Sister Thomas Maduna made her Final Profession in her home parish of Creighton in the Diocese of Mariannhill, South Africa, on November 30th. In presence of her relatives, fellow sisters and parishioners she swore to dedicate her life to God and the community of the servants of the holy childhood of Jesus.
Before her big day, 32-year-old Sr. Thomas made a thorough preparation and attended an eight day retreat at the Bluff. When the day had arrived, her fellow Sisters travelled to her home parish, St. Martin in the Fields, to witness the profession. The Mass was presided by the Bishop of Mariannhill, Pius Mlungisi Dlungwane, and concelebrated by seven priests. Among them were Fr. Senzo Ngidi, the parish priest of Sr. Thomas, Fr. Vincent Bwete from Ntabankulu and Fr. Victor Chavunga OSB from St. Benedict in Eshowe. The celebration was also well attended by sisters from other congregations, Sr. Thomas’ family, friends and parishioners from her home parish and Ntabankulu. Altogether around 250 guests came to celebrate one of the most important days in Sr. Thomas’ life. The Ixopo Deanery Choir sung beautifully and made the day very special.
The rite of profession took place when Sister Thomas was brought forward by her parents. As her sign of her commitment she laid prostrate as the Litany of all the saints was being sung. She then got up and knelt in front of The Superior General, Sr. Katharina Ganz, from Germany. The Superior received her vows on behalf of the Congregation of the Servants of the Holy Childhood of Jesus. Sr. Thomas vowed Poverty, Chasity and Obedience for her whole life. “In order to live Religious Life you need to be obedient”, said Father Bishop – and the other two vows would fall in place. Sr. Thomas then signed her vows together with Sr. Katharina. As sign of her profession she received a ring and a wreath as symbols of her faithful devotion to Christ.
At the festivities after the service, the guests were entertained by young girls who were Zulu dancing and singing. Also, everyone was invited for a delicious meal well prepared by the parish.
Regardless of the heat on the day of the final profession the celebration was a big success. “I am very grateful to God because if it was not according to his Will I would not have made my final profession. I was also very happy to see my parents witness this special day for me”, said Sr. Thomas.
Sister Thomas Maduna was born on 5 February 1987 in Creighton (Ixopo) and grew up in the South African Diocese of Mariannhill. She attended primary school in Ncakubane and high school in Ncomani. From 2015 to 2018 she attended St Victor’s School in Twsana, where she graduated from high school.
She joined the Holy Childhood Sisters community in South Africa in March 2011 and made her First Profession in January 2014. In July 2013, Sister Thomas moved to the Convent in Mbongolwane for an internship where she worked at the St. Joseph Children’s Home. Working with the children gave her the desire to work in child and youth welfare.
Text: Sr. Maria Machi
Photos: Sr. Katharina Ganz
