AoB Cir/07 2022

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

I wish each of you many blessings for Christmas 2022.

1. Christmas:

Christmas is always a time of joy and new life. Especially as we begin a new year let us all be filled with faith, hope and love in all that we do. Especially in our personal relationships and activities let our faith stand out.

2. Congratulations:

2.1. Fr. Simon Mabhena, Fr. Dumani Pius Sibanda and Fr. Reason Mlilo celebrated their silver jubilee of priesthood on 10 December 2022. We thank them for their commitment in the Archdiocese of Bulawayo for the past 25 years in the service of the Church.

2.2. Sr. Elizabeth Buhlebentombi Ngwenya CPS made her perpetual vows in the congregation of the CPS on 3 December 2022.

2.3. Our new Deacons who were ordained on 11 December are: Musawenkosi Sibanda, Thabo Martin Dube, Clement Moyo, Jackson Dube and Thabiso Clive Sibanda.
We wish all of them many blessings in the service of the Lord.

3. Pastoral Theme of the Archdiocese of Bulawayo for 2023:

The theme for 2023 will be "Revival and Renewal of the Church through Synodality" (Imvuselelo yeBandla ngokuhambisana ndawonye). The motto of the year will be "My Church, our home of Salvation" (Ibandla lami, ikhaya lethu losindiso). By this we wish to revive and renew our personal life, life of our families and our Church by following the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church. Pastoral Resolutions for 2023 will be sent to you as soon as the new year begins.

4. Pastoral Elections:

The term of office for the current leaders of parishes/missions and associations comes to an end by beginning of 2023. Accordingly all parishes and missions should complete their elections by end of February and all Deaneries should complete their elections process by end of April. May I remind all priests to follow strictly the "Guidelines on Pastoral Elections in the Archdiocese of Bulawayo".

5. New Secretary General of ZCBC (Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops' Conference):

Fr. Tryvis Moyo CSsR (Redemptorist) is appointed the new Secretary General of ZCBC effective from January 2023.

6. MCA Congress:

Missionary Childhood children had a wonderful congress at Empandeni Mission 9 - 12 December. We thank all the parents and animators for their support and hard work.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS 

Sincerely

+ Alex Thomas
Archbishop of Bulawayo