"The Servite Sisters of Swaziland is an evangelical and apostolic Community of women, gathered together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to dedicate themselves to God by accepting Christ's invitation to follow him offered in the Gospel. In their life of service to God and his people they draw abiding inspiration from Mary, Mother and Servant of the Lord" (from their Constitution).
This week, the Servite Sisters of Swaziland are celebrating their XIII General Chapter which includes the election of the new Prioress General and General Councillors. They are a "diocesan right" congregation, which means, they are under the authority of the local bishop.
"The Congregation is under the especial care of the Bishop of the Diocese of Manzini, who is competent to approve the Constitutions and confirm any changes lawfully made"
Six years' ago (2012) their XII General Chapter had to be postponed a few months because Bishop L.N. Ndlovu OSM had died just before it started. I was then appointed administrator of this diocese and therefore presided over their elections... like I did today.
The first step, though, was the official handing over of the new edition of their Constitutions by the Prioress General. It includes a small change in their name on the cover. Following the change of name of the country, they too should be known as Servite Sisters of Eswatini (or Eswatini Sisters Servants of Mary).
The Bishop then dispenses the Prioress General from her office and he presides the election of the new General Council.
It was also my opportunity to address them as I had not done so the previous days. Having been in this diocese since 2012, I could share some points regarding the way forward which I felt important to be considered by them. This is something I could not do at the previous one as I did not really know them.
A good team of priests helped in the process of election making sure the Constitutions would be followed. They explained every step of the process and made sure everyone understood.
The voting process was very smooth and three members of the previous council were reelected starting from ... the Prioress General: Sr Stephania Ngwenya OSM!
New young blood was also brought in, putting together a good combination of experience and new energies.
Once all the members had been elected we went to their chapel for the oath of office and blessing. There was deep joy in all of us as we did feel the presence of the Holy Spirit leading the process.
