Members of the leadership of St Anne’s Sodality from across Southern Africa gathered in Johannesburg Archdiocese for a three-day inter-diocesan council meeting focused on formation, leadership, and service within the Church. The gathering brought together newly elected diocesan executives representing the sodality across the region’s dioceses.

In an interview with the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Communication Office, Mrs Lindiwe Zondi, National President of St Anne’s Sodality, reflected on the significance of the meeting and the mission of the sodality in strengthening family life, promoting Christian values, and supporting the pastoral life of the Church.

Formation and Commissioning of New Leadership

Mrs Zondi explained that the primary objective of the gathering was to provide orientation and commissioning for newly elected diocesan executives following elections held across the dioceses. She noted that the council represented the first national meeting after these elections and provided an opportunity to strengthen unity and clarify responsibilities among leaders.

“We were here to induct and commission them to return to their dioceses and carry out their responsibilities faithfully,” she said. “We encouraged them to serve the purpose of God and not personal agendas.”

She emphasized that leadership within the sodality requires humility, accountability, and a spirit of service. Leaders, she explained, are called to listen attentively to members, participate actively in parish and diocesan life, and demonstrate consistency in their Christian witness both within the Church and in the wider community.

According to Mrs Zondi, the meeting also provided an opportunity for reflection on the identity and mission of St Anne’s Sodality as a lay movement that contributes to the life of the Church through prayer, formation, and service.

Promoting Family Life and Marriage

During the interview, Mrs Zondi highlighted the central role of St Anne’s Sodality in supporting family life and promoting Christian marriage. She explained that the sodality places particular emphasis on guiding women and families to live according to the teachings of the Church.

She noted that members of the sodality work closely with young women, offering guidance and accompaniment as they prepare for marriage and family life. This includes encouraging couples to celebrate marriage within the Church and to understand the responsibilities associated with family life.

“Our mission is to serve families, the Church, and communities,” she said. “We accompany young women and help them understand the values that are important for building stable and faithful families.”

Collaboration within the Life of the Church

The national council meeting also highlighted the collaborative relationship between sodalities and other pastoral structures within the Church. As lay associations, sodalities form part of the broader mission of evangelization and community building within parishes and dioceses.

Mrs Zondi noted that the participation of chaplains in the meeting reflected the close connection between lay formation and priestly ministry. She also expressed appreciation for the guidance provided by bishops and chaplains who accompany the sodality in its mission. The presence of Church leadership at the gathering, she said, affirmed the importance of lay movements in strengthening the faith life of families and communities.

The meeting coincided with a formation session organized by the SACBC Department for Formation, Life, and Apostolate of the Laity. It included participation from members of various sodalities, seminaries, and chaplains serving lay associations. The closing Mass was celebrated on Good Shepherd Sunday and was presided over by Bishop Vincent Mduduzi Zungu OFM, together with priests serving as chaplains to the sodalities.