15 Aug 2022

The Roman Catholic Church has been commended for its contribution towards shaping societies through solidarities and prayer devotions.

Speaking at a ceremony to welcome new members of Solidarity of the Immaculate Conception held at Tsholofelong Catholic Church in Tlokweng on Saturday, Tlokweng

MP, Mr Thulagano Segokgo said while the government provided citizens with social programmes, the church looked after their spiritual wellbeing.

“As a government, we are alive to the fact that we have churches as our partners in community development and today’s gesture will go a long way to contribute towards improved performance of our students,” he said.

Mr Segokgo applauded the new members, most of them youth, for embarking on a spiritual journey and urged them to continue to spread the love and their mercies to the less privileged, emotionally bruised and in need of internal healing just as Mother Mary did.

“I am impressed at the number of youth here today who have demonstrated interest and fun in having a special relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ and his Blessed Virgin Mother, Mary,” he said.

He further encouraged them not to be confined within their church but to motivate other youths to take a step towards salvation.

“They should start their journey now,” he said.

Mr Segokgo, who is also the Minister of Communications, Knowledge and Technology encouraged the new members to abide by the pillars of their solidarity of Botho, Borapedi and Bodiredi.

“We look forward to having you as living examples of the faithful and Christ like beings,” he said.

For his part, Mr Peter Choto, the Regional Education director commended the church for empowering the new members with a “gift that will never be taken away from them.”

He said knowledge gained from the church complemented scholarly education and this was an advantage to the development of individuals.

Mr Choto said the Religious and Moral Education offered in schools had an objective of grooming children into responsible adults.

“I want to believe that today’s graduates, have grown up with that foundation and challenged themselves to develop beyond just basic education,” he said.
He further commended the church for providing ground for further education, adding there were teachers and lecturers across the country who belonged to the Roman Catholic Church.

“As the education system we are blessed to have those from within the church backgrounds, partnering with us to teach our children while providing moral guidance,” he said.

Mr Choto, who is also a member of the Catholic Church, requested a standing ovation for Reverend Sister Gosego Pearl Ntapu who received a Presidential Meritorious Award for her contribution in education.

The church has also donated academic equipment to Matlala and Tlokweng Junior Secondary Schools.

“Our students need that motherly care and love from extended communities as well,” he said.

Ms Dorah Moroka, the chairperson of the Solidarity of the Immaculate Conception said it was started in Mahalapye in 1981 and thereafter introduced in Kgatleng and

Mogoditshane before it eventually covered the whole country. She said the aim was to abide by the teachings of Mary and be exemplary by also following her actions of being compassionate towards other people.

On Saturday, the solidarity welcomed 89 new members from Kgatleng, Kweneng and Gaborone regions, and she said due to COVID-19 protocols, members from other regions would be welcomed after two weeks. ENDS