"For the rest of my life..." (Swazi Servite Sisters)

Next January the diocese of Manzini will be launching a "vocational year". Representatives of the religious communities serving in the diocese and the diocesan priests, come together regularly to work on the details.

This week, instead, we had a clear sign that the Lord keeps on calling young Swazis to join religious life in the diocese. 

On Wednesday 17, we gathered as one family to witness the final vows of Sr Mamba OSM and Sr Mavuso OSM, members of the Swazi Servite Sisters. 

"Everyone" was present: many priests (diocesan, Salesians and Servants of Mary), members of the religious communities (Cabrini and Mantellate) and lay people.

 Hymns were led by the young choir that came from Florence Mission. 

After the reading the Sisters were asked: what do you ask from the Church and from the Servite Sisters? They then replied: The mercy of God and the grace of serving Jesus our Lord and Mary, following Jesus in this community every day of our lives.

The homily, the litany of the saints and their profession: "moved by the Word of God and helped by the grace of the Holy Spirit, I promise to be a witness to the Gospel and to be at the service of God the Father and all his people like Mary, Mother and servant of the Lord... With my whole heart I gvie myself to live in communion with you".

Every time the words "I vow to follow Christ for the rest of my life..." one could hear and feel the reaction of the people. The words touched their hearts.

Then then received a ring and a crown of roses.

We shared the celebration of the Mass and... a meal together. While we were eating, Swazi TV came to interview the Sisters. In fact, this is more than a local or a church event. The Catholic Church is very well known in Swaziland for being at the service of all. The gift of the final profession of these two Sisters is good  news for the whole country.

Some of the Sisters, priests and the bishop gathered for the photo at the end of the Mass