By Sr. Tryness Mulubwa, CNCS Lusaka Hub

Three young women from the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco in South Africa have made their first profession of vows, the first in 44 years, marking a significant milestone for the province.

The three Sisters are Sr. Alphoncina Matseleng Nonyana from Lesotho, Sr. Octovia Mante Tamogale and Sr. Sylvia Kesebelwang Vedala, becoming the first South African sisters to profess vows in their province in decades.

The profession took place on 5 August, the feast of the foundation of their institute, St. Mary Mazzarello, who established the congregation in 1872.

The Eucharistic celebration was held at South Africa’s Carmelite Parish and was celebrated by Fr. Bongi Nkosi, a Salesian of Don Bosco and concelebrated by 15 priests from various congregations.

Fr. Nkosi highlighted the historical significance of St. Mary Mazzarello Day, when 11 companions made their first profession in the presence of Don Bosco and the Bishop of Acqui.

Referring to the Gospel of the rich young man, Fr. Nkosi invited the Sisters and all present to examine their hearts.

‘’While the young man in the Gospel followed the commandments, he struggled to let go of his possessions. The challenge for us is not only about surrendering material wealth but about surrendering everything to Christ,’’ he said.

Addressing the newly professed Sisters, Fr. Nkosi reminded them that true discipleship involves identifying and letting go of anything, be it riches, relationships, or power, that hinders their relationship with God.

He urged them to prioritize their relationship with Christ, to be fully present among the young and to lead them to God rather than to themselves.

Fr. Nkosi further emphasized that the mission is to raise saints, as was done with Dominic Savio and Laura Vicuña and challenged them to believe that saints can also arise from Africa.

He encouraged the Sisters that as they join their respective communities, these communities, though not perfect, will walk with them and support them in their journey of perseverance.

Fr. Nkosi reminded all that the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience are not burdens but joyful responses to God’s call.

‘’Young people today need to see joyful religious, those who have surrendered not with sadness, but with freedom and joy,’’ he said.

Fr. Nkosi thanked the three sisters for courageously responding to God’s call and expressed gratitude to their families and all those who accompanied them on their vocational journey.