  were present: Bishop Sipuka (SACBC President), Archbishop Mpako and Bishop Rose (SACBC Vice Presidents), Sr Hermengild Makoro CPS (SACBC Secretary General), Fr Patrick Rakeketsi  CSS (SACBC Associate Secretary General), Sr Nkhensani Shibambu CSA (LCCL President),  Fr Bheki Shabablala CMM (LCCL Vice-President), Sr Maureen Rooney HC (LCCL Secretary General).

There were two main items on the Agenda:

1.   The impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic and the Lockdown on the Church at present and in the future

2.    2021 National Joint Witness Meeting:  A Preparatory Committee was set up: Dates and venue to be decided later.

• 2020 WORKSHOPS FOR RELIGIOUS IN TEMPORARY VOWS

The September 2020 workshop in Gauteng for Religious in Temporary Vows has been cancelled.

• EMERGENCY LCCL EXECUTIVE MEETING 19 JUNE 2020 on ZOOM

The Executive met to respond to the COVID 19 outbreak in the CPS convent in Mthatha. Sr. Nkhensani contacted CATHCA and received assistance of R80, 000 for PPE equipment etc. for the CPS Sisters. We thank CATHCA for their support. It was decided to send a letter to LCCL members inviting Congregational Leaders to let LCCL know how best LCCL might assist when needs arise. LCCL hopes to be a support and source of strength to its members.  Stay safe and keep others safe! God bless!

Sr Thao Phi FMM (Secretary General)

Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life South Africa: lcclsa@mweb.co.za:  www.lcclsa.co.za

WOMEN’S DAY 09 AUGUST 2020
Every year, in August, our country marks Women’s Month to pay tribute to more than 20 000 women
who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against draconian pass laws and their
impact on women. This year, Women’s Month is commemorated under the theme “Generation
Equality: Realising women’s rights for an equal future”. The concept of Generation Equality is a global
campaign and links South Africa to global efforts to achieve gender equality by 2030. Inequality is a
relational phenomenon, at the centre of which is power.i Power therefore reproduces inequality. The
Generation Equality campaign demands equal pay, as equal sharing of unpaid care and domestic work,
an end to sexual harassment and all forms of violence against women and the girl child, health-care
services that respond to their needs and their equal participation in political life and decision-making
in all areas of life.ii

We have made a lot of progress as a country to achieve gender equality. We have one of the most
progressive constitutions in the world which ensures gender equality. The post-apartheid state has
also attempted to redress the injustices and inequalities of the past through various programmes, and
policies and by passing numerous pieces of legislation. Half of South Africa’s Cabinet ministers are
women; And assessing women’s economic participation, educational attainment, health and survival,
and political empowerment, it comes as no surprise therefore that the Global Gender Gap Index ranks
South Africa 19th out of 149 countries.iii This means that South Africa has undergone a more positive
gender-empowerment transformation than many developed nations – including Switzerland, the
Netherlands, and even the US!iv

Despite this progress, real change is slow for the majority of women and girls in our country.
According to the UN, not a single country can claim to have achieved gender equality today. As of
2017, gender equality is the fifth of seventeen sustainable development goals of the United Nations.
Inequality remains one of South Africa’s most severe socio-economic challenges, and one which has
persisted in the three decades of the post-apartheid era. It has the greatest inequality of income in
the worldv and extremely high inequality in wealth.vi This means women remain undervalued, they
continue to work more, earn less, have fewer choices and experience multiple forms of violence at
home and in public spaces.

Numerous obstacles remain unchanged in law and in culture. One such obstacle is the scourge of
Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Despite our democratic gains, the country has among
the highest levels of intimate partner violence in the world. Over 52,000 sexual offences and nearly
42,000 rapes were reported to the police in 2019 showing that violence against women is a scourge
that is rife in South African communities. Our commemoration this year comes at a time when the
country is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. When the COVID-19 lockdown started in March at level 5,
842 cases of GBV were recorded countrywide at the Gender Based Violence Command Centre hotline
with the highest number being in Gauteng at 385. This covered the period 27 March to 30 April where
there were restrictions in the movement of citizens and alcohol was completely banned. For the
period 01 to 31 May, a number of 585 GBV related cases were reported countrywide with Gauteng
still topping the list at 261. During this period, the country was moved to level 4 which still restricted
movement and continued the alcohol ban. This period shows a significant drop in the statistics
compared to the level 5 statistics which could be argued might have resulted from the continued ban
of alcohol sales.

For the period 1 June to 06 August, when the country was moved down to lockdown level 3, 1504 GBV
cases were reported countrywide with Gauteng being the highest at 634. During this period, the
alcohol ban was lifted and one can argue that this could be the reason why the statistics for this period
sky rocketed. One can thus argue that the lockdown made women more vulnerable to GBVF. This
was also attested to by the twenty-one deaths of women and children who were murdered in a space
of a few weeks since the country moved to lockdown level 3 on 1 June which led the president to say
that South Africa is fighting two pandemics. While trying to find ways to curb the spread of the novel
Corona virus, South African women are in danger and live in fear “Am I next?” A recent study by UN
Women found that reports of violence against women, and particularly domestic violence, have
increased in several countries as security, health, and financial worries create tensions and strains
accentuated by the cramped and confined living conditions of lockdown.vii

