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Livi laba yinyama!
As the IMBISA 14th Plenary Assembly and Golden Jubilee comes closer, I would like to update you on a few matters.
Participants
At present, we expect to welcome 76 arch/bishops (4 cardinals, 12 archbishops and 60 bishops), 25 priests, 2 religious sisters and 18 lay men and women.
Date and place
The event takes place at Esibayeni Lodge from Wednesday 24 (arrival) until Monday 29 (departure).
The IMBISA standing committee (16 people) will be arriving on Tuesday 23 September in preparation for the event. The rest of the participants will arrive on Wednesdady 24 September.
What it is all about
Opening session. It will take place on Thursday from 09H00 to 10H00. It is a solemn moment with bishops dressed in black cassocks, His Majesty’s government representatives, diplomats and members from other Christian Churches.
Working session. Soon after the opening session, participants will reflect on “synodality” which is the main topic of our gathering. As synodality is about journeying together, listening to each other and, together, to God’s voice, participants will not only reflect about it but also experience it through group work.
Ten members of our diocese have been invited to attend this day and a half session.
Business session. The next day and a half is dedicated to reports from each IMBISA department and each episcopal conference. Our generous partners will also address the gathering briefly.
On Saturday, four members of the new standing committee will be elected (president, vice-president, secretary general and media officer).
Diocesan gathering for the celebration of Mass at Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre
- Dress code: preferably traditional and sodality uniforms.
- We gather at 09H00 at the entrance to welcome our visitors.
- We will be lead by the Salesian Brass Band and St Theresa’s drum majorettes.
- Mass begins at 10H00.
- The diocese has prepared items to be sold in memory of this event. These items are: emahiya, emagcebesha, caps, and t-shirts. Have a look at them on our social media (Facebook, Instagram and others).
Make sure you join our “Diocesan News” WhatsApp group (+268 7662 0223) to be regularly updated about this important event in the life of our diocese and the Church in Southern Africa.
We count on your prayers!
In Christ our Hope,
+ José Luis Ponce de León, IMC
Bishop of Manzini
18 September 2025
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