tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62260741397308849922024-03-27T01:10:17.756-07:00Tzaneen CatholicBishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-24703746827847258432024-03-27T01:09:00.000-07:002024-03-27T01:09:34.885-07:00William Banda (1986-2024)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3zR2ouach1h91xgAVk0jZYLpZ6uE1nnmsdHDO1dtEzLeLtuZeAzKSdCGRbWUqiLWGh-HXLUb8kop8YQdnvYi0KdU1FREFJ42i2BZ63250DL5b-xlgLoAU_8CLaNOix_1mJjqZZ1NKeWwr1fT6TGsaxRoAXRl0J-uBgnWrLMzbPmDL3jDhwHjy6ubEcfz/s973/Fr%20William%20Banda%20-%20May%20he%20rest%20in%20peace%20%2013%20March%202024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="605" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3zR2ouach1h91xgAVk0jZYLpZ6uE1nnmsdHDO1dtEzLeLtuZeAzKSdCGRbWUqiLWGh-HXLUb8kop8YQdnvYi0KdU1FREFJ42i2BZ63250DL5b-xlgLoAU_8CLaNOix_1mJjqZZ1NKeWwr1fT6TGsaxRoAXRl0J-uBgnWrLMzbPmDL3jDhwHjy6ubEcfz/w398-h640/Fr%20William%20Banda%20-%20May%20he%20rest%20in%20peace%20%2013%20March%202024.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; padding: 0cm;">William Banda was born on 31st May,
1986 in Lusaka, Zambia.He was baptised and confirmed at St Peter’s Parish in
Garden Township in Lusaka, where St Patrick’s priests ministered. He was the
firstborn in a family of seven. After completing primary and secondary school,
young William applied to join St Patrick’s Missionary Society. After initial
formation he continued to the society formation house Kwa Patrick in South
Africa and studied philosophy at St Joseph’s Theological Institute, Cedara. Following
his philosophical studies he undertook his First Missionary Assignment (FMA) in
the Diocese of Tzaneen in South Africa. He moved to Kenya to pursue his
theological studies at Tangaza College in Nairobi, William was ordained as a
priest at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus in Lusaka, Zambia by Emeritus
Archbishop George Telesphore Mpundu on 28 May 2016.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; padding: 0cm;">Thereafter he was appointed to work in
South Africa in the Diocese of Tzaneen.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; padding: 0cm;">From 2016 to the time of his death
William ministered with prayerful humility, diligence, wisdom and courage. He
was a loving priest, approachable and friendly.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; padding: 0cm;">William was shot by an unknown man who
entered the church during morning prayer and his wounds caused his death. He
met his death in the line of duty, praying and about to celebrate the Holy
Eucharist; indeed, his life was a sacrifice to others to the end.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; padding: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; padding: 0cm;">May William rest in peace.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-8948889191519606352024-03-26T23:50:00.000-07:002024-03-26T23:50:37.546-07:00THE GRAVE OF FR WILLIAM BANDA<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnq39dr6A7nsWFXGjgHPweEXpCQFzybzbtxI3grT0smv7a1fCodmrf4TSH4uBRjf-mj57_xppRWjsVXX-O7Pi3qy22-3E3gQzhxa9-AQbp8pfS75uKx6uy2c8PrAw_cQOygabqSPJrC-Jc-m2HmzgTmMaN9hW3yy1BtM8LA-QaaDGFzRQiZNcnIJA-Qhyphenhyphen/s1280/RIP.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="694" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnq39dr6A7nsWFXGjgHPweEXpCQFzybzbtxI3grT0smv7a1fCodmrf4TSH4uBRjf-mj57_xppRWjsVXX-O7Pi3qy22-3E3gQzhxa9-AQbp8pfS75uKx6uy2c8PrAw_cQOygabqSPJrC-Jc-m2HmzgTmMaN9hW3yy1BtM8LA-QaaDGFzRQiZNcnIJA-Qhyphenhyphen/w546-h694/RIP.jpeg" width="546" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-42956865366734626282024-03-26T23:47:00.000-07:002024-03-26T23:47:25.975-07:00THE FUNERAL OF FR WILLIAM BANDA SPS<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8WjNCxE4DxLrPFaBeerEEnJSUf6LOAKoMN92i4SEwUvmUfhsA_TW0TBsuVwaRBGqEwn-D_GOPqNovx9_dGwnT3I-ZLwb3e00bqfM2_IxhFDIOKy5H8zbL4pPagT7HH4caGnaQs6_2jksi8_rchwLo1Efbnxzk03tuXHNixPhgeURu4StUUeCMHuMssX3/s2338/Bishop%20statement%2027%20March%202024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2338" data-original-width="1654" height="711" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8WjNCxE4DxLrPFaBeerEEnJSUf6LOAKoMN92i4SEwUvmUfhsA_TW0TBsuVwaRBGqEwn-D_GOPqNovx9_dGwnT3I-ZLwb3e00bqfM2_IxhFDIOKy5H8zbL4pPagT7HH4caGnaQs6_2jksi8_rchwLo1Efbnxzk03tuXHNixPhgeURu4StUUeCMHuMssX3/w637-h711/Bishop%20statement%2027%20March%202024.jpg" width="637" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-6212164511420275282024-03-22T00:49:00.000-07:002024-03-22T00:49:50.385-07:00THE FAREWELL FOR FR WILLIAM BANDA SPS<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUATdlW_OFZiLxhIir9WHKFfVGy98ta7441FfWP1_aPZxnHyUuItahV48AA0nkuB6XVJqHRRqDS9VJv7-qOM6E24Mt1qCG6_pO1mxgVU31bOTyLhqVOTpRPQGvGGdekNn3HV5oQfG-wPhRLmi72wx-xMkVHi_sebK3KWIeLYy-L-gAj7YOA6teIzAsUks/s1600/Farewell%20Fr%20Banda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="899" height="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUATdlW_OFZiLxhIir9WHKFfVGy98ta7441FfWP1_aPZxnHyUuItahV48AA0nkuB6XVJqHRRqDS9VJv7-qOM6E24Mt1qCG6_pO1mxgVU31bOTyLhqVOTpRPQGvGGdekNn3HV5oQfG-wPhRLmi72wx-xMkVHi_sebK3KWIeLYy-L-gAj7YOA6teIzAsUks/w500-h700/Farewell%20Fr%20Banda.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-85518133584034926502024-03-22T00:46:00.000-07:002024-03-22T00:46:45.523-07:00POLICE REPORT ON THE MURDER OF FR WILLIAM BANDA<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Media Statement of South African Police Service<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Office of the Provincial Commissioner Limpopo<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">POLOKWANE -
The South African Police Service in Limpopo has launched an extensive manhunt
following the appalling and deeply disturbing murder of a 38-year-old Roman
Catholic Church priest in Tzaneen on Wednesday, 13 March 2024, at about 07:00.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The Provincial
Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has expressed profound shock
and dismay over this heinous act and has immediately ordered a thorough and
swift investigation into the murder.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The identity
of the deceased, who was fatally shot by an unidentified assailant inside the
church in Aqua-Park, is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Initial
findings suggest that following a morning prayer session with members of the
church, the victim proceeded to the changing room where he was followed by an
unknown male suspect. Tragically, the suspect shot the priest twice in the head
before fleeing the scene.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Upon receiving
the distress call, both the Police and Emergency Medical Services responded
promptly. The victim was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital, where he was
tragically pronounced dead upon arrival.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">In light of
this shocking incident, the Provincial Commissioner has tasked the Murder and
Robbery Unit to lead the investigation and apprehend the perpetrator
responsible for this deplorable crime.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">A case of
murder has been opened, and at this stage, the motive behind this tragic
incident remains unknown.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">We appeal to
members of the community who may possess any information related to the
incident to come forward and assist the investigation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">You are urged to contact Lieutenant Colonel Richard Boshomane at 079 894
5501 or Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola at 082 749 2233</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Alternatively,
individuals can report to their nearest police station or reach out to the <b>Crime
Stop number at 08600 10111.</b> Rest assured that all information provided will
be handled with the utmost confidentiality.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Copyright (https://www.saps.gov.za/copyright.php)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-53850125708759520322024-03-17T09:01:00.000-07:002024-03-17T09:03:59.908-07:00Fr WILLIAM BANDA<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FbU6-e9h6njw3a0V8gd8OVbqpIg44EOtJWxdL3GC4wf9U0eLWjU8oDOzUWlWQfHj7gcYuk81XfhxUPEiNZMmCobz08ikgnEIAF9PoKNk6mTQDzIIniSDTsQYuVM06VU-3mrJx4j20aOEiiguuEl5ThjEKoJsjENW5BlZs3VO_f-F0I3MPUt_Icx-D4vx/s2202/Fr%20William%20Banda%202024%20March.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="2202" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FbU6-e9h6njw3a0V8gd8OVbqpIg44EOtJWxdL3GC4wf9U0eLWjU8oDOzUWlWQfHj7gcYuk81XfhxUPEiNZMmCobz08ikgnEIAF9PoKNk6mTQDzIIniSDTsQYuVM06VU-3mrJx4j20aOEiiguuEl5ThjEKoJsjENW5BlZs3VO_f-F0I3MPUt_Icx-D4vx/w652-h393/Fr%20William%20Banda%202024%20March.jpg" width="652" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-23223907740765984982024-02-06T07:17:00.000-08:002024-02-06T07:17:55.762-08:00Sign of Peace during Blessed Daswa feast day Mass<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwDVBCeh9ONpEDt-dlUz-40oATNfFJzSVqDVy2SMI9c8me2_29N1slyALSivlP0RQ0dWIYAvyGTHVoW-ROXbw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p></p>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-47322565762144930632024-02-02T01:07:00.000-08:002024-02-02T01:07:26.767-08:00Homily Blessed Daswa Pilgrimage 2024 by Archbishop Dabula Mpako<p> As we celebrate this feast of Blessed Benedict Daswa, we are still at the beginning of a new year. For many people, the beginning of a new year is a time to make resolutions about how they intend to live their lives in the coming year. When followed through, this is a good practice for it contributes to conscious and purposeful living, something that is required for a meaningful human and Christian life.</p><p>Now as we position ourselves spiritually to enter fully into this new year, we have today put before us the shining example of Blessed Benedict Daswa, to inspire us and to influence our Christian living in our daily lives.