On February 2, the South African Province installed its new provincial administration. Taking part in the ceremony was a familiar face from the United States: Fr. John Strittmatter, SCJ. Originally from Pennsylvania, Fr. John has spent most of his years of religious life in South Africa. “I don’t even think that I have a US passport anymore,” said the SCJ priest when he retired in 2012. For him, South Africa is home. He currently lives in the community house in De Aar, where he continues to celebrate Mass for a local religious sisters’ community. Fr. John is pictured in the upper right of the group in the photo above.
The US and South African provinces share much history; in fact, each celebrates its centennial of Dehonian ministry this year.
Congratulations to the new South African provincial administration: Fr. Piotr Surdel (provincial superior), Fr. Joshua Moorosi Mpiti (first councilor), Fr. Adam Maslowski (second councilor), Fr. Zachaeus Tembo (third councilor) and Fr. Kazimierz Gabryel (fourth councilor).
