Category: Uncategorized

Rendering to Caesar

by Fr W Nkomo

We must render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but who gets to say what is Caesar’s – Caesar  alone, or does God have a say?

As attempts to increase taxes both in our country and in neighbouring South Africa intensifies tempers and emotions rise in the taxpayers. Objectively, increasing tax without the increment of salaries means taking what has for the recent past been used for the livelihood of families because there has never been surplus for the working class. That therefore will mean a huge amount of the people’s useful labour is spent funding the government. What does the Church have to say about this? Below is an article by Professor Michael Pakaluk answering the question.

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The Chrism Mass and Holy Oils explained

By Fr. William P. Saunders

Article taken from :  Catholic Herald

On Holy Thursday morning, the bishop, joined by the priests of the diocese, gather at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More to celebrate the chrism Mass. This Mass manifests the unity of the priests with their bishop. Here the bishop blesses three oils – the oil of catechumens (oleum catechumenorumor oleum sanctorum), the oil of the infirm (oleum infirmorum) and holy chrism (sacrum chrisma) – which will be used in the administration of the sacraments throughout the diocese for the year. This tradition is rooted in the early Church as noted in the Gelasian Sacramentary (named after Pope Gelasius I, d. 496), but was later absorbed into the Holy Thursday evening Mass; Pope Pius XII issued a new Ordinal for Holy Week, which reinstituted a special Mass of the chrism distinct from the evening Mass.

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Reflection on the 3rd Sunday of Lent

by Fr M Makama

The law-giving by Moses is one of the important milestones in the history of the covenant people. Because it consists of ten commandments this body of law is sometimes referred to as the Decalogue. The commandments mirror the shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Just as the shema is an injunction to the people of God in two parts: Love of God and Love of others, so is the Decalogue. Its contains precepts which refer to God (Exodus 20:1-11) and those which refer primarily to one’s fellow Israelites (Exodus 20:12-17).

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Gift hamper presentation at St Benedict’s

By Maphike Zwane

February for CWL is dedicated to accompanying & joining our Parish Priests on their outstation visits. We have the pleasure of joining the congregants at Holy Mass & presenting gift hampers to  previously chosen deserving beneficiaries from the community.

The first were St.Peter & Paul( Makholweni )& St. Benedict. We also take advantage to recruit.

May our Parish priests be blessed for  their fatherly support & the ladies for their charitable hearts.

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Pope Francis releases 2018 Lenten message

Photo: vaticannews.va

Author: Pope Francis

2018 Lenten Message of His Holiness Pope Francis
“Because of the increase of iniquity, the love of many will grow cold” (Mt 24:12)

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Once again, the Pasch of the Lord draws near! In our preparation for Easter, God in his providence offers us each year the season of Lent as a “sacramental sign of our conversion”.[1] Lent summons us, and enables us, to come back to the Lord wholeheartedly and in every aspect of our life. Continue reading “Pope Francis releases 2018 Lenten message” →

St Egidio: Back to school party

 By Ayanda Nkambule

The Sant’Egidio Community in Swaziland had a back to School party for the back to the School of peace children- that is children between the ages 6- 12. A total of 47 children attended.

During this, two children were acknowledged for the grade 7 results. Lethu and Nosihle both got first class passes hence they were congratulated for their achievements.

Overall it was a good day. Special thanks to the Mater Dolorosa Church PPC for their support and the Parishioners for their donations.

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Advent – Fourth Sunday

by Fr Dumisani Vilakati

  • First Reading : 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
  • Psalm : Psalm 89
  • Second Reading : Rom 16:25-27
  • Gospel : Luke 1:26-38

The readings in this Fourth Sunday of Advent remind us of the supremacy of God in all our endeavours. We can boldly say therefore: To God be the Glory, Amen!

The first reading reminds us of the encounter between King David and the prophet Nathan. The matter under discussion between them concerns the setting up of a major project, the building of the Temple. This is after David had succeeded in destroying his enemies. Indeed, it is during times of peace and security that major projects are normally planned and executed. There is seemingly complete agreement between them on this matter until God directs Nathan to relate the matter that David will not build the Temple. The reading goes on to indicate how the Lord has always been present in the life of David, including of course taking him from the pasture, following sheep, to eventually become a commander of God’s people. Continue reading “Advent – Fourth Sunday” →

Spotlight: on the things that matter

By spotlight.africa

In a world where news evolves rapidly it is often difficult to be attentive and discerning. In an environment where fake news seeks to mislead, spotlight.africa strives to be a reliable, reasoned and informed source.

spotlight.africa sheds light on the social, political and economic happenings in Southern Africa. It offers analysis and commentary – informed by Catholic Social Teaching and Christian ethics – on the things that matter to Africans. In the marketplace of public opinion, Spotlight Africa is a dependable and independent voice as it illuminates what needs to be brought into the light and communicated to the world. Continue reading “Spotlight: on the things that matter” →