</p><p>His story is well known: He was a person of deep faith and a committed Christian. He took a particular interest in sharing this faith with others, especially the younger members of his community, as a Catechist. A committed schoolteacher and a community builder with a keen interest in promoting the common good of all and who, as a result, enjoyed respect in his community. A generous man who gave freely to the poor. Above all, he was known for his absolute honesty, truthfulness, and integrity. Even in dying, Blessed Benedict Daswa continued to give a wonderful testimony of faith in God. He did not hold the sins of those who killed him against them. The prayer said to have been on his lips as he was being killed was of abandoning his life to God: ‘Father, into your hands I commend my life…’</p><p>The readings chosen for this feast raise up three very important things about Christian living, things which Blessed Benedict Daswa exemplified beautifully in his life.</p><p>The first reading from the book of Wisdom reminds us that an important aspect of our calling as Christians is to be PROPHETS, prophets of God in the world. This is a responsibility that is not easy to embrace because it is unsettling. We hear in the reading how people are plotting against the righteous person whom, because of his righteous behaviour, they experience as a reproach to their sinful ways. “Let us test him with insult and torture,” they say, “so that we may find out how gentle he is and make trial of his forbearance. Let us condemn him to a shameful death, for, according to what he says, he will be protected.”</p><p>But what does it mean to be a prophet? We ordinarily associate prophecy with the prediction or foretelling of things to come. But, in the Bible prophecy is most fundamentally about the present, about pointing out where God is in the present and what God is calling us to be and to do in the present. Prophecy is about the demands of God in the present.</p><p>For this reason, prophecy often takes the form of critiquing the status quo or the present situation which often falls short of what God desires. Hence to be a prophet often translates into being a critical voice and a critical presence. And we are reminded that faithfulness to the calling to be a prophet is something that inevitably goes with suffering: the suffering of being rejected, labelled, misrepresented, persecuted and, at times, killed. Blessed Benedict Daswa was a prophet. He faithfully stood for what his faith proclaimed and would not give in to any other beliefs that were opposed to what he believed as a Catholic Christian.</p><p>The second reading from the letter of St Paul to the Ephesians remind us of the spiritual qualities required for us to faithfully carry out our calling to be prophets of God in the world. We see these qualities displayed in a shining way in the life example of Blessed Benedict Daswa.</p><p>•A deep and strong faith: “Above all take the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the Evil One.”</p><p>•Truthfulness and integrity: “Stand therefore, having fastened the belt of truth around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness.”</p><p>•Faithfulness to the Word of God: “Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”</p><p>•Being an instrument of peace: “Shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace.”</p><p>The Gospel chosen for this celebration provides the most fundamental spiritual quality required in us if we are to faithfully carry out the calling of being prophets of God in the world. We must be ready to die to our little selves and to allow God, and God’s plans and purposes, to take the central place in our lives. We must be ready to empty ourselves as Jesus did. Like the grain of wheat which must fall into the earth and die in order to bear much fruit, we must give up the desire to put ourselves at the centre and instead put God at the centre and fully surrender to God and to God’s will. It is thus that our lives become fruitful. We contribute to the establishment of the New Reign of God in the world. This is what Blessed Benedict Daswa did to the point of offering his life in witnessing to the New Reign of God.</p><p>Through this message, God is speaking to each one of us this morning as we contemplate the shining example of Blessed Benedict Daswa. We are taught about the spiritual qualities that should inform and shape the way we live our daily lives as Christian believers. And so, this celebration of the feast of Blessed Benedict Daswa ought not to be just about admiring and honouring him. Rather, the most meaningful way to honour him is to imitate him and to take him as a model for our faith living. And so,</p><p>•When tempted (in the course of this year) to give in to the desire for people’s approval and to compromise what we know to be true and right, and compromise ourselves in the process, may we remember Benedict Daswa and imitate his honesty, truthfulness, and integrity.</p><p>•When our faith in God grows weak and we become lukewarm in our faith living and lose interest in participating in the life of our church communities, may we remember Benedict Daswa and be inspired by his strong and unwavering faith and commitment.</p><p>•When we are tempted to act in selfish ways that do not promote the common good of all, be it in our places of work, or where we live, or even where we worship, let us remember Benedict Daswa and be inspired by his unselfishness and generosity and by his commitment to always promote the good of the community.</p><p>•When we are tempted to take revenge on those who have wronged us in one way or another, or when we find our hearts hardening up, refusing to forgive, and, instead, holding on to anger and bitterness, may we please remember Blessed Benedict Daswa who did not hold the sins of those who killed him against them, but instead offered everything to God.</p><p>Therefore, this pilgrimage must be for us not only a time to celebrate Blessed Benedict Daswa and to pray to God through his intercession. Rather, it should be for us a time of reflection and renewal in our own personal lives. It must be a time for us to examine ourselves and see where we stand at the present moment regarding our calling to be prophets of God in the world in which we live.</p><p>Therefore, may our participation in this pilgrimage mark an important deepening in our worship and service of God. May it bring us to a point in our lives where we worship God in spirit and in truth by being fully open to carry out His will for us and for the world, as Blessed Benedict Daswa did.</p><p>May Blessed Benedict Daswa continue to be a shining star which guides us on our way so that we may ever grow in becoming true and faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, who upon coming into the world said, “Here am I, Lord, I come to do your will.”</p><p>Blessed Benedict Daswa, pray for us!</p><p>Blessed Benedict Daswa, pray for us!</p><p>Blessed Benedict Daswa, pray for us!</p><p>Amen.</p>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-67398072848397452272024-02-01T23:09:00.000-08:002024-02-01T23:09:20.917-08:00The Good News of Salvation announced by the Angels of God<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">The beginning of the new year is a joyful period which
focuses on the birth of the Lord Jesus and on his early life. The main message
is that Jesus, the Son of God, was born of the Virgin Mary so that humanity could
be saved from sin so that the plan of God for humanity to enjoy eternal life
forever at the end of time could be fulfilled.</span></p>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">But who were the
first messengers of this Good News? They were not human messengers but angels
of God, spiritual beings, created by God. They were given the task to be
messengers of this Good News to humanity.</span><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjha9No8vWYPiOrY3SvHX24mRbN6jjbGLnp_6HtFrQudReOu5fR4JqUWkwwg9Xb-JLWk9mu9nZoJ-SOK12vIb0LitUe8pi8zoOn9Par753R45fY67NxWeEP4ELwDMCxgJFEdeAjUow2xWeldg9x4FtyIxs89QkC5PXFMGYPclGTA9Eh4AyW76Emz-82Hd45/s478/Good%20news%20announced.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="278" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjha9No8vWYPiOrY3SvHX24mRbN6jjbGLnp_6HtFrQudReOu5fR4JqUWkwwg9Xb-JLWk9mu9nZoJ-SOK12vIb0LitUe8pi8zoOn9Par753R45fY67NxWeEP4ELwDMCxgJFEdeAjUow2xWeldg9x4FtyIxs89QkC5PXFMGYPclGTA9Eh4AyW76Emz-82Hd45/w372-h640/Good%20news%20announced.jpg" width="372" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Let us look at the passage from Luke 1, 30 -32 which
states that the messenger is Gabriel (Luke 1,26) the angel sent by God to
Nazareth where Mary lived:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #121212; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Then the
angel said to her</span></i></b><i><span style="background: white; color: #121212; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">, “Do
not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will
conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He
will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will
give Him the throne of His father David. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When Blessed Mary heard the message from the angel of
God, she responded in humble faith and she conceived Jesus, the Son of God in
her virgin womb.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">At that time, Joseph, who was engaged to the Blessed
Virgin Mary, decided to separate from Mary when he realised that Mary was with
child. Now let us look at the passage from Matthew 1, 20-21<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="background: white; color: #121212; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But after
he had considered this<b>, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream</b>
and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your
wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give
birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save
his people from their sins.” </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was not a human person that told Joseph about the
identity of the Child but an angel of God and thus with humble faith he changed
his mind and took Mary home as his wife.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After the Blessed Virgin Mary had given birth to the
Lord Jesus in Bethlehem, it was an angel that appeared to the shepherds and
