In Romans 13: 8, 10-12, St Paul writes to the church in Rome saying:

8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 10 Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore, love is the fulfilment of the law. 11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light.

St Paul’s message in the above passage can be summed up in the Sesotho word botho. Botho refers to having a spirit of fellowship, co-operation, selflessness, compassion, tolerance, respect and sharing (Nkomazana 2014). As a South African school, our values encapsulate this spirit of botho. Remember that living these values is a measure of the individual’s contribution to community life. The school is committed to embodying Jesus’ love for all and his refusal to treat as “other” those whom the society of his day marginalised. Thus, and in line with the school’s commitment to be a South African school, St Mary’s seeks to encourage respect for, and understanding of, a rich and vibrant diversity within its community, on the part of girls, parents and staff (source: Statement on the Christian identity and ethos of St Mary’s).

At St Mary’s, our celebration of Heritage Day chapel stresses the importance of tolerance, respect, and accommodation of other people’s faiths. We bring our individual experiences and culture, enriching our school community.

REVD RAKGADI KHOBO
CHAPLAIN