As we commemorate women’s day, we remember all those women and children who have died
brutally in the hands of our fathers, our brothers, our sons and our friends. We also remember those
who are missing and their families cannot find closure to what has happened to their daughters and
mothers. To achieve gender equality we need to eliminate this harmful practice against women and
girls, including femicide, rape, and misogyny & domestic violence and other oppression tactics. We
can achieve this by becoming change agents and joining hands as communities in eradicating the
gender-based violence and femicide pandemic.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted that COVID-19 could reverse the limited progress that
has been made on gender equality and women's rights. “The pandemic is deepening pre-existing
inequalities, exposing vulnerabilities in social, political and economic systems which are in turn
amplifying the impacts of the pandemic”.viii Across the globe, women earn less, save less, hold less
secure jobs, are more likely to be employed in the informal sector. They have less access to social
protections and are the majority of single-parent households. The impact of the pandemic on society
therefore has the potential to reverse progress the country has made on women empowerment and
eradicating poverty. This was seen in how households were faced with food insecurity during level 4
and 5 of the lockdown. We all became each other’s keepers as we reached out to help one another.
We thank government for all the interventions and relief measures put in place to mitigate the
expected impact of COVID-19. The lockdown impact is further seen on essential services such as
access to sexual and reproductive health services which have been disrupted. This commemoration
does not give us room to celebrate as our eyes are filled with tears arising from the devastation
caused by the novel corona virus. For all the women who have lost their livelihoods during the
lockdown, it is your courage that reminds us what it means to be a woman: “Mme otshwara thipa ka
fa bogaleng” which is translated to mean a woman carries the knife on the sharp sides. This means in
the midst of challenges a woman does not run away but faces these challenges.

Most health workers in Africa are said to be women. We therefore salute all the women and women
religious who are in the fore front as health care workers risking their lives fighting this deadly virus on
our behalf. We pray for all those who are infected and are lying in hospital beds or at home unable to
breathe that as we take our breaths today we will breathe on their behalf.

The burden of caring for the sick is also largely borne by women. Studies indicate that men tend to
succumb to the corona virus than women. This means women are spending their time taking care of
sick members and more women are going to be widowed as a direct result of the pandemic. To all our
grandmothers, mothers and sisters who have lost their partners to the pandemic, we say may you find
courage in knowing that your loved ones are resting with the Lord. As a country, we also mourn the
loss of the many other lives which are leaving children orphaned and men widowed. We look back at
the wake of this pandemic and the extent of the damage it has caused in our lives and say to all of you,
you are not alone in your grief. We might not yet understand what the Lord is asking of us through
this pandemic but we say, may your will be done. For those women who have succumbed to the
virus, Giants have fallen! May their souls rest in peace. We also remember our deceased religious
sisters whose lives were cut short by the deadly virus. We thank them for their generous contribution
to religious life and for their selfless ministering to the communities they served in and especially for
their ministry of prayer. We have gained more ancestors praying for and watching over us.

May the Lord be merciful to us and wipe our tears and let this black cloud hanging above our heads disappear
and bring an end to this carnage that is ravaging our country. We also pray for more vocations to religious life.

The Gospel reading this Sunday (Matthew 14:22-23) which is the story of Jesus walking on water is a
reminder to us that we cannot rely on our own resources to calm the storms of our lives but we need
God’s intervention. Whatever storms are raging currently in your life as a woman, do not doubt, and
do not be afraid to cry out to the Lord to save you like Peter. Women are known to be strong in the
midst of adversity: this storm ravaging our country and our families requires us to tap into those
reserves. The main reserve being our faith! Biblical women teach us a few things: that the best thing
we can do is to trust God in everything. We should trust in the God of Sarah who makes all things
possible in His perfect time; that we should be like Hannah and never cease to pray; that we learn
from Elizabeth and never doubt what God can do as he is the God of many miracles. We should also
be like Mary and remember that we don’t have to be great for God to use us. Most of all, my sisters,
my mothers, remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made!

With all the strides that the government has made to achieve gender equality, the question remains,
how far has the church moved to achieve this? Locally, women in the church are treated as second
class citizens especially religious sisters. Pope Francis epitomises what it means to put women first by
promoting women to be part of important dicastries in his administration. It is reported that he has
added to this list by appointing six more women in the most senior roles ever given to women within
the Catholic Church’s leadership, to oversee the Vatican’s finances.ix
We pray that our local church
may follow the Pope’s example and walk the talk of promoting gender equality in the church.

Realisation of women’s rights remains an ideal which all countries strive towards. For this to be
realised, generation equality starts now! It is up to you and me now to be a part of the generation that
ends gender inequality by taking on the bravery of the women who marched to the Union Buildings 64
years ago. An equal world is an enabled world; until all women are free and treated equally and with
dignity, you and I cannot be free. Let us be blessings to each other during these unprecedented times.

 #GenerationEquality! HAPPY WOMEN’S MONTH TO ALL POWERFUL AND AMAZING WOMEN! “IGAMA LAMAKHOSIKAZI MALIBONGWE!”

Sr Nkhensani Shibambu CSA
LCCL President

i Soudien et al. 2019.
ii UN Women.org. #GenerationEquality. 23 September 2019.
iii World Economic Forum, 2018.
iv World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2018.
v Sulla & Zikhali, 2018.
vi Orthofer, 2016.
vii https://www.afro.who.int/news/who-concerned-over-covid-19-impact-women-girls-africa
viii UN policy brief published in April 2020.
ix Guardian News & Media, 06/08/2020.

It is almost impossible (in even a long-ish article such as this) to cover in depth the work of religious orders and congregations of Catholic women and men in South Africa. This is a brief overview that looks firstly, and primarily, at the establishment and some of the founding works of some of these orders. I shall then examine how these congregations engaged with segregation and apartheid, before looking finally at the current state of religious life today.

