Johannesburg (South Africa). From 12 to 18 August 2023, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of Our Lady of Peace Province (AFM) that includes South Africa, Lesotho, and Zambia welcomed Sr. Runita Borja, General Councilor for Youth Ministry, for a short visit to South Africa.
Sr. Runita’s first appointment was with the young people of the Salesian Youth Movement of Gauteng, which took place on Sunday 13 August in the parish of All Saints, in Ennerdale. Over 80 young people from Bosco Walkerville, Finetown, Ennerdale, and Lawley were in attendance.
Welcoming Sr. Runita were also Sr. Giovanna Pesenti, Provincial Economer, representing the Provincial, Sr. Cecilia Motanya, as well as the Salesians of Don Bosco, FMA, Salesian Cooperators, and the parish pastoral councilors of the various parishes.
The day began with the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Vaclav Klement, SDB, Superior of Blessed Michael Rua Preprovince (AFM), animated by young people and concelebrated by some Salesian priests.
After Holy Mass, Sister Runita had the opportunity to address the young people and members of the Salesian Family in the parish hall. In her words, she underlined that the best formation for everyone is life experience and she encouraged young people to find time during the day to reflect on their lives, in order to discover the voice of God speaking to them. “Only by listening to the voice of God and through the accompaniment of an adult is it possible to discern one’s own vocation.” She concluded by inviting them to listen to Mary, the mother who leads everyone to Jesus. To express their gratitude, the young people gave Sister Runita a beaded mat with the South African flag.
In the following days, the Councilor met with the teachers, children, and young people who attend the schools of Ennerdale, Booysens, and Malamulele, managed by the FMA.
Before leaving for Lusaka, in Zambia, where with Mother Chiara Cazzuola and other Councilors, she will live the inter-sector Seminar on Generative Authority for the Africa-Madagascar Interprovincial Conference (CIAM), she passed by the Provincial House of Boksburg and visited three Sisters who are in a retirement home run by the Dominican Sisters.
