The House is on Fire!

Posted on by Neliswa Mdluli

By Maduduza Zwane

At Late Bishop Mandlenkosi Zwane’s Memorial Lecture

The House is on Fire – By Bishop Jose Luis Ponce de Leon

At the memorial lecture of the late Bishop Mandlenkosi Zwane at Good Shepherd Parish on the 11th May 2019 hosted by the Catholic Commission of Justice and Peace, Diocese of Manzini Bishop Jose in his introductory remarks told the audience that the House is on Fire regarding the destruction of the environment.

Christians must move swiftly to put off the fire otherwise they will fail to return the gift of the planet by God in the condition that God entrusted it to the people who are in his image. Continue reading “The House is on Fire!” →

Reflection for the Fifth Sunday of Easter Year – C

Posted on by Neliswa Mdluli

by Fr. Dumisani Vilakati

Click HERE for Sunday’s readings in Siswati

First reading Acts 14: 21-27
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 145
Second reading Revelation 21: 1-5a
Gospel John 13:31-33a, 34-35

This Sunday we are encouraged to remain in the faith by following the commandment of love so that we may receive the glory promised to us and thus be admitted into the Kingdom of Heaven.

The first reading recalls the successful missionary activity among the Gentiles. With success temptations also abound as both Paul and Barnabas are treated as gods by the people of Lycaonia and Paul enduring stoning by the Jews. From both Paul and Barnabas we learn, as the saying goes, that “when God begins blessing you, watch your ego”. In other words remain humble and give praise to God.
Continue reading “Reflection for the Fifth Sunday of Easter Year – C” →

“Come after me and I will make you fishers of men”

Posted on by Neliswa Mdluli

by Nkhosing’phile Cyprian Ngwenya

Matthew 4: 19 “Come after me and I will make you fishers of men”.

My name is Nkhosing’phile Cyprian Ngwenya, a 27 year old man of Mbelebeleni, Luve. I am born and raised in a staunch Catholic family. I am the first born in my family, followed by two sisters and a single brother. I was baptised at Florence Parish, where the faith was imparted to me.

My academic journey began at Florence Primary School from the year 2001 to 2007. I then proceeded to my Secondary/Higher education at Florence High School where I completed in the year 2012. Currently I am doing my fourth year of formation at St John Vianney Seminary in Pretoria. My journey of formation started at Mater Dolorosa Parish in the year 2015, as a “Come and See” program. I then proceeded to the Our Lady of Assumption (Cathedral) under the supervision of Rev. Fr. Sandile Stanley Mswane. On the year 2016, I went to St Francis Xavier Seminary, in Cape Town where I spent a year. It is after this period that I then enrolled to the above mentioned institution where I am currently pursuing my bachelors of Arts degree in philosophy.
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Violence against migrants

Posted on by Neliswa Mdluli

by +Buti Tlhagale o.m.i.

Nelson Mandela’s oath

When South Africans hurl insults and inflict violence on migrants, when they strip migrants of their belongings and set alight their businesses, they recklessly go against the solemn oath of Nelson Mandela, the revered father of the post-apartheid South Africa. Nelson Mandela made an oath that never again shall a human being be oppressed by another human being. This oath was proclaimed by Mandela on behalf of the New South African nation. He and many other leaders paid dearly. They sacrificed their lives so that South Africans might embrace freedom and walk tall among the nations. Mandela is an iconic symbol of peace. This symbol is inextricably associated with the nation of South Africa. He was the incarnation of the hope that South Africans would triumph against all the odds. Inflicting pain on migrants and refugees is a tragic betrayal of the sacred oath he made on behalf of the people of South Africa. He bequeathed South Africans the values of human dignity, reconciliation, peace, freedom and hospitality. It is hardly 25 years since his death, yet South Africans already trample his legacy underfoot and make a spectacle of themselves. The on-looking nations are no longer impressed. Continue reading “Violence against migrants” →