THE ARRIVAL OR ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGIOUS CONGREGATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Religious congregations of men and women came to South Africa from the mid-19th Century. Based upon an overview of the dates of establishment I shall, for the sake giving form to an abundance of detail, divide this into four ‘eras’, the first two of which I consider most significant in creating the forms (mainly active, occasionally contemplative) and focuses (mission, pastoral, education, health care) of the practice of religious life in the country.
In roughly this first twenty-fives only a handful of orders, usually very small in number, arrived. Six Assumption Sisters and postulant, the very first order in the country, arrived in Grahamstown at the behest of Bishop Devereux specifically to set up a school for Catholic girls. The superior, Sister Marie-Gertrude, had grown up in Brussels’ high society before entering the convent, a major asset in Devereux’s eyes for creating educational excellence on the Cape frontier.
The second order to arrive were the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, a congregation of priests destined for mission work and building up the Church in Natal. Once again, it was Devereux’s initiative. He had asked the Jesuits initially, and the Spiritans, but the former were already overstretched in their work – particularly since their restoration in 1814 they were trying to re-establish themselves in many of their earlier apostolates.
The Oblates response had a major impact on the growth of the Catholic Church in South Africa – and, indeed, on the history of the congregation itself. In the century and a half that followed South Africa would become one of the two biggest apostolic areas of the Oblates (the other was Canada), with the congregation spreading from Natal north and westwards through the Orange Free State, Lesotho, Transvaal and the Northern Cape. This area would be divided up into a number of provinces with hundreds and priests and brothers who would eclipse the other men’s orders – and diocesan clergy – by their sheer size. Despite the numerous other orders that would follow, in the Catholic popular imagination the ‘default’ for ‘Catholic priest’ would be ‘OMI’.
It was by no means easy. The early years in Natal were hard for the few Oblate priests and brothers who pioneered the way. Their superior, Bishop Jean Francois Allard OMI, in what became the Natal Vicariate in 1850, would have multiple worries, not least financial.
Following on the first religious congregations in this early phase were two congregations of Dominican Sisters (in 1863 and 1877), the Holy Family Sisters of Bordeaux (1864), the Loreto Sisters (1878), and the French-founded Marist Brothers (1867). What made these congregations distinctive was their common commitment to founding schools throughout the Cape Colony. The sisters also started up hospitals, particularly in small towns where public health care was limited or non-existent.
Following this pattern, the last religious community in this period, the Society of Jesus, also came to South Africa initially to start a school. Having turned down the opportunity to be the main missionaries to Natal, the Jesuits were recruited in 1875 to run St Aidan’s College, the Catholic diocesan boys’ school in Grahamstown. For the next 98 years there would be a contingent of Jesuits in Grahamstown, most of them teaching at St Aidan’s – which would also be a source of many if not most South African vocations to the Society. By the mid-1960s with the school financially strapped, a situation worsened by a rapid decline in vocations, the British Province decided to withdraw the Society from St Aidan’s. The Port Elizabeth diocese being unable to find a replacement congregation to staff it, the school closed.
In the next thirty years of religious congregation foundation in South Africa, similar patterns emerged. Sisters’ focused mainly on schools and nursing or working on new missions in southern Africa (including movement into Lesotho and the then Swaziland). Male congregations were primarily missionaries in the expanding territories that would in 1910 become the Union of South Africa and the British Protectorate States (Basutoland/Lesotho, Bechuanaland/Botswana and Swaziland/Eswatini). A few, like the Irish-founded Christian Brothers and the Salesians of Don Bosco focused on education and pastoral care, the Salesians placing particularly emphasis on mainly urban ministry focused on schools and skills training for boys from poorer backgrounds or coming from difficult home situations.
The role of the sisters – as teachers and in healthcare – is particularly significant in this period for a number of reasons. In the first instance, wherever the sisters went, whether Dominicans, Holy Family, Holy Cross, Nazareth, Augustinians, Ursulines, etc., the pattern was familiar: set up a community, build a school (the latter two sometimes simultaneously), and often set up a hospital or clinic. Oftentimes these would be set up adjacent or close to the local church – building up in the process a kind of Catholic ‘centre’ in places were Catholics were more often than not in a minority. Many of the schools were – at least in some times in the earlier era of the growth of Catholic schools – ‘open’ schools, where all races could attend. As time passed, as formal, legislated segregation grew and often as the sisters themselves were drawn into the colonial establishment, the sisters would set up satellite schools in the ‘locations’ or townships outside the white centre of the towns.
Another policy the sisters followed in schools was the frequent (often intentional) inclusion of non-Catholics. This openness to Protestants was often a powerful way for them to thaw the mutual tension between Protestant and Catholic. In some places where Catholicism was for parts of the 19th Century still a prohibited religion, like the early Transvaal Republic, Catholic schools (and sometimes hospitals) run by the sisters served to open up relations. The Dominican sisters’ school in Potchefstroom was initially viewed with deep suspicion by the Calvinist authorities but since it was about the only school in the country at one point, even dominees sent their children there. From a cool beginning, relations between the sisters and the Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek warmed. And the toleration of Catholicism soon followed.
Similarly in medicine, many sisters’ congregations helped to improve health care – in missions and in towns. Mission hospitals developed from humble beginnings into major concerns. Perhaps the most significant in the 19th Century was the hospital the Holy Family Sisters started in Johannesburg, the mining camp that became a great city in a few years of gold rush. Medical facilities when they arrived was poor to almost non-existent. The first major hospital, in which these sisters cared for sick miners and their families without regard to race (to the shock of many a white observer), became the city’s first General Hospital. When the state took it over, there was however a shock in store of the Sisters: the government no longer accepted their French nursing qualifications, demanding instead training along British lines. Some sisters retrained; others were required – in a supreme irony for those who’d worked there for years – to become assistant nurses.
Despite this, nursing was a very common part of the formation of many sisters until well into the 20th Century. Some qualified sisters even got into the training of lay nurses – a thriving college of nursing was attached to Mariannhill Mission Hospital until well into the 1990s. Some sisters were even doctors, mostly having qualified before entering the convent.
The most significant event in this period for religious men began with a swop of a mission station that ultimately created South Africa’s first local men’s creation. 30 Trappist monks from Central Europe (Germany and Austria-Hungary), led by Abbot Franz Pfanner, set up a monastery and farm on the Sundays River near Port Elizabeth in 1880. When the Jesuit decided to extend their missionary work into southern Africa beyond the Transvaal Republic (where they were not welcome), the Trappists passed on the farm at Dunbrody to the Jesuits, who turned it into centre of formation and base for their ‘Zambezi Mission’. The Trappists moved to Natal, where Pfanner acquired land which he called Mariannhill (near Pinetown, outside Durban) and re-established the monastery.
While the Zambezi Mission ultimately led to a strong Jesuit presence in Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Dunbrody was an ongoing disaster, leading to the Jesuits having to sell the land by the 1930s. Meanwhile at Mariannhill, Pfanner realised that the contemplative life could not be maintained amidst what he saw was the urgency of mission work among the amaZulu. The monks became missionaries, very successful missionaries, but the Trappist Order objected. In 1909 the monastery was turned by the Vatican into the Congregation of Missionaries of Mariannhill.
The third great phase of religious congregations in South Africa – from after 1902 to the 1960s – saw once again an influx of religious orders and communities of men and women. Many orders that are well-known throughout the Catholic world – the Redemptorists (1912),Dominicans (19717), Capuchins (1923), Franciscans (1930s), as well as two Benedictine monasteries (1904 and 1922) were among the male religious that arrived. The sisters were not to be outdone either: the Notre Dame (1907), Franciscan and Capuchin (1922, 1932, and 1955), Holy Cross (1937), Schoenstatt (1934) and other communities arrived. Contemplative Carmelite sisters also set up convents (from 1931) – and became the makers of altar breads not only for Catholics but ultimately for many Protestant churches. In the last phase in my structure, from the 1960s to present day), more communities followed, often highly specialised groups who were moving away from the conventional – mission and pastoral ministry (for men), education and health care (for women) – works. These conventional works were themselves shifting, no longer reflecting the tasks of a church being built but of a truly local church coming of age: from charity to development, from parish-based pastoral work for the most part to often specialised work with youth, students and from the 1980s onwards a mission overshadowed by the struggle against apartheid and the battle against HIV and AIDS. Even in the post-apartheid era (or least after 1994, if one is less sanguine about apartheid’s demise) new challenges – notably refugees and migrants – as well as perennial struggles about poverty and development occupied new congregations like the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (arrived 2001), Sisters of St Vincent de Paul (2004) and the Kiltegan Fathers (1989).

