Silver Jubilee of the Carmelite Presence in South Africa
On 28 October 2023, the Carmelite Friars celebrated 25 years of Carmelite presence in South Africa, recalling that the first two friars, Frs. Raymond Santhanaz and Vinod D’Mello arrived in Johannesburg on June 13, 1998. Initially, they resided in a facility provided by the Cloistered Sisters in their compound, but these days, the Carmelites have two communities, one in Benoni and the other in Cape Town, thus ministering to five parishes.

The Thanksgiving Mass was presided over by Rt. Rev Dr Buti Tlhagale Archbishop of Johannesburg, Superior General Rev Fr Miguel Marquez, Provincial Superior Fr Silvestre D Souza, Definitor Generals Frs. Pius James D’Souza and Philbert Namphande, and supported by many priests and nuns. This historic milestone event was jointly organized and celebrated by members of three local parishes: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Benoni, St Joseph’s Actonville and Our Lady of Loreto Kempton Park. Ethnic dancers enthusiastically entertained the audience during the joyful ceremonies.

The Superior of Benoni Community, Fr Arvin Tauro, welcomed all the guests and gifted each dignitary with a commemorative shawl. The pioneers of the mission in South Africa, Frs. Raymond and Mari Joe, were specially honoured during the celebration. Fr Boniface D’Souza compered the event and Frs. John D’Souza and Anthony Stephen organized the liturgy. Fr Rayan Pais thanked all who helped to organize the celebration.