AoB Cir/03 2023
Dear Priests, Deacons, Religious and the Faithful of the Archdiocese of Bulawayo,
1. Zimbabwe General Elections:
Elections in any country is an opportunity for its citizens to exercise their right to choose their leaders freely according to their conscience. I urge all Catholics to use this opportunity to the best of their ability. This is also a time where there can be political rivalries and possible violence. I urge all our Catholics to be peaceful wherever they are. Peace is the gift of the Risen Lord to His followers. Let us respect each others views and opinions. There should not be any force or intimidation of any sort. Election time will come and go but our life as a community and fellow human being is much more important than anything else. We belong to each other and we need each other at all times.
2. Priestly Ordinations:
This will take place on 29 July at Our Lady of Fatima starting at 9:30. If everything goes well, we expect 7 candidates to be ordained to priesthood. Due to the spread of cholera around the country there will be no food served. Kindly bear with the situation and organisers.
3. Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Fatima, Pumula South:
This year due to the national elections which is very close to our feast of Assumption we will anticipate the pilgrimage to 6 August to avoid any social or political challenges. This is a precautionary measure. We will begin the day with a talk and time for confessions at 9am and end with Holy Mass by noon time.
4. Spiritual Advisor to Women Associations:
Sr. Norbert Phiri AMR is appointed spiritual advisor for the women associations in the Archdiocese of Bulawayo. We thank Sr. Mutasa for the wonderful work she did in the past.
5. World Youth Day:
This will take place in the first week of August in Lisbon, Portugal. We have 12 of our youth from Bulawayo preparing to go for that. At the same time we will have a congress for the youth at Empandeni Mission and Young Adults at Embakwe Mission. We wish them many blessings.
6. Appointments:
6.1. Fr. Bernard Nkomo as assistant priest at Empandeni Mission.
6.2. Fr. Clyde Takwada CMM as priest in charge of Esigodini Mission.
6.3. Fr. Kevin Madzivanyika CMM as assistant priest at Our Lady of Fatima.
6.4. Fr. Nkululeko Ndlovu CMM as assistant priest at Gwanda Mission.
7. Golden Jubilee:
Archbishop Emeritus Pius Ncube this year celebrates his golden Jubilee of priesthood and silver jubilee of episcopal consecration. We congratulate and wish him many blessings. Celebrations will be held in Hwange on 22 July 2023.
"Grant us peace, teach us peace; guide our steps in the way of peace."
- Pope Francis -
Yours in Christ
+ Alex Thomas
Archbishop of Bulawayo
