Category Pastoral Activities | Pastorale Aktiwiteite

World Day against human trafficking
Millions of people find themselves trapped in modern-day slavery

Oudtshoorn, 30 July 2026 – “Traditional” chattel slavery has been legally abolished, yet about 50 million people find themselves trapped in modern-day slavery.

Internatinally the World Day against Trafficking in Persons is celebrated today, July 30th.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organization of Migration (IOM), the practices of human trafficking and other forms of exploitation are a massive money-making scheme, generating $236 billion in illegal profits each year.

One organisation working to spread knowledge about modern day trafficking in persons, is the Sisters-based group Talitha Kum. For them what is essential is to bring an end to this global crime and letting people see and recognize that beyond the numbers, beyond the data are people, stories, and lives impacted. At the core of the mission of Talitha Kum is the message: “Working together: No one is ever treated as a commodity.”

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Old age is not a burden to manage but a gift to cherish

Oudtshoorn, 28 July 2026 – The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly this year reached its sixth ‘celebration,’ gradually becoming an established fixture in the life of the Church.

“It is not enough to organize services; we must build relationships.” Only in this way can “the certainty of not being forgotten by God” become “the daily experience of not being forgotten by one’s parish and one’s family.” These are the words of Vittorio Scelzo, an official of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life and head of its pastoral care of the elderly, reflecting on the six years since the institution of the World Day dedicated to grandparents and the elderly.

This year The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly was celebrated on Sunday, 26 July, the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary —i n other words, “Jesus’ grandparents.”

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The 6th Word Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

Oudtshoorn, 17 July 2026 – The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life has confirmed that the Holy Father has directed that the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will continue to be celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday in July, closest to the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.

The theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV for the 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly – “I will never forget you” (Is 49:15) – reminds us that God’s unwavering love is the ultimate answer to the isolation and neglect so often experienced by the elderly. It brings comfort and hope, assuring us that the Lord knows each of us personally, forgets no one, and loves us unconditionally, even through the frailties of old age.

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Episcopal Ordination anniversary

Oudtshoorn, 17 July 2026 – We congratulate Bishop-emeritus Francisco Fortunato de Gouveia on the anniversary of his episcopal ordination, 16 years ago on 17 July 2010.

Ons wens biskop-emeritus Francisco Fortunato de Gouveia geluk met die herdenking van sy biskopswyding, 16 jaar gelede op 17 Julie 2010.

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43th Episcopal Ordination anniversary

Oudtshoorn, 16 July2026 – With gratitude and deep respect for his ministry and leadership, we congratulate Bishop-emeritus Edward R. Adams on the anniversary of his episcopal ordination, 43 years ago on 16 July 1983.

Met dankbaarheid en diep respek vir sy bediening en leierskap, wens ons biskop-emeritus Edward R. Adams geluk met die herdenking van sy biskopswyding, 43 jaar gelede op 16 Julie 1983.

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Capuchin Poor Clare Sisters, of the Bethany Adoration Convent, Swellendam
Capuchin Poor Clare Sisters conclude their canonical chapter

Oudtshoorn, 10 Jule 2026 – We congratulate our Capuchin Poor Clare Sisters, of the Bethany Adoration Convent, Swellendam, on the canonical election today, 10 July of Sr Benedicta Dlamini O.S.C Cap (Abbess), Sr Irma Guzman O.S.C Cap (Vicaress | 1st Councillor) and Sr Miriam Velosguez O.S.C Cap (2nd Councillor).

Ons gelukwense gaan aan ons Kapusynse Arme Klarisse Susters van die Bethanië Aanbiddingsklooster, Swellendam, met die kanonieke verkiesing vandag, 10 Julie, van Sr Benedicta Dlamini O.S.C Cap (Abdis), Sr Irma Guzman O.S.C Cap (Vikaris | 1ste Raadslid), en Sr Miriam Velosguez O.S.C Cap (2de Raadslid).

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