"From the time I was appointed to the Diocese of Manzini in Swaziland (January 2014), we have been praying for you bishop. Today we are grateful you are here and among us".
The clergy of the Vicariate of Ingwavuma meets every two weeks. We had agreed on meeting today to update each other on a number of issues.
In the meantime we got the news we had been looking and praying for: Pope Francis had appointed a new Bishop for the Vicariate of Ingwavuma.
The new Vicar Apostolic is Fr Mandla Siegfried Jwara CMM who belongs to the Missionaries of Mariannhill and has been serving in the diocese of Mthatha.
He joined us today for lunch. All the clergy but one (who is doing further studies in Nairobi, Kenya) was present and could know and welcome the bishop-elect.
As I shared with them, my predecessor Bishop Michael O'Shea OSM, had asked the Missionaries of Mariannhill to consider having a community in our Vicariate but it did not happen during his time. Some years' later when I was appointed Vicar Apostolic of Ingwavuma I reminded them about our request. It did not happen during my time either. I joked saying only the Pope could make it possible!
As I shared with them, my predecessor Bishop Michael O'Shea OSM, had asked the Missionaries of Mariannhill to consider having a community in our Vicariate but it did not happen during his time. Some years' later when I was appointed Vicar Apostolic of Ingwavuma I reminded them about our request. It did not happen during my time either. I joked saying only the Pope could make it possible!
After lunch he sat down for a couple of hours with the team that will be coordination the preparation of his episcopal ordination which will take place at Riverview (Mtubatuba) on 25 June 2016.
Soon the Vicariate of Ingwavuma will once again have a full time shepherd!
Soon the Vicariate of Ingwavuma will once again have a full time shepherd!