FACING APARTHEID – CHALLENGES FROM WITHIN AND WITHOUT
During the last period (1960s to present day) the religious orders and communities in South Africa grew increasingly aware – and by the 1960s started to respond – to the complex politics of a segregationist and apartheid state. Certainly from the 1960s onwards, and reaching its climax in the 1980s, Catholic men and women religious took a strong and courageous stand against apartheid, a point well-documented elsewhere and thoroughly acknowledged by religious and secular activists from a range of political persuasions in the ‘struggle’.
From Cosmas Desmond OFM, placed under house arrest in the 1970s for his stand against the state forced removals in Natal, through priests like Casimir Paulsen CMM and Theo Kneifel OMI exiled in the 1980s, to the many religious priests, brothers and sisters detained in the States of Emergency of the late 1980s, Catholic religious have suffered along with fellow anti-apartheid activists, spending time in hiding, a few even leaving the country. Some religious became prominent figures in national opposition, a few joining the underground resistance too. The more scholarly ones served as advisors to Catholic youth and student activists, or developed a local form of liberation theology. Religious communities hid activists and for their troubles were raided by the Security Police. White seminarians were active in the anti-conscription movement, some openly embracing conscientious objection. Among their white counterparts they were among the few who had in the course of their formation lived and studied with black people, been into townships and seen the black experience of apartheid on the ground. In short they lived in microcosm the future that 1994 promised (though admittedly has not fully delivered).
But this was not always the case.
Given the hostile anti-Catholic culture of 19th Century South Africa and the cultural assumptions of European superiority that permeated the Irish, Dutch, English, French and German home environments of the congregations that came to South Africa a certain degree of racism was inevitable. Social Darwinist theories of human evolution that presumed the supremacy of Europeans was common. Catholicism itself was not immune to any of this, despite official opposition to Darwinism and the presupposition that all baptised Catholics were equal in the sight of God.
Catholicism, like all other forms of Christianity in the colonies, was deeply rooted in European Greco-Roman philosophy – so much so that adaptation of the faith to non-European thought systems was unthinkable. Christianity had even distanced itself from its Jewish roots, thoroughly ‘othering’ the Jews in the process, giving rise to varying levels of anti-Semitism. This perhaps largely unconscious racism permeated the practice of religious orders and diocesan clergy in South Africa.
There was a presupposition that African Catholics were ‘new Christians’, still quite unlettered in the faith and needing firm guidance. This manifested itself in how rural missions and parishes in ‘locations’ were managed, in the manner in which students were taught in schools and in the early 20th Century how some missionaries, genuinely commitment to the development of African Catholics, steered them away from nationalist movements and trade unions towards ‘Catholic’ organisations that they could properly lead. The other current of thought was the difficulty Africans would have adjusting to the Church’s (Roman plus English, Irish, French, German or Dutch) culture – the idea that cultural adjustment could be mutual seemed unthinkable!
In terms of the congregations and dioceses themselves, it led to a decided unwillingness until the early 20th Century to consider admitting African vocations. The first generation of black diocesan priests (ordained around 1900) experienced profound difficulties with bishops and superiors. African women candidates were either dissuaded or sent to ‘diocesan congregations’ or orders formed by European sisters for the purpose of fostering local vocations. Among some men’s congregations – not all, one must note – would be priests were nudged towards the dioceses or admitted as brothers, then seen (quite contrary to any sound theology of vocation) as a ‘consolation prize’ for men who couldn’t quite make priesthood.
Though many of the orders made adjustments in the 20th Century, the damage was done. Many vocations were lost. As religious life globally started to decline from the late 1950s onwards and the supply of missionaries from the North started to dry up, many orders began having to close and consolidate communities, or even consider whether their presence was still viable.