announced to them the birth of the Lord. We read about this in Luke 2, 9-11:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="text"><b><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">An angel of the Lord appeared to them</span></i></b></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">, and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were terrified.</span></i></span><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> <span class="text">But the angel said to them, “Do not be
afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the
people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is
the Messiah, the Lord.</span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">These angels, spiritual messengers of God, are not
limited by space and time like us human beings. There are no material barriers
which can prevent angels from doing what they are sent to do in this world. God
makes sure that the Good News of Jesus Christ is announced to the world and no
human power can prevent the angels from fulfilling this task.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">After the crucifixion
and burial when the Lord Jesus rose from the dead, we read in Luke 24, 2 - 5</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="text"><b><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">They found
the stone rolled away from the tomb,</span></i></b></span><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <span class="text"><b><sup>3 </sup></b>but when they
entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>4 </sup></b>While they were wondering about this, <b>suddenly
two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning</b> stood beside them.</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>5 </sup></b>In their fright the women bowed down with
their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the
living among the dead?</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Again it was
the angels who announced that Jesus is risen from the dead. God did not depend
on human messengers to make the first announcement of the Resurrection of Jesus
Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This reflection is important for us who struggle in
our Christian faith because of the many human voices that are continually
sending out messages which stifle the Good News and often undermine Christ’s
saving powerful love. This is particularly true today in this age of deliberate
misleading social media influencers and the technological manipulation of
artificial intelligence in creating fake news. And in addition to this worldly
confusion, there is the problem of the silence of many good people who feel powerless.
So many good people feel overwhelmed by the direction that the world is taking in
removing Christian faith from public discourse and even by punishing and
marginalising people who follow the moral teachings of the Lord Jesus in their
work- places. <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But we must take courage and not allow the worldly
powers to undermine what we know to be true and eternal in the revelation of
Jesus Christ. We must not allow the noise of the worldly and the silence of the
good people to rob us of the greatest message and blessing made known to
humanity, made known to us through the angels of God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">During this new year of 2024, let us listen anew to
the message of salvation being announced to us from God through the angels, the
heavenly hosts, which no worldly or human power can hide or silence. God makes
sure that the Good News of Jesus Christ is announced to the world and no human
power can prevent this message from reaching us. This encourages us never to
give up on our faith and witness of life in the Spirit of Christ. It is a
divine message which we have received and no worldly power, no matter how
great, can silence it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Let us listen to the song of the angelic hosts and the
response of the shepherds in Luke 2,14-15:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="line" style="line-height: 20.4pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="text"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“Glory to God in the highest heaven,</span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <span class="text">and on earth
peace to those on whom his favour rests.” <b><sup> <o:p></o:p></sup></b></span></span></i></p>
<p class="line" style="line-height: 20.4pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="text"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">When the angels had left them and gone
into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this
thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”</span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">May the Lord confirm this divine message in your life,
wipe away your sins and bless you with the peace of the Lord Jesus who is risen
from the dead, now and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bishop Joao Rodrigues<o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-73644354186247675332024-01-28T06:57:00.000-08:002024-01-28T06:59:51.725-08:00BLESSED DASWA FEAST DAY CELEBRATION ON 1 FEBRUARY 2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxO-xwqypWEpeHW0ua05-RJ6qOVE6zImS8tsRhMWBKyWMxEC_fQ-9X4YZB6gLbNSw-1y-GuLRNf5dNcsbN_3eZ6zIGXmEpKjSP7NjfD_LJIA-SEnZ5w6xVAcZ9nh0Sxb8soxN9V4AqzElWNN3kfleGRqZZXPkwhr28XPyF6ZMbu9zS6uU12Upu6DWau03/s1549/Daswa%20Feast%202024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="1549" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxO-xwqypWEpeHW0ua05-RJ6qOVE6zImS8tsRhMWBKyWMxEC_fQ-9X4YZB6gLbNSw-1y-GuLRNf5dNcsbN_3eZ6zIGXmEpKjSP7NjfD_LJIA-SEnZ5w6xVAcZ9nh0Sxb8soxN9V4AqzElWNN3kfleGRqZZXPkwhr28XPyF6ZMbu9zS6uU12Upu6DWau03/w620-h418/Daswa%20Feast%202024.jpg" width="620" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-49502708960957308452023-01-10T02:25:00.000-08:002023-01-10T02:25:48.508-08:00Bishop Joao Rodrigues met the late Pope Benedict XVI in September 2010<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhaWPFNkjok-sXxcZw4mRBytWSRpF0sl5xdAeNmkGevCT2p9K-e7TBx7EITaIB_SMGjr2xbw3jHNDsMYd4HLhlUk8aOL_yKVndexbXcwtTV9wWkZ3M4EKZG_TKuB8VoK9dsx786sLQQTljWIf4AXNYjQbp0TBlURfxBtYc4JMimsd_khu9hgqSm7X7A/s1270/Bishop%20Joao%20met%20Pope%20Benedict%20XVI%20Sept%202010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1270" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhaWPFNkjok-sXxcZw4mRBytWSRpF0sl5xdAeNmkGevCT2p9K-e7TBx7EITaIB_SMGjr2xbw3jHNDsMYd4HLhlUk8aOL_yKVndexbXcwtTV9wWkZ3M4EKZG_TKuB8VoK9dsx786sLQQTljWIf4AXNYjQbp0TBlURfxBtYc4JMimsd_khu9hgqSm7X7A/w582-h414/Bishop%20Joao%20met%20Pope%20Benedict%20XVI%20Sept%202010.jpg" width="582" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-60725301907590800392023-01-03T05:34:00.001-08:002023-01-03T05:34:58.589-08:00Prayer for the repose of the soul of Pope emeritus Benedict XVI<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9V0k_WvZccfGasE7BXd5XZ1xULeYJy3hKz9ixVRnuwysL9ED0ZCFPbg16bw0iKBia484E8pNO4Tv2nBgwfAq63Ux9GSSelYoVmW9k0Tng02-M6s5BDOHoLgnKYW3jmCfoYZTPsjFQQrO6z7mfbUm0F50sZXaAI5zmQucyeTGheMonpQIxjAQDZ-QBGg/s919/Benedict%20XVI%20lying%20in%20state.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="919" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9V0k_WvZccfGasE7BXd5XZ1xULeYJy3hKz9ixVRnuwysL9ED0ZCFPbg16bw0iKBia484E8pNO4Tv2nBgwfAq63Ux9GSSelYoVmW9k0Tng02-M6s5BDOHoLgnKYW3jmCfoYZTPsjFQQrO6z7mfbUm0F50sZXaAI5zmQucyeTGheMonpQIxjAQDZ-QBGg/w640-h416/Benedict%20XVI%20lying%20in%20state.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNnUa740EyGPiUBO9zyVYAZjYRnwetSK726PtU9R5J1WqdwjgcllZUEJjR-hNyfwY-1z3ZYDwyXZhu1gzcKXjnfkKk-_QbDeGOz5XQwAYf_AYK5wlkAoAzSe3woj1Nv1277Mjrd0Ccnufe8vneIq3XTYMPaQMFnKIKTyvWqwtPpyIlanAywjbIZOFcw/s3507/Prayer%20for%20repose%20of%20soul%20of%20Pope%20-emeritus%20Benedict%20XVI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3507" data-original-width="2480" height="904" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNnUa740EyGPiUBO9zyVYAZjYRnwetSK726PtU9R5J1WqdwjgcllZUEJjR-hNyfwY-1z3ZYDwyXZhu1gzcKXjnfkKk-_QbDeGOz5XQwAYf_AYK5wlkAoAzSe3woj1Nv1277Mjrd0Ccnufe8vneIq3XTYMPaQMFnKIKTyvWqwtPpyIlanAywjbIZOFcw/w640-h904/Prayer%20for%20repose%20of%20soul%20of%20Pope%20-emeritus%20Benedict%20XVI.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5T_DkFgPydAG0KYtmKjj3DAxfH5chfIZc3Z8zWk7XQDprzBbbY0TDtXSN2LW4We8-xSEtjBCLoQmVZ89p6K1vKT8W1TzGyQ7R7INT65aCva7NfSnHAjm3QQStGYpVXky_P9s6HJL8VczCGIN8DaONZuPoiLk5Y59uzx5jVFa5UrQP7LFbStfQ--ReLQ/s898/Prayer%20for%20the%20late%20%20Pope%20emeritus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="898" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5T_DkFgPydAG0KYtmKjj3DAxfH5chfIZc3Z8zWk7XQDprzBbbY0TDtXSN2LW4We8-xSEtjBCLoQmVZ89p6K1vKT8W1TzGyQ7R7INT65aCva7NfSnHAjm3QQStGYpVXky_P9s6HJL8VczCGIN8DaONZuPoiLk5Y59uzx5jVFa5UrQP7LFbStfQ--ReLQ/w640-h450/Prayer%20for%20the%20late%20%20Pope%20emeritus.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-20148488592220429432023-01-01T08:15:00.000-08:002023-01-01T08:15:51.098-08:00Statement on the passing away of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0YmpZJ3DbhQt2UePFvpoYKJjKN5WY4p6SSYAFGYJh6KDWK-EAZ-uzF2vJaR2KF_Zqr-72m4d4tFtBRVbUWUA9vM9KnwfaJc5i8ITupujkeWPjutaPW68ftnGa3gJppcRuiOLVAXP7mK7ZNqXjOtZRWXFdDjBEKVo0vAP9d-tUcMf8gBeVY_phgXUFA/s209/SACBC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="209" data-original-width="199" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0YmpZJ3DbhQt2UePFvpoYKJjKN5WY4p6SSYAFGYJh6KDWK-EAZ-uzF2vJaR2KF_Zqr-72m4d4tFtBRVbUWUA9vM9KnwfaJc5i8ITupujkeWPjutaPW68ftnGa3gJppcRuiOLVAXP7mK7ZNqXjOtZRWXFdDjBEKVo0vAP9d-tUcMf8gBeVY_phgXUFA/s1600/SACBC.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We learnt with sadness from the Apostolic Nuncio in Southern Africa this morning about the passing on of Pope Benedict the XVI. While he was inactive as Pope by the time of his death, his silent and prayerful support for the Church was a source of strength for Pope Francis and the Church as a whole. It was always heart-warming to see him on significant ecclesial events like the canonisation of saints and the creation of new Cardinals. We will miss his fatherly presence and his companionship in the life of the Church as a fellow pilgrim. