31/05/2026
Eastern Deanery Pilgrims Gather in Faith, Fellowship and Synodal Spirit at the Church of the Beatitudes
By Fr. Mathibela Sebothoma
Photos by Fr Chris Townsend
ZWAVELPOORT – Dozens of Catholics from across the Eastern Deanery of the Archdiocese of Pretoria gathered at the Church of the Beatitudes in Zwavelpoort on Saturday, 30 May 2026, for a day of prayer, fellowship, fundraising and pilgrimage during the Annual Deanery Day.
The pilgrims, many dressed in bright yellow attire adopted by the Eastern Deanery as their Jubilee colour, arrived from various parishes to celebrate their faith and strengthen the bonds of communion that unite them as one Church. The gathering served not only as a fundraiser for the Archdiocese of Pretoria but also as a practical expression of synodality—the call to journey together as the People of God.
The day began with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction, providing pilgrims with an opportunity for silent prayer and reflection before the Eucharistic celebration. Priests were available throughout the morning to hear confessions, allowing many faithful to experience God's mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. A prayerful procession followed as pilgrims prayed the Rosary together, transforming the church grounds into a visible witness of faith and devotion.
The Holy Mass was presided over by Archbishop Dabula Anthony Mpako and concelebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Masilo John Selemela, together with numerous priests of the deanery. The gathering was hosted under the leadership of the Dean of the Eastern Deanery, Fr. Franciskus Swartbooi OSFS.
The Eucharistic celebration reached a special moment with the unveiling and blessing of a newly installed mosaic of Blessed Benedict Tshimangadzo Daswa, South Africa's first officially recognised Catholic martyr. The blessing was performed by Archbishop Mpako and Bishop Selemela in the presence of the faithful.
The mosaic was created by renowned South African mosaic artist Vera Valli Giovitto, founder of Mosaic Arts in Pretoria. For more than four decades, Giovitto has dedicated herself to the art of mosaic-making, creating works in glass, stone and ceramic for both public and private spaces throughout South Africa and beyond. Together with her daughter, architect Marina Giovitto Ehlers, she has built a legacy of artistic excellence recognised nationally and internationally. Her contribution to the arts and business community was acknowledged through the Honorary Chairperson's Special Award presented by the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industries in South Africa.
What makes the mosaic particularly striking is its contemporary portrayal of Blessed Benedict Daswa. Rather than depicting him in the traditional style often associated with saints, complete with halo and symbolic imagery, Blessed Daswa is presented as an ordinary modern gentleman. The image reminds viewers that holiness is not confined to distant centuries but can flourish in contemporary society and in ordinary daily life.
If you look closely at the mosaic, several symbolic features reflect key aspects of Blessed Daswa’s life. The kettle represents the pain and cruelty of his martyrdom, as well as his final biblical prayers: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34) and “Into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46).
The maize symbolises his deep commitment to food security in a country where many people survive on less than a US dollar a day. It also echoes the foresight of Pope Francis in Laudato Si’, which calls for responsible stewardship of the earth and sustainable care for creation.
The soccer ball honours Blessed Daswa’s love for football, a popular pastime among South Africans. Many view the sport as a powerful vehicle for social cohesion, nation-building, and physical well-being. This symbolism is particularly poignant against the backdrop of Orlando Pirates winning the national PSL championship, Mamelodi Sundowns claiming the African club title, and Bafana Bafana carrying the hopes of the nation at the FIFA World Cup.
Blessed Benedict Daswa, born Tshimangadzo Samuel Daswa, was a devoted husband, father, educator and lay Catholic from Limpopo. In 1990, he was brutally murdered because of his refusal to participate in practices linked to superstition and witchcraft. His unwavering commitment to Christian faith and truth led to his recognition as a martyr. On 13 September 2015, Pope Francis beatified him, making him the first South African to be officially recognised as a Catholic martyr.
For many South Africans, Daswa remains more than a historical figure. His life is still within living memory. Many priests, religious sisters, family members and people from his village encountered him personally. Some may unknowingly have touched what today would be considered a first-class relic. This closeness makes his witness especially powerful and relevant for contemporary Catholics.
The newly blessed mosaic occupies a prominent position within the Church of the Beatitudes, a church that has increasingly become the principal venue for major archdiocesan gatherings. Its spacious modern design and extensive parking facilities enable it to accommodate significantly larger crowds than the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Pretoria's busy central business district. Over the years, many of the Archdiocese's large celebrations, assemblies and special liturgical events have been hosted there, leading some to affectionately regard it as the Archdiocese's unofficial second cathedral.
Beyond prayer and fundraising, the Eastern Deanery gathering served as a visible reminder of Pope Francis' call to synodality. The Church's synodal journey invites all the baptised to walk together, listen to one another and participate actively in the mission of the Church. Gatherings such as these foster communion among parish communities, strengthen relationships across diverse backgrounds and encourage Catholics to recognise that they are fellow pilgrims journeying together towards Christ.
About who won the tug-of-war in the dozens of play and fun: The prisoners are the ultimate storytellers! Asking them about a tug-of-war is like asking a die-hard sports fan about a referee's controversial call—every single person will swear their parish won. If you really want the absolute, unbiased truth, you will have to ask the two bishops. They are the only ones with a wide-angle view of the chaos!
As the faithful departed at the end of the day, they carried with them not only memories of prayer, fellowship and celebration, but also the inspiring witness of Blessed Benedict Daswa—a modern saint whose life continues to challenge Catholics to live their faith courageously in the world today.
The parishes falling under the Eastern Deanery are:
Cullinan: St. Peter
Eersterus: St. Joseph
Lynnwood: St. John Fisher
Mahube Valley: St. Daniel Comboni
Mamelodi East: St. Peter Claver
Mamelodi West: Mary Help of Christians
Mamelodi Central: St. Raphael
Montana: Presentation
Nelmapius: Christ the Savior
Queenswood: Christ the King
Refilwe: St. Eugene de Mazenod
Silverton: St. Augustine
Sunnyside: St. Martin de Porres
Waterkloof: St. Pius X
Waverley: Queen of Most Holy Rosary
Zwavelpoort: Church of Beatitudes
