LCCL-SA Leadership Expresses Gratitude for 2026 Vocation Year

The Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life – Southern Africa (LCCL-SA) recently held its annual meeting at the Padre Pio Retreat Centre in Pretoria from November 12-14, 2026. The meeting was attended by the executive team, comprising five consecrated women and five consecrated men, who represent 2,200 religious across more than 80 congregations in South Africa, Eswatini, and Botswana.

The meeting was assisted by Bishop Vusimuzi Mazibuko, OMI, the SACBC Liaison Bishop for Consecrated Life, who expressed his appreciation for the team's dedication, energy, and teamwork. He encouraged the team to continue building connections across the region and with the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference. The team evaluated key events of 2026 and set the direction for the upcoming year, 2027.

One of the key initiatives launched in 2026 was the Vocation Guide project, which aims to renew the vocation culture among Catholic communities. The project has resulted in the distribution of 4,000 printed copies of the Vocation Guide, with some still available. Additionally, monthly online training for vocation directors began in September, and renewed attention to youth and their vocations has led to a concrete revival of vocations across different regions.

The executive team also discussed and made progress on various other initiatives, including the Laudato Si' movement, the Talitha Kum movement, and the Catholic Health Care Association (CATHCA). The team is committed to growing awareness of these movements and increasing membership in CATHCA through an ongoing census.

The LCCL-SA leadership team is also preparing for the Second LCCL Youth Synod, to be held at Inkamana Abbey from January 7-10, 2027. The team is working to promote a culture of Safeguarding within religious life and ministry and to increase involvement in the Regional Conference (RCSSMA) and the Continental Confederation (COMSAM/COSMAM).

Following the 2026 "Vocation Year," a "Formation Year" will be launched in 2027 to sustain the daily response to God's call. The team is planning to expand formation opportunities over the next three years, made possible through support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and a joint commitment from both women and men religious.

The LCCL-SA leadership team expressed their gratitude and reflections on the meeting, citing joyful witness, dedication, and growing together. Special thanksgiving was offered to the outgoing President, Sr. Zelna Oosthuizen, RGS, who was recently appointed Africa Region Superior, and to the Secretary General, Sr. Thao Phi, FMM, who has been in her role for six years.

Key points

• The LCCL-SA leadership team is committed to promoting a culture of Safeguarding within religious life and ministry.
• The team is working to increase involvement in the Regional Conference (RCSSMA) and the Continental Confederation (COMSAM/COSMAM).
• The LCCL-SA leadership team is planning to expand formation opportunities over the next three years.