On Saturday 3 September 2022, at St Hubert Catholic Church in Alexandra, His Grace Archbishop Buti Tlhagale OMI confirmed 25 beneficiaries from the Light of Hope Home in Johannesburg. The archbishop was assisted by Father Jeffery Madondo OMI and Father Patrick Dladla OMI, whom, together with the Light of Hope counsellors and catechism teachers, have assisted the candidates throughout the year in their spiritual growth. The candidates were delighted to be officially accepted into the Catholic Church, and some had previously estranged family members present in support of their decision.

As part of the Light of Hope Homes’ rehabilitation programme, our beneficiaries are taught the Word of God and encouraged to live the way Jesus Christ taught us. This includes receiving all the Holy Sacraments that Jesus Christ instituted through his first Apostles, all of which play an important part in their healing process. Beneficiaries receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confession, First Holy Communion and later, after maturing in their faith, the Sacrament of Confirmation. To receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, candidates confirm their faith, followed by the laying of hands and anointing with chrism oil by their diocesan bishop. This powerful Sacrament brings more beautiful gifts of the Holy Spirit upon the candidates to strengthen their spiritual armour. A saint is also invited to be their heavenly intercessor and helper throughout life, who will also welcome them into heaven one day.

By including all the healing Sacraments in our Light of Hope rehabilitation programme, the success rate for recovering addicts exceeds other rehabilitation programmes.