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We remember him with a fondness for his humility. We recall his first words in Italian when he was elected Pope. “The Revs. Cardinals have elected me, humble servant of God”. Throughout his leadership as Pope, he lived according to this sentiment, always wanting to be obedient to the truth that he believed was above him and to which he must submit. In a gentle voice, he always extended the invitation to the truth that beckons us to higher levels of being and knowledge that come from the Revelation of God through Christ and the tradition of the Church. When he realised that he was no longer effective as a leader, he was humble enough to tender his resignation instead of staying on for his own status. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also remember him for his clarity of thought in articulating the message of revelation and relating it to the situations of our time. Pope Benedict was a significant point of reference in understanding the major doctrines of the Church and how they link with the modern world. As a true Patristic, (expert on Church Fathers), he was able to decipher the teachings of the Fathers of the Church and to make them relevant for our time. While he is regarded as an intellectual, his writings and teachings had practical implications for spirituality and daily life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The most relevant of his encyclicals for our time is Deus Caritas Est, in which he explains the nature of God as love, and how charity forms the basis of justice and which in turn addresses contemporary social problems. In this way, Pope Benedict reclaimed the relevance of faith for our time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In Africa, we remember him for pursuing the idea of the second Synod for Africa conceived by his predecessor, St. John Paul II. In his Encyclical (Africae Munus), Pope Benedict invited Africans to embark on the mission of reconciliation, justice, and peace, the lack of which accounts for the ills that pervade the continent. He further proposed practical suggestions of what needs to be done towards this end. Like Pope Francis’ inclusive invitation to engage in the journey of synodality, Pope Benedict invited all members of the Church at all levels to contribute to communion and peace in the Church and in society. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This lack of peace is not something that is true for the African continent only but also for the whole world if the present global instability is anything to go by. Benedict was truly the Pope of our time, and we are poorer without his live continued inspiration. Nevertheless, we thank God for the person of Pope Benedict for the example of his faith and commitment to the practical application of the truths of faith for the common good. As he viewed himself as a simple servant of God, now that this side of his life has reached its end, we pray that he may enjoy eternal happiness with his Master and may his soul rest in peace. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">+Sithembele Sipuka </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">SACBC President </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">31 December 2022 </div></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-57374076450844978402023-01-01T08:05:00.001-08:002023-01-01T08:05:42.387-08:00CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS FOR THE NEW YEAR 2023<p> </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIazzquP_dCx8pHULby42AZsjn8CNRyRaNyYNwDI92qD6GxOAjQIm1AkJVJ145sJhnXsF-DpsK5ESOc0ScBLlgFkCtu65gFLYfU_Rn_BVBhRE3VRLGNALgMs4SfrFFVNvo72kikmjKBGOrizxYngpXr2VtwRvEg62FEwMYIQdaRg2yxQHHdHRYt46tw/s691/BVM%20and%20Baby%20Jesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="562" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIazzquP_dCx8pHULby42AZsjn8CNRyRaNyYNwDI92qD6GxOAjQIm1AkJVJ145sJhnXsF-DpsK5ESOc0ScBLlgFkCtu65gFLYfU_Rn_BVBhRE3VRLGNALgMs4SfrFFVNvo72kikmjKBGOrizxYngpXr2VtwRvEg62FEwMYIQdaRg2yxQHHdHRYt46tw/w520-h640/BVM%20and%20Baby%20Jesus.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">“And going into the house, they saw the Child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped Him” Matthew 2:11<b> </b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>On this Golden Jubilee Year 2022 of the Diocese of Tzaneen, </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>we wish you the blessing of peace this Christmas and health for the new year 2023</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mary the Dawn, Christ the Perfect Day; </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mary the Gate, Christ the Heavenly Way! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mary the Root, Christ the Mystic Vine; </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mary the Grape, Christ the Sacred Wine! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mary the Wheat-Sheaf, Christ the Living Bread;</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Mary the Rose-Tree, Christ the Rose blood-red! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mary the Font, Christ the Cleansing Flood; </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mary the Chalice, Christ the Saving Blood! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mary the Temple; Christ the Temple's Lord; </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mary the Shrine, Christ the God adored! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mary the Beacon, Christ the Haven's Rest; </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mary the Mirror, Christ the Vision Blest! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mary the Mother, Christ the Mother's Son. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Both ever blest while endless ages run. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Amen. </span></p>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-70026644219284269962022-08-10T02:15:00.000-07:002022-08-10T02:15:11.750-07:00PRAYER CAMPAIGN FOR SOUTHERN AFRICA<p><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We, your Bishops, invite you, Brothers and Sisters, to join with us in reciting
this prayer daily in your homes, schools, at gatherings and at the end of Mass
especially on Sundays. We ask that this prayer campaign be launched on the
solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady – 21 August – until further notice.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Merciful Father,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">send forth your Spirit upon us the people of Southern Africa.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">May we hear anew the voice of Jesus Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">inviting us to walk with him across the turbulent waters of our time:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“Courage, it is I. Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14,27).<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By the grace of the Holy Spirit empower us <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">to bring comfort to the restless, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">hope to those who despair, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">healing to victims of violence, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">and reconciliation where there is division. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">May the Holy Spirit heal our families and communities.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Grant us ethical and courageous leaders<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">who put the good of the people before their own interest.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">we commit ourselves to speak the truth with courage, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">to act justly in all we do,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">to share with those in need <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">and always and everywhere to respect your gift of life <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">as we strive to proclaim the values of the Kingdom<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">in solidarity with all people of goodwill.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-47586846992595427342022-08-10T02:06:00.002-07:002022-08-10T02:06:58.598-07:00SACBC STATEMENT ON THE ECONOMY IN SOUTH AFRICA<p> </p><p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">STATEMENT ON THE ECONOMY, HIGH LEVELS OF UNEMPLOYMENT AND
COST OF LIVING</span></span></b></p><p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We are deeply concerned about the current high levels of
unemployment and the rising cost of living, and how they disproportionately
impact the lives of those at the margins of the economy. Both the high
levels of unemployment and the cost of living are pushing more people into
higher levels of household debt and deep poverty. </span></p>
<p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We denounce the continued preoccupation of our leaders with
self-enrichment, party politics and factional battles</span></span></b></p><p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Amid this national crisis, it is sad that the focus of our
political leaders remains fixed on narrow vested interests, and not on issues
important to ordinary citizens, particularly the homeless, the unemployed, and
the hungry. In the strongest terms possible, we denounce the continued preoccupation
of our leaders with self-enrichment, party politics and factional battles at a
time when the majority in this country are struggling to make ends meet.We make
an urgent appeal to the government to initiate stronger measures to address the
fuel and food price hike. </span></p>
<p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The need to regularly review the adverse impact of
structural reforms on the poor</span></span></b></p><p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;">Another area of concern for us is
how the most vulnerable in our country are the ones disproportionately bearing
the social impacts of structural reforms and fiscal consolidation. While
acknowledging the country’s need to urgently tackle the structural barriers to
