Golden Jubilee of Passionists in Botswana 1952 - 2002

On 7th February 1952 four Passionist priests and four Cross and Sisters set foot in Bechuanaland and took over three small mission stations in the south-east of the country at the edge of the desert.

The picture above records that day. In front: l to r. - Fr. Collette O.M.I. secretary to the Archbishop, Fr. Theodore Matthews C.P. leader of the Passionists, Archbishop Meysing O.M.I. Archbishop of Kimberley and Fr. Norbert Morris C.P.

At Back are (l to r) Fr. Carthage Power C.P., Sr. Damien C.P., Sr. Clare C.P., Sr. Columba C.P., Sr. Rosina C.P., and Fr. Urban Murphy C.P.

Fifty years later Bechuanaland has become Botswana and the catholic Church has grown to a Diocese in the south and a Vicariate Apostolic in the north served by two bishops and priests and sisters from Botswana and many countries in the world. The Passionists still remain in small numbers.

Over the years over 70 different Passionist priests and brothers and over 60 Cross and Passion sisters worked in Botswana. On Friday 10th May 2002 some of these priests, brothers and sisters gathered in Tobar Mhuire, Crossgar to celebrate the fifty years.

The event began with a presentation of the history of the fifty years followed by Thanksgiving Mass and celebration dinner. the principal celebrant of the Mass was Fr. Michael Ogweno C.P. assisted by Fr. Velaphi Mazibuko C.P. (both African Passionists working in Botswana and Soputh Africa) and Fr. Martin Coffey C.P. (Provincial). The group were honoured with the presence of Sr. Clare C.P. the only member of the founding group still alive. She said her greatest joy was to see an African Passionist priest celebrate the Jubilee Mass.

On the following Sunday 14th May 2002 Cardinal Connel D.D., Archbishop of Dublin was the principal celebrant at a Jubilee Mass in St. Paul's Retreat, Mount Argus, Dublin.

At this mass were over 300 relatives of Passionist priests and brothers who had served in Botswana. they were invited to a reception in the Blessed Charles Centre after the Mass.