09/06/2026
WHEN MOTHERS OF THE CHURCH REMIND US WE ARE STILL SOMEONE'S CHILDREN 😊
The recently concluded Clergy General Meeting in Mafikeng was filled with prayer, reflection, learning, and fraternity. But somewhere between the meetings, workshops, and cups of coffee, one remarkable woman quietly reminded us of something very important: priests also need a little love and encouragement!
A special word of gratitude goes to Mme Bitsa Lenkopane, whose generosity and thoughtfulness towards the Bishop and priests touched all our hearts.
While presenting gifts to the clergy, she said something simple yet profound:
"We may not call you often or even tell you thank you for all that you do, but we truly appreciate your work, and we know you are there."
Those words landed gently but powerfully. Sometimes priests are like electricity—you only notice them when they are not there! 😄 Yet behind every Mass celebrated, every funeral attended, every sick call answered, every meeting held, and every prayer offered, there is a priest quietly serving God's people.
Then came the moment that made many of us smile.
As she handed a gift to Fr. Benjamin during this cold winter season, she lovingly said:
"Father, I want you to keep yourself warm, just as your mother would do for you."
At that moment, Fr. Benjamin was no longer just a priest—he was somebody's son! 😊
What a beautiful reminder that while priests are spiritual fathers to many, they too need the warmth, care, encouragement, and prayers of God's people. Canon law may speak about the responsibility of the faithful to support the Church and its ministers, but Mme Bitsa showed us that this support is not merely a duty—it is an act of Christian love.
Her generosity was not measured by the gifts she gave, but by the heart with which she gave them.
To Mme Bitsa, thank you for reminding us that appreciation costs nothing but means everything.
To all the faithful of the Diocese of Kimberley and beyond, thank you for your prayers, your support, your sacrifices, your kindness, and your love for your priests and bishop. Please continue to pray for us, encourage us, and occasionally remind us that we are appreciated. We promise not to let it get to our heads! 😄
And to all the faithful: don't wait until Christmas to tell your priest "thank you"—a cup of tea, a prayer, a smile, or even a warm blanket in winter can work wonders! 😊🙏
May God richly bless all those who care for their shepherds, and may He continue to strengthen our Bishop, our priests, religious, and all the faithful who make the Church a family.
A grateful priest is a happy priest, and a happy priest is a blessing to God's people.