growth, we appeal to the government to introduce stronger social review
mechanism so as to ensure </span><span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;">that the austerity measures and other structural
reforms are regularly reviewed not solely in terms of economic efficiency, but
also in terms of their adverse impact on the poor. We ask that the social
review of austerity measures be undertaken particularly with respect to </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;">basic education sector and health sector, having due regard
to how budget cuts in such sectors re-enforce the two-tiered system of
education and health services, with the poor condemned to sub-standard services
while the rich continue to access a high standard of education and health
services.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;">We are scandalised by the government’s decision to increase
the salaries of ministers, premiers, MECs and Members of Parliament by 3 per
cent. This decision on salary increases for politicians shows that the
Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers and the
government are insensitive to the plight of the poor and the financial
hardships that many ordinary citizens are going through during this time.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"> </span></p>
<p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The persistent gap between the rich and the poor<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We are concerned about <a name="_Hlk110788414">the
persistent gap between the rich and the poor </a>in our country and how it
continues to impose great risk to the country’s economic growth and national
security, creating conditions that could fuel violent unrest and social
instability. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Structural reforms to
address the barriers to growth will not result in integral human development if
there is an increased indifference to the country’s economic inequalities and
the need for economic transformation, particularly with respect to land
inequalities, mining and agriculture.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The vast disparities between the rural and urban economies<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Of particular concern to us is the huge disparities between
the rural and urban economies, which have resulted into the exclusion of the
rural poor from equal and significant participation in the country’s economy.
Our rural economies continue to suffer from serious neglect in terms of educational
opportunities, viable municipalities, as well as public and private
investments. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our rural youth find it
hard to find jobs when the building of rural economies is grounded solely on mining,
manufacturing and agricultural sectors which are themselves characterised by
increased automation and exploitative labour system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We therefore
call on the government to invest more in building thriving and self-sustaining
rural economies, including self-sustaining village economies, that generate
massive job creation for the rural youth, including those classified as skilled
labour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Eskom Crisis, as well as Transnet’s failing rail
infrastructure<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">We remind the government of the urgent need to address the
load shedding and the Eskom Crisis, as well as Transnet’s failing rail
infrastructure, both of which impact negatively on the lives of the poor and
the prospects of economic recovery. </span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">In the interest of inclusion, the much talked about
decentralisation of energy production into private business must include viable
models of community-private partnerships that ensure significant economic
benefits to the people in the rural areas, particularly with respect to
large-scale solar and wind projects.</span><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #1d2228;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Parties need to work together in fixing failed
municipalities<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Considering that municipalities provide most of the
services important for lifting people out of poverty, we make a strong call on
all political parties in our country, particularly those deeply involved in
unhealthy coalition politics, to set aside their political differences and <a name="_Hlk110788738">work together in fixing failed municipalities</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fixing of financial and capacity issues
in municipalities should include finding ways of building self-sustaining township
economies and village-based economies grounded on small</span><span style="color: red;">-</span><span style="color: black;">scale producers and small
business development. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All implicated in state capture and other forms of
corruption must be held to account<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is clear to us that the benefits of growth are not adequately
reaching the poor largely because of corruption, wasteful expenditure,
incompetence, and mismanagement of government funds. We find this
to be morally unacceptable. At a time when many people are struggling to
make ends meet, we strongly denounce the failure of the government to address
accountability issues and consequence management in such matters.
The fight against corruption should be guided by the good of the nation, and
not by blind loyalty to political parties and factional interests.
We ask the government to make sure that those implicated in state capture and
other forms of corruption are held to account irrespective of their affiliation
to a particular political party and faction. </span></span></p>
<p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stop the culture of cable theft, non-payment of municipal
rates, vandalism, and damage to infrastructure<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">We remind all South Africans that each one of us has a
responsibility to rebuild our country’s economy, including the municipalities
and state-owned enterprises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This includes
working together as communities to <a name="_Hlk110788979">stop the culture of
cable theft, non-payment of municipal rates, vandalism, and damage to
infrastructure</a>. We also call on the citizens to use whatever opportunity
and means available to grow their own food and earn some income instead
expecting everything from the government.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">We ask God to continue healing our economy</span><span style="color: #1d2228;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We promise our prayers for families struggling with current
economic hardships and call on those who can to be moved to do something about
the plight of their brothers and sisters “so that by the power of the Holy
Spirit they may abound in hope” (Romans 15:23). Sustained by the
Risen Christ, our hope (1 Corinthians 15:12<a name="_Hlk110789100">), we
ask God to continue healing our economy </a>so that it becomes a just economy
that works for the benefit of all.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOXMSif-4X1X7ZvjOlMb8I6DZH5TJ9hUMKQpTHJT0xNb3UXW4LfGIXsxQJ0SnA4COoIHgRK7hiinsMQn7ibskzuXqbw8-dVqyCZZS5Mnj6aaCO_5pm9xNPH4pqXOQiLQhHTmQ9_QKnh6RPrBO6BKErFSfyNAGqoT-BSXJT7ZKsIGuNFmOltRfsWrHFw/s1071/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="1071" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOXMSif-4X1X7ZvjOlMb8I6DZH5TJ9hUMKQpTHJT0xNb3UXW4LfGIXsxQJ0SnA4COoIHgRK7hiinsMQn7ibskzuXqbw8-dVqyCZZS5Mnj6aaCO_5pm9xNPH4pqXOQiLQhHTmQ9_QKnh6RPrBO6BKErFSfyNAGqoT-BSXJT7ZKsIGuNFmOltRfsWrHFw/w641-h250/Untitled.png" width="641" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="yiv7620321976para" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #1d2228;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-74477713122156345972022-07-16T06:40:00.000-07:002022-07-16T06:40:31.630-07:00Pope Francis appoints Rev. Fr. John Selemela Auxiliary Bishop of Pretoria<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Rv35PVf_SspsUHWfDEfcExJtaIWICih-qFiWFF1fwwAwRkUQ0hVvVvUajyS-QgmdWTH49NIMwIgIc3rulc9P4r5RUMoihrZbxi76df1QB_gMlVacDZPD7kOQgffk-futQXHBHdoI7xadgGHrg7iFZ8tC4E4I3gaB1rqKzEjV6il9XZ2z630J-_eQAQ/s602/Fr%20John%20Selemela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="602" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Rv35PVf_SspsUHWfDEfcExJtaIWICih-qFiWFF1fwwAwRkUQ0hVvVvUajyS-QgmdWTH49NIMwIgIc3rulc9P4r5RUMoihrZbxi76df1QB_gMlVacDZPD7kOQgffk-futQXHBHdoI7xadgGHrg7iFZ8tC4E4I3gaB1rqKzEjV6il9XZ2z630J-_eQAQ/w640-h398/Fr%20John%20Selemela.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has appointed as
<b>Auxiliary Bishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Pretoria the
Rev. Fr. Masilo John Selemela</b>, <b>of the clergy of Tzaneen Diocese,</b> currently Rector of
the National Major Seminary of St. John Vianney in Pretoria, assigning him the titular See
of Nachingwea, Tanzania.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><b>Curriculum vitae</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">His Excellency Monsignor Masilo John Selemela was
born on January 13, 1972 in Magoebaskloof, Diocese of Tzaneen.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">After the
preparatory year at St. Paul ‘s Minor Seminary (1991), he completed his studies
in Philosophy at St. Peter’ s Major Seminary in Hammanskraal (1992-1993) and in
Theology at St. John Vianney National Seminary of Pretoria (1994-1998).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><b>He was ordained a priest on June 12, 1999.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">He subsequently held
the following positions: Parish Vicar of Our Lady of Peace in Makhado and
Diocesan Vice-Director of Vocation and Youth Ministry (1999-2004);</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Parish Vicar
of Dwars River Parish and Diocesan Youth Chaplain, Diocesan Director of
Vocation Ministry, Coordinator of the Education for Life program,
Vice-President of the Diocesan Committee for Finance and Chaplain of St.
