AoB/Cir/ 06 2017
Dear Priests, Deacons, Religious and Faithful of the Archdiocese of Bulawayo,
As we are drawing closer to the year of the family we thank the Lord for the many blessings we continue to receive in our personal lives and in our families. Let us value high our families especially the Catholicity of our families. Continue to pray for your families. The disciples of Jesus approached Him and said; “Lord increase our faith” Luke 17:5. Let this be our daily prayer too. A family without strong faith in the Lord cannot find its genuine meaning and value.
1. Prayer for the Care of Creation: From last year Pope Francis has declared 01 September as a day to pray for the care of creation. This was a result of his Encyclical titled “Laudato Si”. In that he says; “This sister (the earth) now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her. We have come to see ourselves as her lords and masters, entitled to plunder her at will. The violence present in our hearts, wounded by sin, is also reflected in the symptoms of sickness evident in the soil, in the water, in the air and in all forms of life. This is why the earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor; she “groans in travail”. We have forgotten that we ourselves are dust of the earth; our very bodies are made up of her elements, we breathe her air and we receive life and refreshment from her waters”. (Laudato Si No.2).
Therefore it is our prime responsibility to take care of the earth and protect it. We waste lot of things of the earth like its natural resources, food, water, fuel etc. We pollute the earth with material waste. Our rivers are polluted. Water is no more safe to drink. There is scarcity of food. This compromises our health and welfare as human beings. As Catholics let us be responsible in the use of things. Let us preserve our land and its resources for the future generation. We only need to use the necessary food. We do not need to litter our roads and fields with plastics and waste. We can save fuel by using public transport systems or by reducing unnecessary travels. Let us plant some trees around our homes and parishes. Let us keep the place around our churches free of pollution and litter. Let us teach our children the value of the creation and its resources. This is being responsible Catholics and stewards of creation. Let us be ambassadors of the care and protection of our “common home” the earth.
2. Appointments:
1. Fr. Alphos Mhlanga as Vice Rector at Mazoe Pre Major Seminary.
2. Fr. John Sewera, Assistant Priest at St. Mbaga Tuzinde Mission, Nkayi.
3. Fr. Thomas Sadya CMM, Assistant Priest at Our Lady of Fatima, Pumula South.
4. Fr. Jonathan Proud Mukamba CMM, Assistant Priest at Our Lady of Assumption, Gwanda.
5. Fr. Moses Maseko, Assistant Priest at Empandeni Mission.
6. Fr. Oalen Ndlovu, Assistant Priest at Regina Mundi Mission, Gwai.
3. Silver Jubilee: We congratulate the following sisters who celebrate their silver jubilee of religious profession this year:
Sr. Norbert Phiri AMR
Sr. Grace Sibanda AMR
Sr. Teclar Mukuli FMDM
Sr. Yeyani Nyoni FMDM
4. ZCBC Financial Fraud Policy: The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishop’s Conference(ZCBC) has approved a Policy to deal with any mismanagement of funds and property within the Church. This policy is applicable to all clergy, religious and laity in the Church.
5. Pilgrimage to Empandeni: This year it will take place on 6th October starting at 17.00 hours ending on the following morning.
6. Year of the Family: I would like to thank the whole family of the Archdiocese of Bulawayo for taking active part in all the various celebrations during this year. We had a very good participation for the ordination to priesthood and pilgrimage to Our Lady of Fatima despite the unfriendly weather. Let us continue to uphold our faith proudly.
7. AGM of the Laity 2017: This will take place at Emthonjeni Pastoral Centre from 27th to 29th October.
8. Accounts Clerk: Mrs. Anilly Muromba is appointed Accounts clerk for the Archdiocese of Bulawayo to work with the Financial Administrator.
“Dear families, you know very well that the true joy which we experience in the family is not superficial; it does not come from material objects, from the fact that everything seems to be going well… True joy comes from a profound harmony between persons, something which we all feel in our hearts and which makes us experience the beauty of togetherness, of mutual support along life’s journey. But the basis of this feeling of deep joy is the presence of God, the presence of God in the family and his love, which is welcoming, merciful, and respectful towards all.”
- Pope Francis -
Sincerely
+Alex Thomas
Archbishop of Bulawayo
