On October 29, 2026, Cardinal Stephen Brislin, Archbishop of Johannesburg, blessed the Good Shepherd Chapel at the Salesian Provincial House in Booysens, South Africa. The ceremony took place on the Feast of Blessed Michael Rua, the first successor of Don Bosco, who sent the first missionaries to Southern Africa in 1896. The blessing was part of the evening prayer, attended by 10 Salesians of Don Bosco from three Gauteng communities, provincial house staff, and representatives of the Salesian Family.
The chapel's blessing was a significant event for the Salesian community in South Africa, which comprises seven communities and 40 Salesians. The province, which covers Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa, has a rich history dating back to 1896. The new chapel is a beautiful addition to the provincial house, featuring a stunning painting of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, created by local artist Nicholas Shabangu. The painting depicts Jesus with a Eucharist tabernacle at his heart and the Word of God in his hands, surrounded by Mary, Help of Christians, and Saint Joseph.
During the blessing ceremony, Cardinal Brislin emphasized the importance of prayer and the role of the chapel as a sanctuary. He encouraged those present to cultivate a consistent prayer life, which he believes becomes easier in a beautiful space like the new chapel. The Cardinal shared his personal experience as a young priest, who neglected prayer, and was reminded of its importance by a confessor during a spiritual retreat.
The Good Shepherd Chapel is a significant addition to the Salesian Provincial House, which serves as the center of Salesian presence in Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa. The chapel's blessing coincides with the 130th anniversary of Don Bosco's presence in the region, which will be concluded with a visit from Fr Fabio Attard, SDB, Rector Major of the Salesians, from December 1-4 in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
The Salesian community in South Africa is growing, with a slowly growing animation team at the provincial house. The new chapel provides a beautiful space for prayer and community gatherings. Cardinal Brislin's blessing is seen as a wonderful gift to the community, which is eagerly awaiting the visit of the Rector Major.
The chapel's design and artwork are a testament to the community's commitment to creating a beautiful space for worship. The painting of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, created by Nicholas Shabangu, is a reproduction of a large chapel painting at the Salesian General House in Rome, which was blessed three years ago.
The blessing of the Good Shepherd Chapel marks a significant milestone for the Salesian community in South Africa. As the community prepares to celebrate the 130th anniversary of Don Bosco's presence, the new chapel serves as a symbol of their commitment to prayer and community.
Key points
- Cardinal Stephen Brislin blesses Good Shepherd Chapel at Salesian Provincial House in Booysens, South Africa.
- The chapel's blessing coincides with the 130th anniversary of Don Bosco's presence in the region.
- The Salesian community in South Africa comprises seven communities and 40 Salesians.
