"The Catholic Church in Eswatini celebrated Holy Mass together with the Refugees led by Bishop José Luis.
After Mass the refugees were given food parcels courtesy of Eswatini Council of Catholic Women and Caritas Eswatini (through an SACBC grant for Refugees).
About 238 families which makes up 950 people were given food parcels comprised of rice, mealie meal, tinned fish, cooking oil, sugar, soups, washing powder. It was a wonderful celebration of humanity at its best!"
Dr Diana Earnshaw
Caritas Eswatini National Director
Caritas Eswatini National Director
It is now a tradition in our diocese. It began years' ago when Pope Francis called the Church all over the world to care for migrants and refugees. The ECCW (Eswatini Council of Catholic Women) responded immediately proposing that we would gather as a Diocese at Malindza Refugee Reception Centre. It is now done every year.
We begin with the celebration of the Mass, a beautiful moment of prayer accompanied by hymns from the different countries from where we come. Before the final blessing, young people share the gift of their own culture through music and dances. We celebrate, in fact, being one human family in the diversity of our nations and cultures.
It is then time to interact and to be updated on the present situation. We were particularly touched hearing about someone who had committed suicide, about the challenges regarding space as people have arrived from South Africa following the events that took place some weeks' ago and about the need to give a hand in the bringing up of the many children and young people at the Centre.
Once all the donations have arrived, they are organised in such a way that everyone is supported.
While this is a yearly event, the Centre under the pastoral care of Good Shepherd Parish (Siteki) and the Adorers of the Blood of Christ Sisters who, together with the Cabrini Sisters visit the centre weekly listening to the refugees, their hopes and struggles. It is a silent faithful presence making sure they experience God's care.
We are grateful to all those who made possible such a beautiful day and for the ongoing presence of our diocese.
