It was the first week of January this year when we gathered at Hope House to bless the ground where the new physiotherapy room would be build. It is always a special moment when, grateful to those who accepted to support this project financially, start looking to the future and dream of the day when it would be finished and available.
Nine months' later we met again to celebrate its completion. Last 6 October 2016 a much bigger number of people came together to thank God for the new building: benefactors, friends and, in a special way, those being cared at Hope House together with their relatives and care givers. The media too was present, as they always help us make these events known. Hope House is one of its kind in the country.
Ours was a prayer of thanksgiving to God for all those who made it possible: some through their financial support, some through their technical expertise and many others through their prayers!
We also asked God's blessing upon this new structure that it may be a place where everyone who goes through that door would be able to experience God's merciful love and care. We therefore prayed also for all those who work at Hope House, called to be God's touch to the sick.
We then entrusted to the Lord the present and future patients at Hope House, their relatives and care givers.
We also asked God's blessing upon this new structure that it may be a place where everyone who goes through that door would be able to experience God's merciful love and care. We therefore prayed also for all those who work at Hope House, called to be God's touch to the sick.
We then entrusted to the Lord the present and future patients at Hope House, their relatives and care givers.
The physiotherapy unit becomes a special symbol in the Jubilee of Mercy. A reminder that mercy is not a "one of" thing. As we open our hearts to those in need, we keep on discovering new needs and accept the challenge to respond to them. One cannot but be grateful to be serving in a Diocese that never stops finding new ways to be the good samaritan.
- Click below for photos of the day -
The celebration concluded with the "Vote of Thanks" by Mr William Kelly, director of Caritas Swaziland. These were his words:
Vote of Thanks
It is a privilege and a great joy for me to extend a vote of thanks to all those who have contributed in one way or the other to make this occasion a success.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Hope House Programme Manager Sr Elsa Joseph, has been the driving force behind this whole process. Her vision, interest and hard work have once again culminated in another success story for Hope House, Caritas Swaziland, the Diocese of Manzini and indeed the Kingdom of Swaziland. I wish to thank her for her concerted efforts. Sr. Elsa I congratulate you for a job well done. An event like this cannot happen overnight. The wheels started rolling years ago. It requires planning and a bird’s eye for details.
I also acknowledge the contributions of all those who have worked hard to turn this desire, this dream into the reality it is today. I want to thank the architect, Babe George Luthwama, the dedication of the contractors and the residents of Hope House who patiently endured the noise of the hammer and the squeaking wheel-barrows.
Before concluding, let me express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to our Bishop Jose Luis who have raised this occasion with his mere presence here today. We were all inspired by your continuous support of our endeavours in your words of encouragement this morning.
Finally, let me put on record our tributes to the following companies and individuals for their generous financial support. MTN, Nedbank, Swazi bank. Swaziland Electricity Company. Swaziland Posts and Tele Communications, DD Williams, Physiotherapy Swaziland, Apostolic Work, the Swaziland Sugar Associations and the many people of goodwill.
