Looking to the future at Our Lady of Victory, Tsakane

Great plans are in place for the community of Our Lady of Victory in Tsakane, South Africa.

Under the leadership of parish priest Fr Martin Morrissey MSC, the purchase of a new building for the community is in its final stages. This will then be developed into a church for the community, which currently numbers 60 and is growing steadily.

At the moment, parishioners gather together to pray in a small family garage. Space and facilities are very limited, but this doesn’t dampen their spirits! Irish Provincial Superior Fr Carl Tranter MSC was given a warm local welcome on his recent visit, and Fr Martin shared his enthusiasm for the new developments in the ongoing project.

“The people have been coming to pray here in a family garage,” says Fr Martin. “This new church won’t be the perfect thing, but it will be something of their own, and that will make all the difference.”

The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are hard at work in Tsakane, a township near Johannesburg that was established in the 1960s. As is the case in many areas of South Africa, the population of Tsakane struggle with social and economic issues, with poverty being one of the main challenges faced in the region. “There’s a lot of poverty around,” says Fr Martin, “and we do our best to help wherever we can.” A feeding scheme at St Paul’s brings much-needed nourishment to local families, and our MSCs work alongside the Dominican Sisters in the area to bring practical aid and spiritual guidance to vulnerable families who have nowhere else to turn.

The new church will be a welcome boost to the community of Our Lady of Victory, and we look forward to following Fr Martin and his parishioners on their journey as they bring their plans to fruition.

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Read more from Tsakane:
New beginnings at St Francis Xavier, Tsakane 
Greetings from Tsakane, South Africa! 

New beginnings at St Francis Xavier, Tsakane

A project that began two years ago is now nearing its final stages of completion at the church of St Francis Xavier in Tsakane, South Africa. Parish priest Fr Martin Morrissey MSC is leading the project, which sees a new church put in place for the growing congregation.

A township located just outside Johannesburg, the name “Tsakane” actually translates as “happiness” or “joy”. As is the case in many parts of South Africa, however, Tsakane struggles with significant social and economic issues, and our MSCs are on hand to provide practical aid and spiritual guidance to the local communities.

The congregation of St Francis Xavier are delighted with the development of the new church, having previously gathered to pray in a school classroom. Getting the site was a huge achievement, with the titles handed over just over a year ago, and new church is growing, step by step. An altar and sanctuary area have been set up, and the windows have been put in, while a new ceiling still has to be put in place.

Fr Martin and the community are working hard to bring their plans to fruition, although the budget is tight. Fr Martin was able to source benches from another church around 80km away, acquiring 28 church benches for 50,000 South African Rand (approximately €3,500). The same benches would have cost 300,000 Rand, or around €18,500, if they had to be bought new.

The community of St Francis Xavier now numbers over 100 people, and is growing steadily. In October, parishioners enjoyed a day of great celebration when a total of 27 adults celebrated the sacraments of Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation.

On a recent visit to Tsakane, Irish Provincial Superior Fr Carl Tranter MSC visited with Fr Martin, and was welcomed with open arms by the parishioners of St Francis Xavier. Fr Martin and the community extended their sincere thanks to all of our mission friends in the Irish Province for their ongoing support, and we send our very best wishes to them as they approach the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the church of St Francis Xavier!

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Greetings from Tsakane, South Africa!

We were delighted to receive these wonderful pictures from Fr Alan Neville MSC, taken on his recent trip to the parish of St Paul the Apostle in Tsakane, Gauteng. Fr Alan paid a visit to Fr Martin Morrissey MSC, parish priest, and joined the lively and enthusiastic community of St Paul’s parish for Mass during his stay.

Tsakane is a township located outside Johannesburg, and, as is the case in many parts of South Africa, much of the population faces significant social and economic struggles. The community of St Paul’s parish, however, is a vibrant one, who find great joy and unity in their faith despite the daily challenges they face.

“Everyone is welcome at St Paul’s,” reads the church information. “Come just as you are – we’d love to get to know you better.” This warm, inclusive nature was demonstrated clearly as parishioners welcomed Fr Alan with open arms!

We’re sending our very best to the community of St Paul’s, and we wish Fr Martin continued success in his ministry there.