Category: Diocese of Manzini News

Towards the launching of “Renew Africa”

 

By Thandi Tsabedze

At the beginning of October about 40 people attended another workshop held towards the launching of “Renew Africa” in our diocese.

Mrs. Howe (Diocesan coordinator) welcomed all members, and apologized for the delay in starting the workshop.

She briefly explain to the members on what Renew Africa was all about and how it got started in the Hhohho District Parishes i.e. Regina Mundi, Mater Dolorosa, St. Peregrines, St. Constantine and St. Mary’s. Continue reading “Towards the launching of “Renew Africa”” →

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Florence

By Bp José Luis IMC
Like every year, our diocese “pilgrims” to “Santissima Anunziata” (Florence) every year around the feast of Our Lady of Assumption, patroness of the diocese.
In what has now become a “tradition”, the official pilgrimage starts at 3 pm at Luve from where we walk 10 km to Florence. We did it for the first time in 2016 and we all felt it should become part of the yearly gathering.
The team led by Fr Dumisani Mazibuko OSM is to be praised for listening to the suggestions made after each pilgrimage in order to make improvements to the next one. We see the difference!

Continue reading “Diocesan Pilgrimage to Florence” →

We cannot continue to hide under the old culture of silence

by Bishop José Luis IMC

Saturday 1 July 2017 saw the first march against Gender Based Violence organized by the Justice & Peace commission of the diocese of Manzini. It was the first one because we plan to have similar ones in other parts of the country later this year. 

It has held at Hlatikulu and involved the parishes of Christ the King (Hlatikulu) and Sacred Heart (Nhlangano) and had the presence of Mr I. M. Magagula, the National Commissioner of the Royal Swaziland Police Service as a sign of the partnership between the Police and the Catholic Church in the fight against gender abuse.  Continue reading “We cannot continue to hide under the old culture of silence” →

The "historic" visit of the Apostolic Nuncio

The “historic” visit of the Apostolic Nuncio

It is certainly not the first time that our diocese is visited by an Apostolic Nuncio. Practically every one of them has blessed us with his presence. What made Archbishop Peter Wells’ visit “historic” is that he remained with us for nearly one week. It was a pastoral visit.

It was last January when he told me he would like to be with us for some time and have a better picture of our presence, service and life.

Being “Ascension day” a public holiday in the Kingdom of Swaziland, we suggested asking him to come around that time. He immediately agreed. Continue reading “The “historic” visit of the Apostolic Nuncio” →

Pilgrimage of the Cross and Icon

Pilgrimage of the Cross and Icon

By Diocesan Youth Executive Council (2017)

“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me!” (Luke 9: 23)

Brief History
It was during the Holy Year of Redemption (1983-1984), Saint John Paul II felt that there should be a Cross – the symbol of our faith – near the main alter at Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican where it will be seen by everyone. A large wooden Cross, 3.8 metres high, was placed there according to the Holy Father’s desire. At the end of the Holy Year, after the Pope had closed the Holy Door, he entrusted that Cross to the youth of the world, represented by the young people from the San Lorenzo Youth Centre in Rome. His words on that occasion were: Continue reading “Pilgrimage of the Cross and Icon” →

Bishop M. Zwane Memorial lecture

Bishop M. Zwane Memorial lecture

On Saturday 29 April 2017 the diocese of Manzini celebrated the first annual lecture in memory of the one who was the first Swazi bishop of the diocese: Mandlenkosi Zwane.

The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) will on Saturday, 29th April 2017, host the Bishop Mandlenkhosi Zwane Memorial lecture. This is an activity aimed at remembering Bishop Zwane, who was a true stalwart of justice and peace matters locally, regionally and internationally.

The Memorial lecture will be held at the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in Manzini, starting at 10:00 a.m. (from the Press Statement)

Continue reading “Bishop M. Zwane Memorial lecture” →

A booklet of prayers in SiSwati

A booklet of prayers in SiSwati

By Bishop Jose Luis
The project started a year ago. Arriving in the diocese of Manzini I realized that our “prayer book” was in Zulu and not in SiSwati. Last year, reflecting on my 30th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood, I thought of doing something for the diocese. It would be “my way” of celebrating this anniversary.
Pope Francis’ words in 2015 addressing a conference marking the 50th anniversary of Vatican II’s decree on the ministry and life of priests and on priestly training, expressed why I chose to do it in this way:

Continue reading “A booklet of prayers in SiSwati” →