RELIGIOUS LIFE IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY
I think it would not be an exaggeration or even as expression of pessimism to say that, as in most of the Catholic Church worldwide, religious life in South Africa is in decline. It would also be true to say that, compared to the Church elsewhere in Africa and the world, young men and women entering the priesthood and religious life was never high. Many factors account for this, apart from the tragic short-sightedness of many orders mentioned above. The commonly cited reason – celibacy – is not the only other major factor. Perhaps the kind of people most likely drawn to monasteries, convents and the apostolate, particularly those who had well-educated in Catholic schools, were the very people on whom parents and families depended. The sense of duty to family may have drawn many away.
Similarly the urgency of South Africa’s political situation, the struggle for liberation. Though it certainly drew some to religious life as an expression of service and the promotion of Christian values of justice, the struggle may have drawn others away – to living out the same values in trade unions and political movements, and ultimately in the new struggle for building democracy and a more unequal society.
Finally, I sense a certain anarchic quality in the South African psyche that makes the idea of obedience, even obedience rooted in dialogue and discernment with superiors, a little alien.
Whatever the case religious life in South Africa is, by anyone’s estimation, in general decline. There are fewer local priests, whether diocesan or religious, and still brothers and sisters. Most orders are aging. Many have had to close down works – handing over in many cases schools and hospitals to lay Catholics or the State. Some orders have done this while still having members on boards of governors and working to promote the original ‘ethos’.
While obviously traumatic, religious congregations have at their best seen this crisis as an opportunity: to get back to original charisms or to move into new apostolates, new responses to the signs of the times. During the time of missionary expansion, many congregations of priests became tied up with dioceses, serving territories sometimes as the only (or nearly the only) clergy there. There are still such areas and congregations that work in this apostolate. Other orders have withdrawn partly or fully from such work, discerning in the light of particular charisms where the needs of the times meets their founders’ visions.
New circumstances have created new works. Religious have been in the forefront of the Church’s work in HIV antiretroviral rollout and some communities have shifted focus from hospitals to home based care. Other religious communities have come to see the importance of communication, including new technologies, in evangelization. Within these circumstances, and faced with declining numbers, religious have more than ever to cooperate with lay people, with folk outside the Catholic Church – and even between religious congregations. Which points, ironically, to a renewal of religious life that though not fully envisioned by Vatican II call, expresses the essence of what Second Vatican Council called the whole church be.

Ricardo. Here endeth the article. Below I have a table one might like to adapt for our feature. (At very least it includes the names of the congregations that gave their details to the LCCL Executive!)

{INSERT:
According to materials gathered by the Leadership Council for the Consecrated Life in South Africa (LCCL), the following are some of the religious congregations of men and women that arrived in South Africa in the wake of the formal foundation of a southern African Vicariate after 1838. (Note that although the first Catholic bishop for the region was appointed in 1818, the first resident bishop was Patrick Raymond Griffith OP, appointed in 1837. who arrived in Cape Town in 1838).
DATE OF ARRIVAL CONGREGATION/ORDER MALE/FEMALE WORKS
1849 Missionary Sisters of the Assumption F Schools, non-hospital care for sick and orphans
1852 Oblates of Mary Immaculate M Missionary evangelization of Natal, Free State, Transvaal and parts of Northern Cape
1863 Cabra Dominicans F Schools in western and eastern Cape, deaf schools, pastoral work
1864 Holy Family Sisters of Bordeaux F Started education, health & pastoral ministry in Lesotho; in South Africa: schools, health, pastoral and social ministry
1867 Marist Brothers M Teaching in schools, religious education.
1875 Society of Jesus M Teaching & Missions. Formation of clergy
1877 King William’s Town Dominicans F Schools, nursing, pastoral care, deaf ministry
1878 Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary Loreto Sisters F Education, health care, development, pastoral ministry
1882 Trappists – became Congregation of Missionaries of Mariannhill M Contemplatives, who became missionaries in Natal and transformed into CMM: pastoral mission, school, development work
1882 Congregation of Sisters of Nazareth F Education, nursing care mainly in Swaziland
1882 Oblates of St Francis de Sales M Missions in Northern Cape; parishes, teaching, health ministry
1883 Holy Cross Sisters F Education, health, pastoral care and social work
1885 Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood F Education, social ministry, health care
1889 Dominican Sisters of Oakford F Missions in Natal, Free State and Swaziland
1891 Augustinian Sisters F Nursing, teaching, youth work
1895 Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Union F Education, catechesis, development work
1896 Dominican Sisters of St Catherine of Siena of Newcastle, Natal F Schools, health care, training college, youth work
1896 Salesians of Don Bosco M Education of children in schools and skills training, especially poor and neglected communities; evangelization and catechesis
1897 Christian Brothers (Brothers of the Christian Schools) F Schools and work among the poor
1897 Sisters of Mercy F Pastoral care, schools
1902 Consolata Missionaries M Missionary work
1903 Franciscan Missionaries of Mary F Schools, hospitals, skills-training, catechesis
1904 Benedictines of Subiaco (Pietersburg/Polokwane M Monks, school, mission work
1907 Sisters of Notre Dame F Schools & education
1912 Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) M Parish renewal through missions, rural mission, communications
1917 Dominican Friars (Order of Preachers) M Pastoral Work (Stellenbosch, Johannesburg, Free State), theological education, social justice
1920 Palottines (Society of the Catholic Apostolate) M Missionary work, founded two dioceses, schools, work with the poor
1922 Benedictines of Inkamana (Natal) M Monks, missions
1922 Daughters of St Francis F Pastoral care, education, health, work with poor
1923 Capuchin Franciscans M Missionary work in Cape Town, parishes, schools.
1924 Comboni Missionaries M Missionary work, Bible translation work, media & communications
1925 Montebello Dominican Sisters F Education, health care, pastoral ministry to the poor
1927 Sisters of St Paul F Missions to Kroonstad townships
1927 Congregation of the Most Holy Spirit (Spiritans) M Missionary work in Bethlehem diocese
1931 Discalced Carmelite Sisters F Contemplative community; production of altar breads; hospitality to retreatant
1932 Capuchin Poor Clares F Retreat centre, contemplative ministry, altar breads and vestment production
1932 Sisters Servants of Mary F Health, education and catechesis in Swaziland
1933 Benedictine Sisters of Twasana F Education, health care, skills development
1934 Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary F Nursing, catechesis, work in seminaries, parish work, and Schoenstatt Shrines
1934 Ursuline Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary F Education and work with poor women & children; health care work, later HIV ministry
1937 Sisters of the Holy Cross F Education and pastoral care of youth
1938 Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart F School work, catechesis
1939 Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception F Catechesis, health, schools, skills training
1940 Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary F Education, health, pastoral care and religious formation
1949 Daughters of the immaculate Heart of Mary F Nursing, education, catechesis, old age care
1949 Consolata Missionaries M Missions, catechesis, HIV education, youth formation
1953 Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart F Missions – schools, clinics, hospitals – Limpopo
1954 Benedictine Sisters of St Alban M Education, care of elderly, youth work, prayer
1955 Franciscan Nardini Sisters F Children’s home, education, care for sick
1955 Companions of St Angela F Education of youth, social activism
1958 Sisters of St Brigid F Education, health and pastoral ministry
1959 Servants of the Holy Childhood of Jesus F Working with youth, schools, hospitals, children’s home
1961 Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters) F Education and youth ministries
1966 Sisters of Calvary F Education, health, pastoral ministry with small Christian communities
1989 St Patrick’s Missionary Society M Parishes, youth work, promotion of local vocations, renewal work
1994 Daughters of St Paul F Media work
2001 Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians F Family apostolate, ministry to children, education, care of HIV patients
2004 Sisters of St Vincent De Paul F Ministry to poor, especially women & children
2005 Sisters of Providence of St Cajetan of Thiene F Education and care of children and young adults
200??? Sisters Servants of Mary of Bomah F School, focus on education of girls
2013 Sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus F
(Based mainly on information provide by LCCL)

