Report from the Southern Zone Sr. Aloysia Zellmann OP Zonal Coordinator, Southern Africa

These are some of the participants at the preacher's workshop in February, 2000.

Collaboration is very strong in the Dominican Family in South Africa because FEDOSA (the Federation of Dominicans in Southern Africa) is in its 27th year. They have a common novitiate of the sisters which collaborates with the novitiate of the friars. They also collaborate in the pre-novitiate phase. The temporary professed sisters met for the first time in 1999 for a workshop where they discussed their own research on aspects of Dominican life.

Sr. Michael leading the solemn procession of the Gospel Book prior to proclaiming the Word at the opening liturgy of the annual general meeting of FEDOSA.

FEDOSA is focussing on three areas this year: Media, Preaching, and Women. There was a workshop on preaching in February attended by 15 dominicans (friars, sisters and lay dominicans). The focus was on preaching outside of church structures, to the marginalized and preaching by women. Another seminar is planned for the fall, and the hope is to begin an itinerant preaching team.

In the area of media, there is a course being offered on Saturdays teaching computer literacy and production and critique of mass media. They also teach English and basic journalism. There is not yet a definite program addressing the issues of women, but FEDOSA has begun with the promotion of the use of inclusive language.

When the Dominican family gets together in South Africa, they always include stimulating input, lively discussions and a celebration of the liturgy. There is a new emphasis these days on celebrating our familial ties and Dominican identity. The larger challenges are addressed more in workshops involving the younger, more active Dominicans. Margaret Ormond's visit was also a powerful experience. Margaret got to know the reality of life in Southern Africa and the Dominican family got to see their place in the larger context of a worldwide family.