Brendan’s School (2004-2006);</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Licentiate and Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology</b> at
the Pontifical Urbaniana University and Diploma in Canonical Administrative
Practice at the Dicastery for the Clergy (2006-2011); </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Professor, Formator and Vice- Rector at the St.
John Vianney National Major Seminary in Pretoria (2011-2019). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>From 2019 up to
now he has been Rector of the same Major Seminary</b>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Congratulations to Mgr. John Selemela and the Archdiocese
of Pretoria.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-81667766085965044472022-02-21T08:57:00.001-08:002022-02-21T09:05:08.714-08:00St Brendan's Catholic Secondary School - Top School in the District<p><span style="font-size: large;">St Brendan's Catholic Secondary School is a Full-Service school offering a service mainly to young learners in the local surrounding communities but also has boarding facilities and provides accommodation for learners from other districts.Being a Full-Service school means that the school also serves physically challenged learners. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The Catholic Church has an agreement with the Department of Basic Education therefore the school is recognised as a Catholic Public school on private property. In this 2022 year, the school has 773 pupils with 31 educators.Also between the school and boarding governing bodies, an additional 33 people are employed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">St Brendan's provides excellent opportunities and outcomes for its students, even achieving outstanding results. It is the top school in the circuit and one of the best schools in the Capricorn District and Limpopo Province.In the current climate of poor discipline and the problems schools are experiencing, St Brendan's still manages to keep a high standard of discipline and parents can be sure that their children are cared for holistically.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Last year the Grade 12 learners obtained a 97.1 % pass rate with 62.62% bachelor passes.The school obtained Position 1 in the Capricorn North District, the Sekgosese Cluster, the Catholic Schools as well as well as the Full-Service Schools.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEix_jjn2IlM3r4YMTctTM252Wxl30pjdKGgX_8v-Od4mejQpMeWDjEvtOIscTC3CWJQQIYhzDBaRHhfSHCQxLhVMEVkSqS9B-njctTrGllVYX5XtRk2FDk61xvDasqnMHv2f7woYxrS5wbWVa7hbavFiQkJFFzwsO6EoSqRxh60oLjNEKNjC2qfYHHjXg=s387" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="265" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEix_jjn2IlM3r4YMTctTM252Wxl30pjdKGgX_8v-Od4mejQpMeWDjEvtOIscTC3CWJQQIYhzDBaRHhfSHCQxLhVMEVkSqS9B-njctTrGllVYX5XtRk2FDk61xvDasqnMHv2f7woYxrS5wbWVa7hbavFiQkJFFzwsO6EoSqRxh60oLjNEKNjC2qfYHHjXg=w438-h640" width="438" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;">The principal of St Brendan's, Ms Irene Modiba,holding the trophy,flanked by Mr Samuel Baloyi, motivational speaker and Bishop Rodrigues, holding the certificate which recognises St Brendan's as the top school of Capricorn North District.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">For more information check the website: </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://stbrendansschool.co.za/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">http://stbrendansschool.co.za/</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-82846711242530495772022-01-23T01:37:00.003-08:002022-01-23T01:38:39.047-08:00FEAST DAY OF BLESSED BENEDICT DASWA - TUESDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2022<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbpmeDoTiD_utahw1AFFHAYWh0ILhJz7XRXQ8EDyBYci-GXkkdBkSZiIHUivs_SfW2mztCKnBZbfvMUbZ7n10BDqADs1crFBWb8dskq9rvrJRjfjTpibJXkhIdfphq4mw5oh1Ew8t4umSgxjHN0xvWHSiNrofr6AE9cLzj659rGbfVozC5dePv4uzNdA=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="871" height="831" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbpmeDoTiD_utahw1AFFHAYWh0ILhJz7XRXQ8EDyBYci-GXkkdBkSZiIHUivs_SfW2mztCKnBZbfvMUbZ7n10BDqADs1crFBWb8dskq9rvrJRjfjTpibJXkhIdfphq4mw5oh1Ew8t4umSgxjHN0xvWHSiNrofr6AE9cLzj659rGbfVozC5dePv4uzNdA=w634-h831" width="634" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-41181900993075208272021-12-20T10:17:00.000-08:002021-12-20T10:17:00.799-08:00Benedict Moila - Rest in Peace<p style="text-align: center;"> <b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Benedict Moila - passed away on Wednesday 15
December 2021 at Elim hospital</span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqrI5cKFrcIRL2aPyQSFoOdhutNxYhSBeJurpmmU_An5eFAr4YQi1UnTnhiabqhu86AkX-bgPUlHQLCxlp78QlR_dMf-0ytrRjdYpKH7CWTKSAcs_KcinOro-_NL5TNq3J3m4ofbMZVHGGEf9EF-hlVgwCp7OGaDh3UjhTXHNTGnUflNK7TdQdHCvk_g=s356" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="265" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqrI5cKFrcIRL2aPyQSFoOdhutNxYhSBeJurpmmU_An5eFAr4YQi1UnTnhiabqhu86AkX-bgPUlHQLCxlp78QlR_dMf-0ytrRjdYpKH7CWTKSAcs_KcinOro-_NL5TNq3J3m4ofbMZVHGGEf9EF-hlVgwCp7OGaDh3UjhTXHNTGnUflNK7TdQdHCvk_g=w298-h400" width="298" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br /></u></b><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>He lived at Muwaweni Village in St Scholastica’s
Parish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>It is sad news indeed for us in the Diocese of Tzaneen.
