AoB Cir/06 2022

Dear Priests, Deacons, Religious and Laity of the Archdiocese of Bulawayo,

1. Our Lady of Fatima Project:

As announced on the day of Pilgrimage this year it is our intention to build shades over the seating area of the grotto for all people so that our gathering can be rather comfortable taking into consideration extreme weather patterns of cold, wind, heat etc. The work on the first shade is already in progress. If all of you can be generous this project is achievable and all of us and the future generation can benefit from it. One association has already donated US$ 200.00 and ZAR 12 000.00. We sincerely thank them for their donation. I hope others will follow soon. The fund-raising committee for this project has embarked on various activities. Kindly assist them to your best ability.

2. AGM of the Pastoral Council:

This will take place at Emthonjeni from 25 to 27 November. Carrying on the theme of Synodality: Communion, Participation and Mission the proposed theme for next year is "Revival and Renewal of the Church through Synodality".

3. AGM of Priests:

it will take place on 29 November at Emthonjeni Pastoral Centre.

4. Security of our Parishes:

Of late, a number of our parishes have been the target of robberies. This also puts the lives of our priests at great risk besides the financial and material loss. Each parish is requested to put in place to the best of your ability affordable security systems that suits the place.

5. Congratulations:

5.1. St. Patrick's Parish, Makokoba on 22 October celebrated 120 years of their evangelization.

5.2. CPS Sisters: Sr. Sibusisiwe Nyoni, Sr. Clara Mangwengwe and Sr. Balbina Muchazorega will celebrate their silver jubilee of Religious Profession on 3 December 2022. We congratulate them and wish them many more blessings.

6. Appointments:

6.1. Fr. Vusumuzi Golden Moyo as assistant priest at St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica.

6.2. Fr. Rodney Simainza as assistant priest at St. Patrick's Parish, Makokoba.

7. Diaconate Ordination:

The diaconate for the 5 candidates due will take place on 11 December 2022 at St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica.

8. Advent 2022:

During this Advent I encourage all our Catholics, parishes and associations to look into their personal renewal and commitment. Let us also do our best to renew and revive our parishes wholeheartedly in every way. Each parish and mission is called upon to come up with suitable spiritual and pastoral programmes towards this. I wish you all many blessings for this Advent.

Sincerely

+ Alex Thomas
Archbishop of Bulawayo