Number 11: November 2019

 LCCL Executive Meeting 09-10 October 2019
During the meeting Executive members reported on their engagement with their portfolios. It was decided that it is necessary to clarify the specific role of LCCL as regards the new portfolios: Gender Issues, Youth, Justice and Peace. It is not the role of the LCCL Executive to initiate projects but to assist Congregational Leaders. Ideas would be welcome as these were decided upon at the 2019 AGM.
 2020 LCCL AGM: 09 - 11 March 2020 Emseni, Johannesburg
If you have not yet done so, please diarise 09-11 March 2020 for the LCCL 2020 AGM. Theme: I was a stranger and you welcomed me. First meeting of the Preparatory Committee will be 29 November.
 National Joint Witness: Meeting of all the Bishops with the Congregational Leaders 2021
Planning has begun. Dates: July 2021. A planning Committee is being set up.
 Metropolitan Joint Witness Meetings 2019
Would those who coordinate these meeting please send Minutes/A record of Metropolitan Meetings held in 2019 to LCCL and SACBC.
 International Union of General Superiors (UISG) Meeting: November 2020.
Constellation Six of the UISG (C6) is hosting this meeting, the first of its kind in Africa. We have 16 General Leaders in the SACBC territories - 13 Diocesan and 3 Pontifical Congregations. Congratulations to C6 that this meeting is being held in South Africa! 70 delegates will attend.
 Lists of spiritual directors, facilitators or psychologists etc.
Such lists frequently become outdated. I think it would be more helpful and efficient for the LCCL Office to respond to a specific request from a Congregation for such information.
 Catholic Church Land Audit - South Africa
37 Congregations responded to the SACBC invitation to provide this information. It is important for the SACBC land desk (and for your Congregation!) to have a data base of all properties owned by Church bodies. This will be important if and when it comes to a dialogue or negotiations between the Catholic Church and the Government about land. If your Congregation owns property in South Africa and you have not yet sent in information, a land audit form is attached.
 New Pastoral Plan - 2020
The new Pastoral Plan, Evangelizing Community Serving Humanity and all Creation, will be launched at Regina Mundi Church, Soweto on Sunday 26 January during the January 2020 SACBC Conference.
 2019 and 2020 Workshops for Religious in Temporary Vows
Two well attended and much appreciated workshops were held in Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng in 2019. Congratulations to all those who sent their young members to these workshops! These workshops take place every year and will take place in 2020. A big THANK YOU to the organisers!
 Diocesan Forums for Religious
Any new initiative to set up such a forum in Dioceses without one? Please let the LCCL Office know.
 Thank you to Sr Ann Wigley OP and the King Dominicans.
A great big THANK YOU to Sr Ann Wigley and the King Dominican Generalate Office for looking after the LCCL Office while Sr Maureen was on home-leave.
 Campaign against Pope Francis
Any Pope or leader may be legitimately criticised or questioned. However, sadly, there is a well organised campaign among some Catholic groups to undermine the legitimacy, approaches and actions of Pope Francis. Some even allege that Pope Francis is an anti-Pope or even anti-Christ whose agenda it is to destroy the Church. Please help your members to recognise this for what it; a vicious, totally misleading and very destructive campaign.
Sr Maureen Rooney HC
Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life South Africa: lcclsa@mweb.co.za: www.lcclsa.co.za

