Sr. Winnie’s Profile
My name Sr. M. Winnie (Winifred) Puleng Naledi Mosolodi, I was born in Kroonstad on the 10 December a few years ago. I was baptized and received my First Holy Communion and Confirmation in a Catholic Church. I belong to the family of 5, two parents and 3 Girls and I am a second born.
Inspiration
Inspired by the life of Mother Teresa of Calcutta in my life I never wanted to see any person who seem to be poor, lonely or neglected. I wouldn’t mind to share my whole lunchbox with someone who is not eating at lunch break when I was at school. My mother told me about other sisters in the Diocese of Bloemfontein who might be doing the same work as Mother Teresa, instead of going to Calcutta because it is too far.
I attended a vocational workshop conducted by the Holy Cross Sisters at our School. That was the beginning of my search for Religious Life. Thought that maybe this would be the place, but I did not really feel that call. Then Fr. Mosoeu OMI took me to the Franciscan sisters of Siessen. From entering their Convent door I knew this was where God wanted me to be. The sisters struck me as if I was in another world, the design of their habits, everything about them spoke of a mystical realm for which I longed.
I joined the Franciscan Sisters of Siessen in the year 1995. I was made a Candidate after few visitations as a Come and See. But I was still at school at that time.
When I talked everything out with my parents they were very supportive even though my Father was reluctant in the beginning, that I won’t have children and he was looking forward to seeing his grandchildren from me. But he eventually allowed God’s will to be done. They both stood by me in any obstacle which was on my way. It is with eternal gratitude that I remember my wonderful faith filled parents who are no more and I thank God that they were there to witness when I make my first vows in 1999 and perpetual vows in 2004.
Studies
I started attending the school at Notre Dame St. Peter’s School, in Kroonstad. And then moved to Bloemfontein with my parents and siblings. There I went to different primary schools and then St. Bernards H S, I also went to Sekhutlong H S in QwaQwa because I was struggling to differentiate between Sesotho and Setswana. But I matriculated at St. Bernards H S in Bloemfontein.
I studied Education and graduated at UOFS (Diploma in education and Higher Diploma in Education) a few years later I studied Graphic and Multimedia at ATTI and graduated there. I also did the small courses like Spiritual Assistance with the Jesuits and Formation for Formators course at Cidara. Currently I am studying Theology Online at the University of Hekima (Kenya).
Religious Professions
I joined the Franciscan Sisters of Siessen in 1995. I was made a Candidate after a few visitations as a Come and See. But I was still at school at that time.
I entered Noviciate in 1997 and received my religious clothes on the feast of St. Vincent De Paul in 1998. I professed my First Vows on 20 April 1999 and my perpetual vows in 2004.
Apostolate Work
After my First Professions I went to Kimberly and assisted at Fatima Preschool in 1999 before I went for studies. I moved to Bloemfontein as a Student for 4 years and then later I went to one of our Pre-schools called St. Joseph’s Children Centre I was teaching grade R for 15 years and I was also a Matron there. I was working as a lay minister at Sacred Heart Cathedral and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. I was also a Spiritual Director for the Order of the Franciscan Seculars for Lesotho, Freestate and Kimberly for more than 12 years. From St. Joseph’s Children Centre I went to Bothaville – St. Mary’s Preschool and I was also a Matron and a Grade R Teacher there. I moved back to Bloemfontein in 2020 and worked as a Financial administrator for the Archdiocese of Bloemfontein for 3 years. I then went to La Verna Franciscan Centre in Vanderbyjlpark but that was only for a few Months. I am now at our Provincial House in Assisi Marseilles (20 min drive from Ladybrand), I am currently working at our Retreat Centre which is not far from the Provincial House. I also work as a Beekeeper together with Sr. Mechthilde and we produce Herbal products and bee products as well. This is what we do when we do not have visitors on our Centre. I am also involved in technology especially for our Sisters. Thank you!