- svd-prms
- / BOT
- / General Visitation / Lay Partners
Catalyst Communities and the Growing Groups of Lay Associates in Botswana
Xavier Thirukudumbam, SVD (Vice Superior General)
In visiting the province, I witnessed the steady commitment of our confreres as they proclaim the Divine Word and accompany local Church communities in the dioceses of Francistown and Gaborone in Botswana, as well as Johannesburg, Polokwane, and Tzaneen in South Africa, often in demanding pastoral contexts.
Our younger confreres serve in remote and often challenging settings, where Catholic communities are small and widely dispersed. Despite these conditions, their contribution to diocesan life is significant. Building on the foundations laid by earlier missionaries, they have helped form catalyst communities, developed parish structures, supported devotional associations, and promoted initiatives for development and social transformation.
One of the notable developments in the BOT mission is the presence of lay associate groups. Although these groups are few and geographically spread out, their growth has been steady. They provide consistent support to our missionaries. Several lay associate groups, representing their parishes, traveled to Francistown to participate in the celebration of the 150th anniversary of our Society in September 2025. Their presence and involvement were a clear sign of commitment.
Our confreres recognize that promoting lay associate groups is an essential priority. As a result, the animation of lay associates at the parish level and the facilitation of collaboration across both countries have become integral elements of their pastoral and missionary approach.