Benedict Moila served in the diocese in many different ways. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>He was a Catechist and Pastoral Worker for many years
in the Diocese. He spent many years on the team at Ave Maria Pastoral Centre.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>He also served with the Jesuit Refugee Service established
in Makhado in 2008 before the Jesuits closed the office in 2015. This was a
very humble service of love in providing food, clothing, shelter and spiritual
support for the refugees who came from different African nations.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>A prayerful man of deep faith and commitment to
Christ, he even organised a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2012 which was
greatly appreciated and inspiring to all the 25 pilgrims.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>There are many stories and good memories of Benedict
Moila and his ministry in the Docese of Tzaneen and in St Scholastica parish as
long serving Catechist.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>He will be deeply missed by all.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Requiem mass is on Tuesday 21 December 2021 at
3:30 pm at St Urban Catholic church and the burial takes place the
following day at 6:00 at his family home.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>We pray especially for his family that the Lord may
bring consolation to all who are grieving. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>May the Lord grant the soul of Benedict Moila eternal
peace and the grace of heavenly joy and light.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></u></b><p></p>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-85400473119821653152021-09-02T05:43:00.001-07:002021-09-02T05:43:42.521-07:00Obituary of the late Ngwako Gilbert Selotole - fulltime Catechist in the Parish of Modjadjiskloof.<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Date of Birth: 1964/01/01<br />
Date of Death: 2021/08/02<br />
Date of Burial: 2021/08/08<br />
Place of Burial: Matipane Village Cemetery<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ngwako Gilbert Selotole was born on 1964/01/01
at Matipane village. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He was the fourth child of the late Johannes Tshwaresa and
Masutane Mamotsatsi (nee Makadikwa) Selotole. He began his primary studies at
Senopelwa Primary school and continued his high school studies at Masopina High
School.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> He did his pastoral studies at Lumko Institute under the Diocese of
Tzaneen. He worked as a fulltime Catechist in the Parish of Modjadjiskloof. He
did further studies with UNISA and</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">completed a Higher Certificate in Adult Basic Education and Training,
Higher Diploma in Adult Education, Adult Assessment Certificate of Attendance
and SACE. He also did his pastoral work in the parish of Modjadjiskloof in the
following programs of Education for Life and Frail Care Home Based Care.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He was married to Mokgadi Annastacia Selotole and
they were blessed with five children (4 Daughters & 1 Son) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mosibudi, Thabang, Bridget, Bohlale and
Rebothile. He had one grandchild, Mahlatse. He also leaves behind his siblings
Motsatsi, Mapula, Sekedi and Mathate. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He died after a short illness. He is
survived by his wife, children and grandchild. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></p>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-51699438425103019122021-09-02T05:32:00.002-07:002021-09-02T05:32:54.399-07:00Burial of the late Fr Matsobane Sehlapelo at Ave Maria Pastoral Centre 7 August 2021<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYfEMv87YGdADi9HXGkxJX8RWNQcn6Kq-YilSdcsoWDXUFM2J12sM9yidCunwjZ7JCmD5DSmnU3CkeKJYaCCkzTh4H0ii0RbsUa7bcImCo23P1V7CVgI5TyXLXPYdwltuSwvVNM6BtrTy/s562/funeral3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="562" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYfEMv87YGdADi9HXGkxJX8RWNQcn6Kq-YilSdcsoWDXUFM2J12sM9yidCunwjZ7JCmD5DSmnU3CkeKJYaCCkzTh4H0ii0RbsUa7bcImCo23P1V7CVgI5TyXLXPYdwltuSwvVNM6BtrTy/w640-h438/funeral3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKmqT9KepXyLQxQx_hRoP59ydZT9m3zur5EyH2bBSJ7YlvvgCaCM0TRX5IMfSqiKZzD6q56QnqFWTbwEHULXf2Om8irXSr0Nj4KHb2tFPU6JQXZGRTI5hWQo6ux9cxFpm1_z_PrL0gX_a/s661/funeral1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="661" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKmqT9KepXyLQxQx_hRoP59ydZT9m3zur5EyH2bBSJ7YlvvgCaCM0TRX5IMfSqiKZzD6q56QnqFWTbwEHULXf2Om8irXSr0Nj4KHb2tFPU6JQXZGRTI5hWQo6ux9cxFpm1_z_PrL0gX_a/w640-h448/funeral1.jpg" width="640" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WGlDX5piTTB2KCZfoYIuQnwHOcBM8BPI7ik8hpEsau57UaYYO7SvqWn_m2auNRbxg74A87qQBZOA7K4KhYX6v78FUZtHuGD6IsS7HwyzZpYbKlddOLAmiGUBIo9vrIgtLEzD01ZPbFl-/s586/funeral2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="586" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WGlDX5piTTB2KCZfoYIuQnwHOcBM8BPI7ik8hpEsau57UaYYO7SvqWn_m2auNRbxg74A87qQBZOA7K4KhYX6v78FUZtHuGD6IsS7HwyzZpYbKlddOLAmiGUBIo9vrIgtLEzD01ZPbFl-/w640-h442/funeral2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><br />Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-84634843660849542102021-08-06T04:38:00.001-07:002021-09-24T10:15:02.777-07:00Fr Matsobane 'Tsubi' Sehlapelo - Rest in Peace<div class="WordSection1"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 10.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.2pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPKaBUva-2c3xXgDklIobMPwxslBK7f5lWCAaa4N7p0xGiLVlao2HRX0X0CdBjiHj0x0axC7ewD1wBt4jRXazyH3sYAR4BXA2AOFDmyTUJ8eag9nVC2lbcFQsZMA9TqLphHrh9MQ0H0XB/s1600/image001-714151.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6993280133945934658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPKaBUva-2c3xXgDklIobMPwxslBK7f5lWCAaa4N7p0xGiLVlao2HRX0X0CdBjiHj0x0axC7ewD1wBt4jRXazyH3sYAR4BXA2AOFDmyTUJ8eag9nVC2lbcFQsZMA9TqLphHrh9MQ0H0XB/s320/image001-714151.jpg" /></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.2pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; padding: 0cm;">By Selby Makgotho</span></i></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> – The news of the death of Fr Matsobane Sehlapelo of Modjadjiskloof parish in Tzaneen, in a car accident on August 1, sent shockwaves through the Catholic community in Limpopo and beyond.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.2pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Fr Tsubi, as he was affectionately known, was a larger-than-life person. True to his calling he was always available to assist families, especially in his communities of Vaalkop and Doornspruit, where his passion for the priesthood was discovered soon after matriculating at Pax College at GaMashashane in 2004.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.2pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">His love for the priesthood was largely inspired by his Catholic family and specifically his late grandfather, Deacon Christopher Sehlapelo, who served at Doornspruit parish for more than 40 years. Fr Tsubi had a deep interest and love for reading. My last interaction with him was a fortnight ago when he asked me to get him two copies of books by Adv Thembeka Ngcukaitobi SC and Themba Maseko in Johannesburg.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.2pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.2pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Soon after his priestly ordination, Fr Tsubi was assigned to Modjadjiskloof parish. It was there that his spark grew even brighter. He is largely credited with the introduction of the Knights of Da Gama in Tzaneen diocese. He further went around the diocese recruiting Catholic men into the order and took part in its activities in both Polokwane and Tzaneen. The news of his passing was received with shock and disbelief as he had big plans for the Catholic Church ahead of him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.2pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Born on May 15, 1985, in Doornspruit’s St Joseph Hospital, Fr Sehlapelo was the third child and second son of Motshilo Evelyn Sehlapelo (née Mokwatlo) and Nape David Sehlapelo. His father died in January this year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.2pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Matsobane Sehlapelo started schooling at Paxanyana Pre- and Primary School, and later Pax High School where he matriculated in 2004. After matric, he joined the seminary under the tutelage of the late Bishop Mogale Paul Nkhumishe of Polokwane. He graduated from St John Vianney Seminary in October 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Theology.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.2pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">He moved to the diocese of Tzaneen following an induced sabbatical and was ushered into his diaconate on December 20, 2015. He was ordained a priest by Bishop João Noé Rodrigues of Tzaneen on January 21, 2017. He served the Catholic Church with great passion until he met his untimely death on August 1.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.2pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">He will be dearly missed by his family and the Church at large, and will forever be remembered for his unwavering faith.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.2pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">( Source acknowledgment:The Southern Cross :</span><b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; text-transform: uppercase;"> <a href="https://www.scross.co.za">https://<span style="font-weight: normal;">www</span>.scross.co.za</a>)</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 106%;">The funeral will take place on Saturday 7 August 2021 at AMPC. Mass begins at 8:00am. This will be by invitation only. There will be a time for tributes after the Funeral Mass followed by the Burial Rites. We are humbly requesting a minimum donation of R5 000 from each parish to assist with the cost of the funeral. Kindly deposit these contributions if you are able into the diocesan account.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 106%;">The funeral will be live streamed on YouTube and Facebook. The following is the link for the live streaming of Fr. Matsobane's Funeral <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AveMariaMooketsi">https://www.facebook.com/AveMariaMooketsi</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 106%;">Thank you and God bless you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 106%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 106%;">Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 106%;">It is with deep sadness that I write these few words on the occasion of the funeral of the late Fr Matsobane Sehlapelo. The end of his journey of faith and service in the Diocese of Tzaneen came so unexpectedly on 1 August with the tragic accident.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 106%;">I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the mother of Fr Matsobane and the Sehlapelo family and I pray asking the Lord to console them with his Holy Spirit during this time of sorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 106%;">I am very aware of the shock that his death has caused among the priests and religious missionaries of the diocese and in particular the faithful people of the Parish of Modjadjiskloof whom he served so diligently in the past few years. May the Lord bring healing to our grief.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 106%;">Fr Matsobane was a gentle and dedicated young priest who was always willing to serve where needed. He had a particular passion for the catechetical apostolate as well as for supporting the Catholic men in the parish. More recently he had begun doing the Spiritual Direction Training course with the Jesuit Institute in order to improve his knowledge and skills in spiritual direction. He was very close to his family. In January this year, the death of his father, David Nape Sehlapelo, who succumbed to Covid-19, was particularly difficult for him but his faith in Christ and priestly vocation was the source of his comfort and strength.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Revelation 14:13</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> </span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labour, for their deeds will follow them.