FIRST ORATORIANS ARRIVE

The first Oratorians arrive!

Just after 9.30pm on Sunday 4 January 2015, a small white car with a priest, a novice, 4 dogs and a trailer arrived at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. This signaled the beginning of the project aimed at establishing the third Oratorian foundation in South Africa.

In 2014, the Archbishop of Bloemfontein, the Most Rev. Jabulani Nxumalo OMI, asked the Port Elizabeth Oratory to seriously consider the possibility of establishing another community, and basing this community at his Cathedral in the heart of the city of Bloemfontein. After much prayer and preparation, the invitation was accepted and the project is under way.

Isabella and Snoopy on the trip

Fr Phillip Vietri and Br Alan Commaille arrived on Sunday the 4th of January, and were joined by Fr Cyriacus Okoro on Friday the 9th. The community began their pastoral duties on the weekend of 9/10/11 January.

During the course of the week, Frs Johnny Johnson and Xolisa Mafu will arrive. With four priests, a brother, and seven dogs, all members of the initial community will be in Bloemfontein.