News
A special visit to South Africa
Fr Joseph. Sr Paula-Mary. Fr Paulson in the Nelson Mandela Square Sandton, Johannesburg
Fading Daylight over Nelson Mandela and the Union Buildings Pretoria
Fr. Paulson and Fr. Joseph went on a tour of Johannesburg and the surrounding area. Sr. Paula-Mary was the tour guide.
Srs Paula-Mary and Alison from the Generalate in Benoni welcomed Fr Paulson and one of his Salesian confreres, Fr Joseph, to Gauteng, South Africa.
Our Sr Dominic-Marie works closely with Fr Paulson pastor of Christ the King Parish/St Stephen, Diocese of Oakland, California. The flying visit took in parts of the gold mining reef and the area of the mining camps of early Johannesburg when gold was first discovered. Disappointingly Johannesburg’s Cathedral of Christ the King was not open, and so the beautiful stain glass windows could not be viewed.
A cup of coffee in Sandton, the richest square kilometre of Johannesburg, home to financial and insurance houses, business, hotels, grand shopping, was followed by a photograph in front of the Nelson Mandela statue in Nelson Mandela Square.
The route taken to Pretoria showcased existing and new economic development in Gauteng, the province which is home to most of South Africa’s metropolitan cities, and much of South Africa’s population.
Many challenges face Gauteng, not least of which are the numbers of people from both foreign countries and other South African provinces hoping to earn a living. Perhaps it is true to say that Gauteng, best illustrates the huge gap between the rich and the poor so prevalent in South Africa.
In Pretoria, South Africa’s capital, the visitors were able to have a quick visit to the Union Buildings, the seat of government, before the early darkness of winter began to fall.
Fr Paulson writes: “Our tour of Johannesburg and the adjoining cities really went beyond our expectations. You Sisters provided us with sufficient information on everything from the beauty, faith, politics and especially the challenges of a growing community. I enjoyed the ride from Johannesburg to Pretoria. I loved our dinner discussions and I hope we will be to do more of them. So, thank you! Just want to affirm again Sr Dominic is a gift to our community. She gives it all. I am truly grateful.”
Text Sr Alison Munro OP