St Mary Mothers’ celebrate a decade of compassion and commitment

The St Mary Anglican Mothers’ Union recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of its establishment with a special worship and praise service in the Randfontein CBD.

The service was led by parish priest Father Jabulani Miya, together with guest clergy Father Paul Molefe, Kamo Kotsi, Bradley Moloi, Father Dibetso and Sipho Masemola.

“Our celebration could not have come at a better time, as we also commemorated Mary Sumner, the founder of the Mothers’ Union Guild in the late 19th century. We also welcomed three new members through the robing ceremony and paid tribute to former members who were once part of our guild,” said organisers Dorothy Mabina and Ntsiki Magome.

“We felt truly blessed to have our leaders, Meisie Lerutle and Diocesan President Siphokazi Maqina, join us on this special day,” added Dorothy.

Ntsiki said one of the guild’s proudest achievements over the past decade has been its annual Festive Season Outreach Programme.

“What makes us especially proud over the past 10 years is our annual outreach programme, where we go the extra mile together with other Mothers’ Union Guilds across the West Rand. We visit the hospitals in Merafong, as well as Leratong and Dr Yusuf Dadoo hospitals in Krugersdorp, where we distribute dignity packs containing toiletries to patients,” she said.

In his sermon, Father Dibetso encouraged the new members and the entire Mothers’ Union Guild to follow the example of founder Mary Sumner, who dedicated her life to helping those in need.

“God uses ordinary people to help those who are in distress, just as He did through Mary Sumner, the founder of the Mothers’ Union Guild,” said Father Dibetso.

Echoing this message, Johannesburg Mothers’ Union president Siphokazi Maqina called on members to stand against social ills such as gender-based violence.

“Be vessels of compassion and mercy. Do not laugh at or look down on those who are in distress,” Siphokazi concluded.