Celebrating a Silver Jubilee
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April 4, 2022As a young teenager, Mavis Khumalo saw a vocation poster on the door of her Parish Church, Mary Help of Christians in rural Africa, and was inspired to give her life to the Lord.
Although the apartheid era in South Africa at that time did not allow people of color to join an all-white religious community, Mavis still had hope in her heart. Eventually, she was able to join a Dominican Order, the Montebello Dominicans.
It was here that she found a way to give her heart exclusively to the Lord. She made her Solemn Profession and was with the community for 30 years, serving in many areas: infirmarian, cook, gardener, and in charge of their big farm raising chickens, vegetables and fruits. The General gave her the name Skho, which means “Strength.”
When stationed as local superior at Bergville, KwaZulu Natal, one of the missions in the Archdiocese of Durban, she received spiritual direction from Provincial Superior Fr. Michael Fish, C.Ss.R., who encouraged her to pursue the contemplative calling that had been coming to her through the years. She met with Sisters Alice, Eleanor and Ann Marie, who had begun the Redemptoristine Foundation in Bergville.
Time passed before she received permission to transfer to the Redemptoristines. She said the trip to Liguori to begin her formation as a Redemptoristine was so long she felt as if she was traveling the whole world. She chose the name Alphonsina Mary, and was joined by several other novices, including Sr. Maria Celeste from Thailand. The late Sr. Nanette served as their novice mistress.
When she returned to South Africa, she became the official Zulu interpreter for the community when people came to pray or ask for prayers. She loved being in the garden. She felt her many hours of prayer each day were blessed by the soil beneath her feet. Her produce of vegetables and fruits attested to that.
It was with regret the Foundation in South Africa was closed when it became apparent that solid vocations were not forthcoming, and the health of the Sisters was not good. At that point, Sr. Alphonsina Mary chose to remain with her community and return to Liguori, which she considers her second home.
She brought back her spirit of prayer, compassion, understanding, and that happy twinkle in her eyes which radiates the peace of her soul.
Her solemn profession as a Redemptoristine took place 25 years ago, but she celebrated her 50th anniversary as a religious some years ago in Liguori with the late Fr. Richard Thibodeau, her very close friend who served as the Mass celebrant and homilist.The community was not able to celebrate with her jubilee last year during the global pandemic.
Sr. Mary Alphonsina is now in residence at St. Andrews at Francis Place in Eureka, MO, where her affable personality delights residents and caregivers alike. She continues her apostolate of prayer and joy.
Sr. Mary Alphonsina calls Sr. Mary Helena “Thogo,” which means “Little Joy” in Zulu, and she asked her to call her ”Jhabu,” which means “Big Joy.” She is greatly missed at the monastery in Liguori, and her community makes an effort to visit her as much as possible.
(Courtesy of DenverLink.)
