On the 6th of January, at the Aliwal Cathedral Bp. M. Wuestenberg presided over the Eucharist at which Sr. Jane Odey MSSH took her final vows and two other Sisters had their first profession.

On the 7th of February, at the Cathedral in Aliwal North a farewell for the former Bishop Fritz Lobinger was organized. The Eucharist began at 10:00 am.

On the 9th of February, the new postulants began their pre-noviciate program under supervision of Fr. Mabekha SCJ, the pre-novice master.

On the 4th of March, Fr. Martin van Ooij, the superior of the Indian District, came to South Africa with a short visit to see also the two members of the Indian District: Dn. Michael Benedict who has his pastoral experience in De Aar and Br. Jeyaraju Chapalamadugu who studies theology at Cedara. In addition Fr. Martin van Ooij SCJ with Fr. Peter Surdel SCJ will discuss a further possible cooperation between the Indian District and the AM Province.  Fr. Martin will leave South Africa on the 14th of March.

From the 9th of March, Fr. Anthony Austin SCJ began to live in the Aliwal North Monastery. After many years of parish work in Dordrecht, we wish him a peaceful retirement.

On the 23rd of March, the Finance Commission gathered in Aliwal North. Previous and present budgets were evaluated and discussed. All new budgets are still awaiting for approval by the Provincial Administration.

On the 24-25th of March, also in Aliwal North, the first Provincial Assembly in 2009 took place. Almost all members attended the gathering, accept some who couldn't come due to their work.

2. Pietermaritzburg International Students House (Dehon House):

On the 31st of January, the formators and scholastics from the PMB community went to Port Shepstone (Capuchin Convent) for a few days planning their activities for the new semester. They came back fresh and ready for their studies.

On the 5th of February, the PMB community held a farewell for Fr. Innocent Mabekha SCJ who spent there 2 years as formator. Fr. Mabekha's new assignment will be taking care of our pre-novices. He will also join the Aliwal community. Candidates are on the way to Aliwal North looking forward to start the program.

Our fifteen SCJ scholastics began a new academic year at St. Joseph's Theological Institute: 2 from South Africa, 1 from India, 5 from Cameroon, 3 from Democratic Republic of Congo and 4 from Mozambique. Special welcome we give to our Brs. Mariano Mendes (MZ), Apolonio Sindique (MZ) and Clement Mahindo (CO) who joined the PMB community.

On the 18th of February, Fr. Joseph Mukuna SCJ and Br. Justin Motsoso SCJ had a car accident while driving to Cedara. Although the car was completely damaged the two had only minor injuries. We wish them speedy recovery.

On the 14th of March, our Congregation commemorates our Founder Loe John Dehon, and prays for vocations. The PMB community emphasized this at the Eucharist presided by Fr. Martin by installing Br. Jean Pierre to the ministry as lector.

On the 22nd of March, Fr. Elio Greselin SCJ was consecrated as a bishop of the Lichinga Diocese in Mozambique. Fr. Zbigniew Bojar SCJ and Br. Ntsikelelo Bambatha SCJ represented the South African Province at that event. They went to Mozambique together with Fr. Alesandro Capoferri SCJ (MZ).

3. De Aar Community:

On the 10th of January 2009, Sr. Mary Kewuti, a pastoral worker of the Diocese and a Dominican nun, celebrated her 40th anniversary of religious life. She thanked God for the gift of vocation at the Eucharist celebrated by Bp. Joseph Potocnak SCJ. Congratulations Sister Mary!

Br. Montford, a candidate for priesthood of the Diocese of De Aar, completed his studies at the St. John’s Vianney Seminary in Pretoria at the end of 2008. He is originally from Malawi where he went to visit his family and friends before Christmas. On his coming back at the end of January Br. Montford began his direct preparation for ordination to priesthood by becoming involved in pastoral work. Let us keep him in our prayers!

On the 23rd of January, Fr. Charles Brown SCJ joined the Hilton community and will teach at Cedara this semester.

On the 4th of February, Fr. Charles Brawn SCJ celebrated his 25th anniversary of priesthood. The Hilton community joined him in the celebration. We wish him God's many blessings and graces!

On the 7th of February, Frs. Innocent Mabekha SCJ and Adam Maslowski SCJ visited the St. Thomas High School in Lesotho where they met the students. Many of the one hundred and twenty four (124) participants took an active part in the meeting. The students asked valuable questions concerning vocation to priesthood and religious life.

On the 20th of February, Fr. Adam Maslowski SCJ hosted the KZN Vocation Promotion Team in the Dehon House, Pietermarizburg.

On the 7th of March, Fr. Martin van Ooij SCJ paid a visit to the Hilton community. Frs. Martin, Zolile SCJ and Sandro SCJ stayed for a dinner.

On the 18th of March, the vigil of St. Joseph husband of Mary feast, the Hilton community joined Fr. Charles Brown SCJ in celebrating his birthday. Happy birthday to You!