Novice – 22nd January 2011
Saturday 22nd January 2011 was quite a significant date in the history of the South African Province: Marvis Mazhunga was received into the Novitiate in the re-established Formation House. Marvis who is from Zimbabwe and a teacher by profession first met the Sisters of Mercy in Winterveldt: she then taught for some time in Mmakau Adult Education Centre.
Marvis and her sister, Sr. Andrea O.P.
Sister Andrea OP, an older sister of Marvis, represented the family at the reception and presented her with the family Bible, a gift from her parents, with admonitions to read and reflect on its contents.
Marvis receives the cross from Sr. Therese Tangey, the Provincial Leader, and Sr. Mirriam Senatsi, the Formator
We were also happy to welcome Sister Juliana Yarkan from Nigeria, Sister Helen Crehan from the Western Province and Scottish born Maria Douglas, all of whom joined the resident South African, American and Irish Sisters in the celebrations, proof of our internationality and interdependence.
The ceremony ends with the singing of a Shona thanksgiving hymn
The reception Ceremony was simple but moving in that it reminded all of us present of the promises we made many years ago and helped us to renew our commitment to the Mercy way of life. ‘Through our apostolic consecration we participate in the holiness of the Church, and give our lives completely to the saving mission of Christ.’ (Constitution, article 4).
First Profession – 8th December 2012
This year the Feast of the Immaculate Conception was a day of great joy and celebration in the South African Province as Sr. Marvis Mazhunga made her First Profession in the St. Teresa’s Convent Chapel in Rosebank, Johannesburg.
Mrs Mazhunga, Marvis and Mr Mazhunga
Marvis’s parents, sister, brother, nieces and friends journeyed from Zimbabwe to be with Marvis and the Mercy Sisters on this great occasion. Not even the seven hour delay at the border between Zimbabwe and South Africa dampened the spirits of the travellers.
The Holy Cross Novices, many of whom are from Zimbabwe, were invited to join the choir for the Mass and their beautiful voices and the sound of the traditional drumming nearly lifted the chapel roof. Spontaneous dancing and clapping punctuated the really joyous celebration.
Marvis reading her vows
After the reading of the Gospel, Mr and Mrs Mazhunga accompanied Marvis to the altar where Sr. Thérèse Tangney welcomed her and asked her what she wanted of the Sisters of Mercy. This part of the ceremony was followed by an inspiring homily given by the main celebrant who had also made his way from Zimbabwe.
Sr. Colmcille Roche and Sr. Therese Tangney witness Marvis signing her vows
After the Mass, everyone gathered in the school hall, where the dancing and singing continued until late in the afternoon.
Cutting the cake – Mrs Mazhunga, Marvis and Sr. Therese
Final Profession – 9th December 2017
Srs. Marvis (left) and Juliana (right) before the ceremony
“We express our gratitude to all of you especially Marvis for responding to the challenge to be Mercy, to be the compassionate presence of God in the reality of daily life here in South Africa”. These are the words of Sr. Margaret Casey in her address at the Final Profession of Marvis Mazhunga on Saturday 9th December 2017.
Sr. Margaret Casey giving her address to the congregation
Sr. Margaret Casey and Sr. Marie Louise White, some of the members the Mazhunga family, including Marvis’ mother, had all arrived in Pretoria a few days before. So there was time for catching up on family news as well as for practising for the ceremony.
The main celebrant at the Mass was Archbishop Emeritus George Daniel who was assisted by priests from Pretoria, Nigeria and Zimbabwe. The choir of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Pretoria North sang hymns in various languages and was accompanied by a young drummer.
Exchanging the rings
After the profession of their vows, the ring were was given to Marvis by Sr. Margaret. Marvis’ motto is: Jesus, I trust in You.
Profession of vows
In Sr. Margaret’s address at the end of the celebration, she not only congratulated Marvis, but also encouraged her in the commitment she had made in these words: “I remind all of us that we are called to be faithful not successful. Glory be to God whose power working in us can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine (Eph 3:14-21). As Mercy women we learn from the shadows of the past and make our journey together through greater communion, meaningful conversation, deeper prayer and reflection. Above all trust in God our loving vinedresser; Catherine, we know, relied with unhesitating confidence on the Providence of God.”
Sr. Margaret also spoke about the importance of the vows that Marvis had just professed. “Alexandra Kovats … offers the revisioned vows as follows – the vow of poverty as the vow of cosmic reverence; the vow of chastity as the vow of hospitality and reverence; the vow of obedience as the vow of creativity.”
Cutting the Profession cake
It was a wonderful occasion for the newly professed Sister, her family, the Sisters of Mercy and the Church.
