by By Ackel Zwane (Swazi Observer)
Celebrated Catholic priest Father Lawrence ‘Larry’ McDonnell passed away in the twilight hours of Christmas Day while admitted to Mkhiwa Clinic in Manzini.
Continue reading “Fr Larry McDonnell SDB (1935 – 2018)”Category: News
Deaf News – December 2018
by Fr Mark James OP
Seven Catholic Deaf from Eswatini join with Mariannhill celebrations
Seven Catholic Deaf members will join Mariannhill Catholic Deaf for their celebrations in Mariannhill from 8-10 December 2018.
This is the cementing of a long-established relationship between the two communities that goes back to the days when Fr John and his A-Team, including his brother Brian Turner and Debbie Eaton, used to come to Eswatini to say Mass. They did this for many years. Sadly, it ended with the death of Fr John on 17 June 2013. Continue reading “Deaf News – December 2018”
Prophetic duty as God’s ambassadors
by Council of Swaziland Churches
Last 14 November 2018, the Council of Swaziland Churches called for a press conference at their premises at the Mandlenkosi Ecumenical House (Manzini).
The three page statement – which can be fully read below this introduction – deals with national issues and events like:
- the double celebrations held this year
- the labour unrest
- the elections
- the situation of the economy of the country
While indicating reasons for celebrate, the Council also raises many concerns regarding the present situation of the country as they deeply affect the life of the people denying them the fullness of life Christ promised to all.
Below is the full text of the press statement Continue reading “Prophetic duty as God’s ambassadors”
One of our fathers passes on
by Maduduza Zwane
The St Joseph’s Sodality in the Diocese of Manzini in Swaziland is deeply saddened by the news of the passing-on to Eternal life of Father Vitus Mjengu. A beautiful soul, full of love and fatih, ascended to Heaven on the morning of the 6th November 2018. Nothing is more painful in life as the separation of a jewel. Fr. V. Mjengu turned his every thought into purposeful action in his own life that was dedicated totally to the service of God. He was the Lord’s willing instrument who had the strength and zealous commitment to carry out his vocation as a priest, embracing the cross of pain, failure and disrepute unreservedly in the knowledge that he would succeed in establishing families that were firmly rooted in true faith and totally dedicated to doing God’s will. Continue reading “One of our fathers passes on”
Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors
The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors concludes Plenary Assembly
The 9th ordinary Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors took place in Rome from September 7 to 9, 2018.
The Holy Father has emphasized the primary importance of listening to victims /survivors and having their life stories guide the response of the Church in protecting minors from sexual abuse. Members began by listening to two testimonies of people who were affected by clerical child sexual abuse, a victim/survivor and the mother of two adult survivors who were abused as children. The Commission thanks them for sharing their stories with us, for the courage of their witness and for contributing to the learning process. Continue reading “Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors”
Our Parish Magazine
By Siphesihle Nkomonde
Sts Peter and Paul Parish launched her parish magazine on Sunday the 8th of July 2018 during the celebration of the parish feast. Thereafter the magazine will be published annually on the feast of the parish. Through this magazine we wish to share among ourselves and with others how we live and practice our faith since we believe that faith is strengthened when shared. The magazine is titled Singumndeni (we are a family) a name that our parish would like to identify with. At Sts Peter and Paul we want to nurture the family spirit among our members; we don’t just want to be a community of believers; we want to build a family where everyone of us feels appreciated, accepted, welcomed and loved. Continue reading “Our Parish Magazine”
SJBH Recreational Trip to Hlane Game reserve
by Nozizwe Ginindza
As Part of our Children’s Right’s Programs, St Joseph’s Boarding House practices and promotes Child Participation. As an Organisation, we believe that Child Participation is a principle and a very strong tool that allows us to listen to children, allows them the right to communicate and express themselves freely, and to participate in decision making processes that impact on the quality of their lives. This year 2018, SJBH embarked on the second annual recreational trip, which is the tool with which we practice and facilitate child participation in an active way. Continue reading “SJBH Recreational Trip to Hlane Game reserve”
Not the “bushfire” but the one of the Holy Spirit!
By Bishop Jose Luis IMC
Last December I wrote to the priests, religious sisters and parish pastoral councils letting them know the idea of launching the “Sodality of St Cecilia” in the diocese of Manzini. I knew them from the time I served in Daveyton in the (now) archdiocese of Johannesburg. The decision was part of the steps we are taking to improve our liturgies.
“The sodality of St Cecilia commended by the church is an association of choristers, men and women, who ensure the proper performance in the celebration of the sacraments and encourage the active participation of the faithful in the singing of sacred music in the liturgy” (from their constitution)
Continue reading “Not the “bushfire” but the one of the Holy Spirit!”