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.
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
The Genesis Compass and the journey of renewal
The “Divine Renovation” ministry uses a structured process called the “Genesis Compass” to guide parishes towards renewal and mission. This process, which is facilitated by a guide, outlines seven foundational themes. The goal is to help parishes move from a
THE ELECTION OF POPE LEO XIV: BRIDGE BUILDER?
Pope Leo XIV appears to be a bridge-builder. He started with the words: “Peace be with you” perhaps words of assurance both to those on either side of polarized views within the church and a signal of a commitment to
The speech of Pope Leo XIV from St Peter’s before he gave his blessing to the city and the world
Peace be with you all! Dearest brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter
Deepening rather than boring
As a beginner in prayer, I sometimes wondered what the purpose was in going back and praying the same passage or exercise I had done just a few hours earlier. This was one of the spiritual practices that St Ignatius
A reflection on Pope Francis
“God’s mercy is our liberation and our happiness. We live for mercy, and we cannot afford to be without mercy. It is the air that we breathe. We are too poor to set any conditions. We need to forgive, because
