Br. Lindani in South Africa - “A Call to Serve”

A call to serve! 

The Society of the Catholic Apostolate participated in the vocation promotion programme organized by the Diocese of Oudtshoorn. The programme was led by the newly ordained Rev. Refiloe and Brother Lethan, and was held across three different deaneries within the Diocese to ensure broad participation and inclusivity. 

Brother Lindani Maxwell Mzelemu, a novice with the Pallottines, had the privilege of representing his community in the vocation promotion programme. The event took place at three locations: St Mary Queen of Apostles in Rosemoor, George; St Maria Goretti in Parkersdam, Worcester; and Don Bosco Youth Camp in Dysselsdorp. 

Various religious communities were present and given a platform to share the unique charisms and spiritualities of their respective congregations. Brother Lindani offered a vivid and insightful presentation on St Vincent Pallotti, the founder of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate. He spoke passionately about his own vocation journey and his experiences since joining the Pallottines. 

He emphasized that vocations are deeply personal and diverse. In his case, he did not receive dreams or visions of the Lord calling him. Instead, he was inspired by his late parish priest and drawn to the beauty of religious life. He believes that this inspiration was the Lord’s way of calling him. 

St Vincent Pallotti taught that true love—the love of Christ—should permeate every aspect of life and be extended to all people. He urged Christians to treat, view, think about, and speak of others with love. His guiding motto, “The love of Christ impels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14), reflects his conviction that love is the driving force behind all actions and apostolic work. ‘It was through this love that I felt God calling me to religious life’ he said. 

Brother Lindani expressed this beautifully, stating that priests and religious are first called to love before they are called to ministry. One cannot bypass the “vocation of love.” God calls us to love first, and without that love, we will not truly serve—we will instead seek to be served. 

He further explained that priests can demonstrate love by being present and available to people whenever they are needed. He referenced the phrase, “A shepherd should smell like the sheep,” attributed to Pope Francis, as a powerful metaphor for pastoral leadership. This phrase highlights the importance of closeness, familiarity, and genuine care for those being led. A true shepherd is immersed in the lives of their flock, understanding their needs and walking alongside them. 

Brother Lindani concluded by affirming that the Society of the Catholic Apostolate is for everyone, and that we are all called to love and to serve. 

Written by Br Lindani Maxwell Mzelemu SAC