The Amazon Synod and the extractive industry — lessons for the Church in Africa
by Stan Muyebe OP
The Final Document of the Amazon Synod provides, among other things, a powerful contribution to Catholic social teaching and the Church’s pastoral response to the communities directly affected by the extractive industry. Stan Muyebe OP comments that African economies could learn a great deal from the Synod discussions, especially its criticism of unbridled extractivism as a model for economic development.
Much of the commentary around the Amazon synod has rightly focused on its doctrinal pronouncements, especially about married priests and pantheism. This should however not blind us to the Final Document’s (FD) contribution to Catholic social teaching. The Synod made some powerful recommendations for a pastoral response to extractivism as a model for development.
The Amazon Synod introduced the notion that, despite the economic crisis, any model that seeks to attract direct foreign investment and spur economic growth should adhere to ethical values, especially the care of God’s creation and respect for the human dignity of society’s most vulnerable members. This is a deep lesson that Africa and the Church on the continent should also embrace.
The darker side of extractivism
Extractivism is one of the most pressing moral issues of our time. Several countries in South America and Africa have adopted progressive extractivism as a model for development. It is a short-sighted strategy where countries build their direct foreign investment and economic growth on large-scale extraction and export of natural resources with little regard for human rights, care for the environment, and the long-term effects of unbridled extractivism.
Corruption is the dark face of extractivism. Many resource-rich countries in the global south have failed to benefit optimally from extractivism because of illicit financial flows and unfair trade agreements. The wealth created from the extractive industry often remains in the hands of an elite minority (FD 72). Meanwhile, the communities living in resource-rich areas have borne the brunt of climate change and the environmental crisis. In some places, it has also produced human rights violations and massive suffering for poor communities.
The wealth created from the extractive industry often remains in the hands of an elite minority.
The Synod sought to respond to the pastoral realities of the communities living with the negative effects of the extractive industry. It denounced a “predatory extractivism which responds only to the logic of greed” (FD 67). The Final Document catalogues a list of adverse effects of the extractive economy, with a particular reference to the destruction of Amazon forest. (FD, 10-13). Some of the other issues cited in the Synod document echo the concerns previously cited by the United Nations and other human rights organizations, such as land dispossession and killing of anti-mining activists (FD 45-50, 69). The Synod recognized that the effects of extractivism also present new opportunities for the Church “to present Christ with all His power to liberate and humanize.” (FD 15).
A Church that takes sides
The Synod decided that the Church cannot remain neutral in the face of the harmful aspects of the mining industry, which affect the poor in particular and harm the earth. “We may not be able to modify immediately the destructive model of extractivist development, but we do need to make clear where we stand, and whose side we are on” (FD 70). The Synod resolved to identify itself with victims of extractivism, namely God’s creation and the poor.
Taking sides requires the Church to distance itself from the new colonizing powers in the world in order to listen to the poor (FD 15).
Taking sides also entails becoming a Church which is as an ally of local communities “who know how to take care of the Amazon, how to live and protect it.”
Taking sides requires the Church to distance itself from the new colonizing powers in the world in order to listen to the poor.

FINAL DOCUMENT, SYNOD ON THE AMAZON
The Synod has recommended several practical commitments through which the Church would manifest its solidarity with victims of extractivism. This includes:
• a divestment campaign against extractive industries (FD 70);
• a campaign for a global fund to settle the ecological debt to Amazonia communities (FD 83);
• the establishment of a monitoring system against human rights violations in the Amazon;
• the establishment of an Amazon office in the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development (FD 85).

The primary responsibility for ecological conversion
As a pastoral response to extractivism, the synod also called for ecological conversion from the sin of consumerism. During one of their press conferences, some bishops pointed out that the response to the human rights and environmental crises in the Amazon requires the ecological conversion of all people, including those in North America, Europe and China who fuel the demand for the products that drive the extractive industry. The industrialization of the global north and its consumerist lifestyle are the key drivers of the expansion of extractive frontiers in South America and Africa. The bishops therefore insisted that the primary responsibility for ecological conversion rests with our brothers and sisters in Europe and North America. Their ecological conversion should include learning from the simple lifestyle of the indigenous people of the Amazon (FD,9).
Placing the human person and God’s creation at the centre
Other human rights organizations have called for a total ban on resource extraction in Africa and South America. The Synod was reluctant to a make similar pronouncement. It, however, insisted that extractivism in South America should be substituted by an alternative model of development “in which commercial criteria are not above the human rights criteria and environmental criteria” (FD 73).
“Extractivism in South America should be substituted by an alternative model of development “in which commercial criteria are not above the human rights criteria and environmental criteria.”

FINAL DOCUMENT, SYNOD ON THE AMAZON, 73
This challenge equally applies to African countries. Strategies employed to woo investors and realize economic recovery should not be considered as sacrosanct and immune from ethical scrutiny. Even in the midst of the economic crisis, any model for stimulating foreign direct investment and economic recovery should be subjected to ethical values, especially the common good, the care of God’s creation and respect for human dignity.
The economic development of a country is not only about economic growth and economic efficiency. It is primarily about people, including those of the future generation, and the care of God’s creation.

LCCL Portfolios and Portfolio Holders 2019-2020

Having taken into account the suggestions made at the 2019 AGM, the Executive, during their meeting 22-23 May 2019, decided on the following LCCL portfolios.  The Executive combined some, left aside others and added three new ones:

Justice and Peace and the Integrity of Creation

Gender Issues

Youth

Child Safeguarding was  placed along with Professional Conduct. Fr David will continue to attend SACBC Professional Conduct meetings and Fr Callistus will build up an LCCL Child Safeguarding Portfolio.

Portfolio Holders will liaise with SACBC personnel who hold similar responsibilities.

Celebration at the Nunciature in Pretoria of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul,  the day when the Nuncio offers hospitality to other Diplomats, Church and Government invited guests in the first picture we see Fr David Rowan SJ Chatting To other guests. In the second picture Fr Peter John Pearson  talking about the work of the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office and on the last picture we see a group of Seminarians   sang the South African National Anthem and the Vatican Anthem.

Sr Monica Madyembwa HC and Sr Melanie O’Connor HF from South Africa at a Counter Human Trafficking Conference in Lilongwe, Malawi in  May 2018

REPORT on Leadership Workshop 11-15 May 2018: Organised and Subsidised by LCCL

From 11 to 14 May 2018, 8 congregational leaders and their teams gathered at Lumko Institute in Germiston to attend a leadership workshop arranged by the LCCL. 31 participants participated in this workshop facilitated by Sr Celia Smit OP and Sr Goretti Rule RSM.

The workshop’s objective was to equip the participants with leadership skills while facilitating team performance. This was done through varied approaches where congregational teams worked together on different exercises and members also worked as individuals, while other exercises required a cross pollination of teams. The facilitators were very innovative and managed to make old stuff look new and their presentations were found to be appealing and a breath of freshness to the teams. Most exercises were found to be very helpful as individuals reflected on their own social styles and the teams together reflected on how they respond to each other through these styles; and how these styles might be the source of conflict thereby necessitating awareness within the team of how they would deal with such conflict.

The Cycle of Grace was one other important tool that was used; video clips of the book were presented to highlight the importance of having God as the centre of all that a team does. Teams were encouraged to use these clips not for themselves only but for the rest of the congregation. The participants were also given moments of individual reflection on the scriptures, passages from New Wine in New Wine Skins, guided meditation, etc. There was never a dull moment as participants were made to express their feelings through dance and the days were made colourful through the creative exercises that the teams worked on.  In the evaluation, all the teams expressed their gratitude for the workshop and how much difference it has made to their leadership teams.

