MANTHE (Taung Deanery) — The Sacred Heart of Jesus and St Gertrude sodalities of the Catholic Diocese of Kimberley gathered in Manthe Village from 5–7 December 2025 for their annual diocesan conference, hosted at Manthe Community Hall.

Pilgrims from parishes across the diocese processed through the village on Saturday before a weekend of prayer, teaching and song. The conference theme—“Goreng Kereke e e Katolike e na le Kopano ya Pelo e e Boitshepo, Segolo ya ga Jesu. Re tswa kae? Re ya kae? A Mme re Siame?”(loosely translated, “What does it mean that the Catholic Church is a communion in the Sacred Heart of Jesus? Where do we come from? Where are we going? And are we well?”)—called members to unity of heart, holiness and mission.

Diocesan leaders and clergy were in attendance, including Bishop Duncan and priests who minister to sodality members across the region. In messages shared ahead of the event, the St Gertrude Sodality extended blessings for a peaceful, safe pilgrimage, while a widely circulated Prayer for Safe Journey accompanied travellers arriving in Taung.

Regional organiser Ockert and local clergy thanked the many volunteers and parish delegations who made the gathering possible, noting the strong turnout of Sacred Heart members “from all corners of the Kimberley Diocese.” The weekend programme featured liturgies, devotions, formation talks and fellowship, closing on Sunday with a thanksgiving service.

Members expressed gratitude for a spiritually rich and well-run conference, and for the hospitality shown by the Taung Deanery and the Manthe community.

-The VIP Team 

-The Sacred Heart of Jesus and St Gertrude