Category: Diocese of Manzini News

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

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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“A vocation lives, it’s real”

by Siyabonga Ndwandwe

I am Kwanda Siyabonga Ndwandwe from Bulandzeni, St Peregrines Parish, where I discovered I had a vocation in Priesthood. I attended my primary at St Peregrines then progressed to Piggs Peak Central High School(PCH).

Through the exposure to the Catholic church, at the tender age of 8 years I first confessed I have a vocation, my parents said. Well, they thought I was joking as always. I saw myself in a chasuble. I imagined myself being present to the troubled and poor, that was as I grew up.

When I got to high school I became ignorant towards this calling due to the influence of friends and that I didn’t want to be the topic of gossip at school. Basically, my former schoolmates were shocked that I chose the seminary over varsity because they thought I was completely diverging from church affairs. Surprisingly I did accept my vocation. Continue reading ““A vocation lives, it’s real”” →

St. Joseph Sodality Feast

by Maduduza Zwane

Last Saturday the 23rd February 2019, twenty-four (24) members of the St. Joseph Sodality in the Diocese of Manzini met at the Bishop’s House to mainly deliberate on the preparations for the Feast of St. Joseph this year.

The feast of St. Joseph is held on March 19 each year to show hospitality to the patron saint of fathers, families, workers, and the Church . Because the 19th falls midweek, the feast will be held on the 23rd March. This year the sodality resolved that the feast of St. Joseph be held at St. Philips in partnership with the Commission for Justice and Peace. There will be presentations on church issues, the life of St. Joseph, health matters and justice in peace. Refreshments will be shared with the disadvantaged and vulnerable. All these activities will happen after mass which will be followed by an adoration of the Eucharist and benediction. Continue reading “St. Joseph Sodality Feast” →

A Chapel too small for so many!

by Bishop José Luis

Every year, during the month of February, those serving as “catechists” in our parishes and outstations, come together to Manzini to be commissioned (sent!) by the bishop. Our diocese is blessed by having hundreds of them.

Due to the celebration of a wedding at the Cathedral, the celebration was moved to the “Salesian chapel” nearby. The more than 200 catechists that arrive from every parish in our diocese could hardly fit in the church. The heat of the day was a serious challenge but the joyful spirit kept the celebration alive.

Continue reading “A Chapel too small for so many!” →

Living in a Catholic Marriage

by Maduduza Zwane

Below is Maduduza Zwane’s speech during the couples dinner hosted by Sts Peter & Paul Parish on 15th February 2019 at St Theresa’s Hall.

I am Maduduza Gabriel Zwane, a member of the Christ The King Parish Pastoral Council, and Chairman of the St. Joseph Sodality.

Together with my wife Thandie we assist our parish in preparing potential couples for marriage in the church. The Priest and couples the we have counselled are happy with our sharing of our experiences in marriage with those who intend getting married in the church. Continue reading “Living in a Catholic Marriage” →

CWL activities for January 2019

by Sisana Lutya-Mondlane

CWL started the year on a high note following their Motto of Charity Work and Loyalty. On the 6th of January, 2019 CWL joined the Sisters at St Juliana on the Sunday of the Epiphany of The Lord, and the celebration of the Golden Jubilee for Sister Mamba celebrating fifty years as a dedicated servant of the Lord and Sister Alexia who was celebrating her Silver Jubilee twenty five years, of her selfless life and commitment to the Lord. This day was indeed a memorable day, and CWL members came in their numbers.

On the Feast of the baptism of the Lord, on the 13th of January, CWL Executive visited St Peregrine’s in Bulandzeni to rekindle the light with CWL ladies. The members were given an opportunity to present their challenges, achievements and the proposed way forward. The members were encouraged and uplifted by the visit and looked forward to the visitation by the entire CWL group. One member showed interest of joining the Sodality. The visit was a blessing. Continue reading “CWL activities for January 2019” →

I will never forget you (Isiah 49:15)

by Bishop Jose Luis

It has become a tradition. I never asked when it started. I inherited from my predecessor Bishop Louis Ncamiso Ndlovu OSM when I became apostolic administrator of Manzini in 2012. Every year in January, teenagers or their relatives come to the Catholic bishop for some help to pay their High School fees.

Initially, as I shared in the past, I would do this alone. My secretary would let me know how much we had been able to collect during the previous year and I would just help on a first come first served basis.

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“I enjoyed beating stones”

By Mbongiseni Dlamini

Our diocese has been blessed with eight seminarians at present. We asked each one of them to prepare a brief article about their calling and this is what Mbongiseni had to say.

I am Mbongiseni Dlamini, 28 years old from Nkambeni. I’m from an extended family, I’m a first and last born to my mom but to dad I’m a third born. I did my primary at Bhalekane Primary then I went to Sikhunyane high.

I am from a Catholic family. My grandmother was a member of the St Ann’s Sodality. My parish is St Peregrine’s Mission, but I am from an outstation (Good Samaritan) at Nkambeni. When I was young and in primary level I first wanted to be a teacher. I would teach stones at home during holidays because I enjoyed beating the stones, but as I grew up, my wishes changed, I wanted to be a nurse. I was fascinated by their uniform. Then again, when I was doing my form three, things changed.

Continue reading ““I enjoyed beating stones”” →