It is said that “all work no play makes Jane a dull girl!” The participants chose not to be dull girls by having a social evening on Mother’s day.  This was filled with fun as the different congregations showed off their talents in entertaining the group.  For those who could not make it to this workshop, what a pity, you snooze you lose!

Some recommendations were that:

• A follow-up workshop will be helpful and encouraging.
• More workshops like this are needed.
• A similar workshop be held for new councillors and new groups that were unable to come.
• A similar workshop could take place in a period of three years (or every other year).
• The workshop to be given more days - five days or be given more often.
• Monitoring and evaluation by another workshop similar to this, to see how far we have come.
• Workshops on topics such as Theology/Spirituality of Religious Life, Conflict Management etc. will be of great help.

A big thank you to the LCCL for arranging this workshop and for your generosity in subsiding it! This went a long way in ensuring that no group was excluded because of financial constraints to participate in this wonderful experience.

Sr Nkhensani Shibambu COA

Very Important new Apostolic Exhortation from Pope Francis

LCCL AGM 2018 - VISUALS Br Mike (PDF)

26th August 2014
Sr Brigid Rose Tiernan with Mrs Florence Fenn ran the first workshop of this nature we have had. It was well attended and much appreciated.

The QUESTIONS and EXPECTATIONS of participants which informed much of the content of the workshop were:

• To learn something about archive work;
• How to arrange/categorize/classify;
• Annals – how to encourage sisters to produce these – how to make them alive;
  Who is responsible for compiling community annals?
• What to keep: we suggested – duplicates are destroyed and the best copy of any document / book kept. Who decides what to keep? The archivist has a responsibility here…and some policy is useful for any archives.
• How long to keep information? we had available a document with information about how long various kinds of documents are kept;
• What to do with ‘gaps’ in information? This is an ongoing challenge for those working in Archives.
• Different media and forms of information: books, documents, CDs and DVDs, videos, artefacts… We had initial discussions about all of this, and realise we all need more information about digitalisation processes. Storing copies (once information has been captured / scanned into a computer) on an external hard drive, or ‘in the cloud’ (cf www. Dropbox.com) is very important.
• School Magazines: where to put these? The Archive principle of PROVENANCE is a guide here.
• What is confidential and needs to be locked away – who has access to confidential information (e.g. Council / Team meeting minutes). We were able to clarify some of these areas for one another.
• What happens to our Archives in the future? We shared information about some possible options here: with a local University Archives; in a place like Document Wharehouse (Gauteng and KZN)….

1. As the workshop was held at St Vincent’s, Melrose, we were able to have an onsite visit two different Congregational Archives, housed here, one very well developed (the King OPs) and one ‘work in progress’ (SNDs). The onsite visits enabled us to see the Data Bases being used, and the different categorisation systems. Acid-free boxes and files, and where to purchase these, were also among the resources shared.
2. The value of ‘dedicated space’ for housing Archive material – and some of us have this already – became obvious, as well as the need for those working in Archives to have the time to do what the work requires. Setting up and maintaining an Archives also requires a budget.
3. Other information shared with those attending the workshop included: Guidelines for Archivists of what information should be collected currently, and example of an Archive Mission Statement and Access Policy, Record retention and Electronic Files

Our time together helped us realise again how valuable are the lives and work of all who have gone before us in Religious Life in Southern Africa and the responsibility we have to preserve and make this available for those who may follow in our footsteps, in the local Church and among the People of God. We were inspired by the words:

STUDY THE PAST
TO UNDERSTAND THE PRESENT
AND PLAN THE FUTURE
(Author unknown, but inscribed on a stone outside the National Archives in Harare)

LCCL SA Newsletter October 2017

My first encounter and introduction to priest and artist Wilfried Joye, happened in 2008. Sisters Ann Wigley OP and Brigid Rose Tiernan SND had paid him a visit. Biddy (as I call her) could not wait to tell me about her exciting conversation with him and of the impact his art made on her! She insisted that I accompany her to meet him as she knew of my interest in art and writing. So began my blessed relationship with Wilfried and his works.

MY ENCOUNTERS WITH AN ARTIST

We, Sisters for Justice (Johannesburg) organised a walk on the Melville Koppies on Heritage Day. We decided that Heritage Day was an appropriate time to consider what it is we wish to contribute to ensuring that we leave future generations with the rich heritage that we have enjoyed.
SISTERS FOR JUSTICE WALKED THE TALK

We Were all at the Edge...

The Concert...

Executive Board Members...

Good evening everyone. Firstly, my sincere thanks to your LCCL executive for giving me the privilege of sharing our ongoing journey of faith and witness with you, my sisters and brothers in the religious life. I come - not as a theologian or expert, because I am neither. I come as one who is travelling the same road as you, as one who tries to discern what this call seems to be inviting us to in what is a very challenging global and local context - which places before us some real questions and challenges for those of us called to the ministry of leadership.
BISHOP KEVIN DOWLING TALK TO LCCL 2016 AGM

The Counter Trafficking in Persons Office (CTIP) of the SACBC & LCCL held its 2nd Conference on Human Trafficking at the Good Shepherd Retreat Centre, Hartbeespoort from 12 – 15 April, 2016 during which it held its first launch of “Taxis Against Human Trafficking”. The Conference was organised for representatives from Talitha Kum Southern Africa which comprises religious sisters and priests from our 7 countries and for those groups formed by them - including those from different denominations – all working under the umbrella of CTIP South Africa. There were 47 participants. Much of the Conference was dedicated to listening to reports from the various groups on the work they have being doing as well as updating ourselves with various issues connected to human trafficking. Sr Annah Theresa reported on the Talitha Kum meeting she attended in Rome on our behalf in January this year.

Counter Trafficking in Persons Conference Good Shepherd Retreat Centre 12 -15 April, 2016 .pdf