OMI Southern Africa

01/09/2026

PERPETUAL VOWS

We are pleased to announce that our two Scholastic Brothers, Bro. Sandile Zungu and Bro. Thato Ramokgadi will be making their Perpetual Profession of Religious Vows on the 12th of September 2026 at St. Joseph's Scholasticate, Cedara, Pietermaritzburg, KZN.

May we offer prayers for them as they prepare for this momentous occassion in their lives and our congregation.

St Joseph's Oblate Scholasticate - Cedara R.S.A OMI WORLD Oblates Mission with Youth - OMY

28/08/2026

INSTALLATION TO MINOR ORDERS

We congratulate our Scholastic Brothers at St Joseph's Scholasticate who were installed to the minor orders of Acolyte and Lector by Fr. Sibusiso Dlamini OMI . We celebrate Brothers Wandile and Anthony who have been installed as lectors. And we celebrate Brothers Vusi, Sibusiso, Tapiwa and Kopano who have been installed as Acolytes.

The minor orders of Lector and Acolyte serve as structured stepping stones for those in formation toward the priesthood. The primary role of the Lector is to proclaim the Word of God in liturgical assemblies, excluding the Gospel. The Acolyte is appointed to assist the deacon and priest at the altar, primarily during the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

fans Omi Zimbabwe Mission

27/08/2026

YOMI Encounter 24-27 August 2026

​This August, Young Oblates in Ministry (YOMI) from across the OMISA Province convened for their annual ongoing formation encounter. The gathering began with the joy of reconnecting, a spirit of fraternity that remained a resonant theme throughout both formal sessions and shared downtime.

​Oblate Fathers Emmanuel Mosoue and Paul Beukes led insightful sessions sharing their personal experiences, offering valuable perspectives on navigating the challenges of religious life and ministry. Dr. Brian Chikson also facilitated an enriching workshop on holistic wellness, exploring the intersection of personal, public, charismatic, and administrative life—all directed toward the fulfillment of the Oblate mission.

​Having the OMISA Provincial, Fr. Zweli Mlotshwa, chair the encounter was a true privilege. His presence fostered a direct, fraternal link between leadership and the newest generation of Oblates in full-time ministry, cultivating an atmosphere of open and meaningful dialogue.

​Overall, YOMI 2026 was a deeply refreshing encounter, re-energizing the brothers as they return to their mission fields for the remainder of the year.
​St. Eugene de Mazenod, pray for us.
Praised be Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate!

07/08/2026

The treasurers of the OMI African Anglophone Sub-Region gathered in Livingstone, Zambia, from 4–7 August 2026 for their annual meeting.

Fr. Rodney George, OMI, participated in his dual role as Treasurer of OMISA and Treasurer of the Inter-Provincial Conference. Fr. Zweli Mlotshwa, OMI, Provincial of OMISA, attended as the Liaison Provincial.

The gathering was not only about meetings and finances. There was also time to enjoy the beauty of nature with a short visit to the magnificent Mosi-oa-Tunya Falls.

18/07/2026

Our Oblate community in Cape Town recently enjoyed a joy-filled visit from our Provincial. It was a wonderful time of fellowship, milestone celebrations, and even a bit of endurance!
​The visit was packed with significant moments for our community:

A Warm Welcome: We officially welcomed Fr. Patrick Regnard to the area, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

Faithful Service: We gathered to celebrate the 14th Anniversary of the priesthood for Fr. Ndodana Tshuma. Thank you, Fr. Ndodana, for your continued dedication and pastoral heart!

A Golden Jubilee on the Run: We celebrated the milestone 50th birthday of Fr. Nkululeko Meyiwa! True to his energetic spirit, Fr. Nkululeko organized an incredible 50km run to mark the occasion.
​He wasn't alone in this massive feat—several parishioners from St. Stephen’s, where he serves as pastor, laced up their running shoes to join him for the journey. Provincial also hit the road in support, managing a very respectable 25km before cheering the rest of the pack home!

​Thank you to everyone who made this visit so special. Please join us in keeping Fr. Patrick, Fr. Ndodana, and Fr. Nkululeko in your prayers as they continue their ministry

15/07/2026

The Oblate District of Pietermaritzburg gathered on the 14th of July for a time of recollection as a district community. The Oblates, brought together by a spirit of fraternity gathered at St John's in Estcourt.

Constitution 35 of the Oblate CCRR calls for members of the congregation to set aside special times each month for deeper personal and community prayer. May the Lord continue to bless all Oblates as they continue to labor in the field that Christ has given them.

fans St Joseph's Oblate Scholasticate - Cedara R.S.A National OMISA Mission with Youth

07/07/2026

Perhaps the Lord is calling you to the Oblate Way of Life, Come and See our way of life.

fans St Joseph's Oblate Scholasticate - Cedara R.S.A National OMISA Mission with Youth Cebula house of Formation; Cleland.

05/07/2026

Ever wondered what lies at the heart of the Oblate vocation? The Superior General responds: “We were born for the mission.” Chicho Rois

15/06/2026

29/05/2026

NTATE JOSEPH GERARD: APOSTLE OF LESOTHO (1831 - 1914)

Today, the Church in Southern Africa celebrates the Memorial of Blessed Joseph Gerard, an Oblate of Mary Immaculate, à French Missionary in the Southern Africa.

Bl. Joseph Gerard arrived in Natal (South Africa) from France in 1853. On the following year, as he was still a deacon, he was ordained by Bishop Jean-Francois Allard OMI on the 18th of February 1854 in the Pietermaritzburg Oblate House (now known as Allard House).

His first ministry was among the Zulu’s, of whom the founder St. Eugene de Mazenod, had sent them to. They opened their first mission on September 2, 1855 and it was called St. Michael’s (Endonyane). The mission due to some land disputes was subsequently closed and later on re-opened at a different location.

Bl. Joseph Gerard then settled in Lesotho in October 11 1862, in the valley which will be famously known as ‘Motse-oa M’a Jesu’ village of the mother of God - Roma. The mission among the Basotho flourished more as compared to their first mission. There were hundreds of conversions, with churches and schools built.

The Apostle of Lesotho, Ntate Gerard; truly his missionary zeal and spirit inspires us the present day missionaries that we should always dare, and in daring we must not be discouraged if the results we hoped for in evangelisation are not yielded. Furthermore, the life of this saintly missionary challenges us to be faithful to the Oblate charism until that time when we return to the Heavenly Father.

We pray through the intercession of Blessed Joseph Gerard, Apostle of Lesotho, that missionaries may persevere in their work of evangelisation - making Christ known to all, and that the whole Mazenodian family may draw inspiration from his life which mirrors that total oblation to the father and faithfulness to the rule of our society.

Blessed Joseph Gerard, Apostle of Lesotho… Pray for us.

Photo Credit: Various Oblate Sources

OMI Southern Africa OMI WORLD Omi Zimbabwe Mission National OMISA Mission with Youth Cebula house of Formation; Cleland. OMI - Lesotho