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 106%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 106%;">May the Lord have mercy on the soul of Fr Matsobane and grant him eternal peace. And may the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter" /> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0" /> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0" /> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1" /> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2" /> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth" /> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight" /> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1" /> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2" /> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth" /> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0" /> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight" /> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0" /> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" /> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t" /> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="A close-up of a stethoscope Description automatically generated with medium confidence" style='position:absolute;left:0;text-align:left;margin-left:0;margin-top:18.75pt;width:114.55pt;height:54.15pt;z-index:-251658240;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:left;mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin;mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page'> <v:imagedata src="cid:image002.png@01D78AC8.161F95E0" o:title="A close-up of a stethoscope Description automatically generated with medium confidence" /> <w:wrap anchorx="margin"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><span style="height: 72px; left: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 25px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: absolute; width: 153px; z-index: -1895825408;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95cI8JixxTqZOlMsu9kAfqCPnPTFtihPOBxxXLbCxQLOaeILpsjKwW1QJL0OWwBCWKJqnnK99F_4gI3xI1NPr9ybHO2SYIzvHdax2IVJQn7qUr3FpwbMAWAUIBYNsiOgN_AMnxcAAyOIJ/s1600/image004-715644.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6993280135018600514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95cI8JixxTqZOlMsu9kAfqCPnPTFtihPOBxxXLbCxQLOaeILpsjKwW1QJL0OWwBCWKJqnnK99F_4gI3xI1NPr9ybHO2SYIzvHdax2IVJQn7qUr3FpwbMAWAUIBYNsiOgN_AMnxcAAyOIJ/s320/image004-715644.png" /></a></span><![endif]><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 106%;">Sincerely in Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 106%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 106%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 106%;">……………………………….<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 106%;">Bishop Joao Rodrigues<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 106%;">Bishop of Tzaneen Diocese<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 106%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 106%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.2pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 106%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><div id="DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2"><br /> <table style="border-top: 1px solid rgb(211, 212, 222);"> <tbody><tr> <td style="padding-top: 13px; width: 55px;"><a href="http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="29" src="https://ipmcdn.avast.com/images/icons/icon-envelope-tick-green-avg-v1.png" style="height: 29px; width: 46px;" width="46" /></a></td> <td style="color: #41424e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; padding-top: 12px; width: 470px;">Virus-free. <a href="http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient" style="color: #4453ea;" target="_blank">www.avg.com</a> </td> </tr> </tbody></table><a height="1" href="#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2" width="1"> </a></div>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-54413407837773667822021-07-14T04:29:00.001-07:002021-07-14T04:29:13.710-07:00The Catholic Bishops call for an end to violence and looting:13 July 2021<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {margin-top:0cm; margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0cm; line-height:106%; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} span.EmailStyle17 {mso-style-type:personal-compose; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; color:windowtext;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} @page WordSection1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" /> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout v:ext="edit"> <o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" /> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-ZA link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>As we join other Religious Leaders in calling for calm, we wish to draw attention to the caution by Pope Francis during his visit to Mozambique in 2019 that, sometimes, it takes small steps of violence for a nation to descend into full-fledged anarchy, an endless spiral of violence and massive bloodshed. The Pope said: “No family, no group of neighbours or ethnic group and even less - no country has a future if the motor that unites them, brings them together and resolves their differences is composed of violence and vengeance.” (Pope Francis, 2 September 2019).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> Presently, certain parts of our country, namely, Kwazulu-Natal and Gauteng are engulfed by violence and looting that started off as protest against the incarceration of former president Jacob Zuma, with fear that this might spread wider. Let us not allow the difference of opinion on political matters to be hijacked by criminal intentions to create anarchy in our country that will result in worse social and economic situation than we presently find ourselves in. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>We condemn in strong terms the glaring criminal elements that are taking advantage of this situation. We call upon individuals who are involved in vandalism and thuggery to give a thought to the livelihood of many people that they are jeopardising by destroying their places of employment. We must also remember that we are in the height of Covid-19 pandemic that thrives in the conditions of disorder that we see, and that the longer these conditions prevail, the more we put ourselves and others in danger of infection that will be difficult to deal with. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>To those who incite this violence and looting for political ends, we call upon them to rise above political interests, to protect life and to preserve the common good. Eventually, it was dialogue and not violence that brought us to the present democratic dispensation. As we navigate some difficult routes of this democratic journey let us continue to choose the path of dialogue to settle our differences as brothers and sisters united by the love of our country and the desire for its prosperity for the good of all who reside and work in it. The path of dialogue is long and arduous, but it is the only one that can help us to “keep our attention focused, to penetrate to the heart of matters, and to recognize what is essential” (FT50). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>We also realize that the current crisis is due in no small measure to extreme economic inequalities as well as economic hardships suffered by the poor during the pandemic. These are issues that our government, business and the corporate sector over the years have failed to address in a comprehensive manner. What started off as difference of opinion has sparked off a wildfire of violence and looting because the “dry grass” of poverty has been left to “overgrow” over decades. A big contributing factor to this “dry grass” of poverty is the lack of efficient leadership in government and unethical practices in business. We call for a return to efficient leadership at all levels of government that will see service being delivered to the people and business enabling all to participate meaningfully in the economic system. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Our society has normalized the use of violence and vandalism to get the government to listen and be serious in addressing economic concerns of the poor. We need a shift in mind-set, a collective conversion of heart and mind, which affirms that violent protests and destruction of property can never be a just response to the current economic hardships and economic injustice. We reiterate Pope Francis’ call in Fratelli Tutti, reminding all that: in face of political and economic problems there is always a possibility of choosing constructive engagement over violence. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>As many people in our country continue to suffer because of business collapse, job losses and other impacts of the pandemic, may the Lord grant our nation “politicians (and businesspeople) who are genuinely disturbed by the state of society, the people, (and) the lives of the poor” (Pope Francis, 01 May 2013). In these tempting times for violence, we invite all to make a choice for life which will manifest in a desire to “cooperate, build and dialogue, pardon, grow, respect sacredness of life, the dignity and freedom of others, and loving commitment to the welfare of all” (FT 285). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>+Sithembele Sipuka <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Bishop of Mthatha and SACBC President.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226074139730884992.post-66138692989280910162021-05-25T07:08:00.002-07:002021-05-25T07:08:49.447-07:00Blessed Benedict Daswa - Tzaneen Diocesan inquiry on miracle sent to Rome<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">On
the 13<sup>th</sup> September 2015, we celebrated the beatification of the
Servant of God Tshimangadzo Samuel Benedict Daswa at Tshiṱanini. When he was
beatified, he was recognised as a Saint for the local church. This was a
culmination of the long process that began in early 2000. As the cause for his
beatification was that of martyrdom, there was no need for a miracle to be
recognised by the Church for this first phase of the process. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Since
2015, the devotion to Blessed Tshimangadzo Samuel Benedict Daswa has been
growing among the Catholic faithful and even among some non-Catholics who are encouraged
by Catholic members to ask him to intercede for their needs. We have also seen
a steady increase in the number of pilgrims each year. The 1<sup>st</sup> of
February feast-day celebration<span style="color: red;"> </span>has<span style="color: red;"> </span>been growing steadily among the Catholic faithful.
Some people have also made it a point to diarise the date so that they would
not miss it. We have also seen an increase in the SACBC organised Men’s and
Women’s pilgrimages. Sadly, this had to stop in 2020 & 2021 because of
COVID19 pandemic. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Some
of these faithful people have received favours that are remarkable and they have
shared their experiences with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
people came from all over South Africa and even beyond the borders of South
Africa. Of the many people who were willing to share their stories, some
favours were selected and presented to the Congregation for the Causes of
Saints in Rome to see if any of them could be considered to be a possible miracle.
The Diocese of Tzaneen was fortunate to have received a go-ahead to formally investigate
one of these favours.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now,
we are at the next phase in the process of seeking to get him canonised and
thus be recognised as a Saint for the whole universal church. Since then, under
the guidance of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints,we have been doing a
follow-up with this particular favour that Rome had selected. We are now happy
to announce that the results of this phase of the investigation have been sent
to Rome for evaluation. We confidently yet patiently wait in prayer like the
apostles and disciples waited in prayer and fasting in the upper room for the
coming of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2,1). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Please
pray to God in the holy name of Jesus, and also ask for the intercession of our
Blessed Mother Mary, and indeed, Blessed Daswa himself, that we may get a favourable
response from Rome. We pray that when the members of the Congregation for the
Causes of Saints study, scrutinize and evaluate all the documents and
testimonies which we sent them, Pope Francis will then be able to discern and
respond if Blessed Tshimangadzo Samuel Benedict Daswa can be canonized and
proclaimed as a Saint for the universal Church. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">May
God bless you all and may Blessed <a name="_Hlk72844112">Tshimangadzo</a>
Samuel Benedict Daswa intercede for your needs and the needs of your family and
community.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="PT" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: PT;">+Rt. Reverend Bishop Joao Rodrigues</span></b><span lang="PT" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: PT;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Sr Tshifhiwa Munzhedzi, OP</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="PT" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: PT;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bishop of Tzaneen<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Promotor of the Cause<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>bishopjoao@mweb.co.za<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>bendaswa@mweb.co.za<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Bishop Joaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891907119581767812noreply@blogger.com0