16 Oct 2017

The Catholic Vicariate of Francistown on Saturday embarked on its first pilgrimage to the site where its first mission in Botswana was established in 1879.

Hundreds of worshipers thronged the site to embark on a spiritual journey and have an encounter with God.

The site located near Patayamatebele or Old Tati is in the North East District on the banks of the Tati River.

The mission which was named the Good Hope Mission and later the Immaculate Heart of Mary was established in a thriving trading centre, Old Tati, where gold mining and pottery making were dominant economic activities.

Father Depelchin SI was the first Jesuit missionary to take residence of the mission. During its formative years, there were plans to establish an orphanage, build a chapel and a school.

However, the missionaries encountered a lot of challenges such as tropical diseases, lack of funds, lack of transport and manpower.

The mission lasted from 1879 till 1885, a period of six years. By 1883, the Catholic population was 18 people comprising 13 native children, two white children and three native adults.

 The site was also the burial place for two Jesuit missionaries who died at the mission.

Addressing pilgrims during mass, Right Revered Bishop Frank Nubuasah informed them that the objective of the pilgrimage was to touch base with the first Catholic mission and to demonstrate that the sacrifices the Jesuits made were not in vain.

“The reason why we are here is because of our faith. We desire to follow in their footsteps to become missionaries and to preach the word of God,” he said.

For his part, Father Gabriel Gaie explained that a pilgrimage was important in the life of a Christian as it allowed for spiritual renewal and the strengthening of one’s faith.

In addition, he highlighted that it was the first pilgrimage to the site, noting that all Christians were pilgrims on earth as they were on a journey to heaven.

“We also embark on a pilgrimage to seek forgiveness of sins and spiritual and physical healing, spiritual liberation from the principalities of darkness and slavery of sin,” he added.

Father Gaie said the personal encounter with God allowed for repentance from wicked ways and symbolised the unity of the Catholic Church.

Furthermore, he explained that they wanted to make this an annual event. ENDS