Pastors Corner
Our Parish Priest
Fr Bruce Botha, S.J.
Fr Bruce Botha SJ was born in Durban, KZN. He received a diploma in education from the University of Natal and then taught physical science for 4 years at Scottburgh High School. He joined the Society of Jesus and did his noviciate in Cape Town. He then studied philosophy in London and theology in Berkeley, California. Between philosophy and theology, in the period of formation known as regency, he worked as the director of counselling for an HIV research centre. After ordination in 2006 he worked in Holy Trinity, Braamfontein until 2010, when he was appointed parish priest of St Martin de Porres, Orlando West. In 2021 he returned to Holy Trinity as Parish Priest and continues to serve as the Episcopal Vicar for Evangelisation for the Archdiocese of Johannesburg. In July 2024, Fr Bruce became Parish Priest of St Martin De Porres, Craighall Park.
14th Sunday of Ordinary Time
As I mentioned at the end of mass week, I had a brush with death at a traffic light. Thanks to the grace of God I was fine, even though the parish car is not. Any near death experience is
The Sacred Heart of Jesus
On Friday we celebrated the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This devotion was entrusted to the Society of Jesus to promote, and it does so primarily through the Apostleship of Prayer, which is now called the Pope’s Worldwide
Pastor’s Corner
I remember many years ago taking part in a eucharistic procession in Braamfontein at 8.30am on the coldestSunday of the year. The streets were absolutely deserted, and I found myself wondering exactly who we werewitnessing to. It seemed particularly pointless
Ordinary Time is Mission Time
On Monday we resumed the season of Ordinary Time, as the Easter season concluded with the Easter dismissal on Pentecost Sunday. We have come through the seasons of Lent, Holy Week and Easter, and along the way we have learnt
Solemnity of Pentecost
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to believers to empower them for service within the body of Christ. These diverse gits each contribute uniquely to the growth of the church. According to tradition the gifts are wisdom, understanding,
A Month of Solemnities
We begin with the Ascension of the Lord this Sunday, 1 June. The life of Jesus here on earth comes to an end as he ascends to the Father. This does not mean that he is distant or separated from
