2014-10-18 15:30:00

South Africa's Benedict Daswa, a Step closer to Beatification.


A group of theologians tasked to review the life of South Africa’s Servant of God, Benedict Daswa, recently voted unanimously that he can be named a martyr and be beatified.  The matter will now be discussed by the Congregation of the Causes of Saints on the 13 January 2015. Their final recommendation will then be referred to Pope Francis for the final decision. 

The Church in South Africa is encouraging all to continue praying the novena found on the website www.benedictdaswa.org.za and report any prayers answered and favours obtained to Sister Claudette at the email Claudette.h@mweb.co.za.

On All Saints Day (1 November), Bishop Joao Rodrigues and the priests of the Diocese of Tzaneen, will celebrate the Eucharistic Liturgy at Tshitanini Village in the Parish of Thohoyandou, South Africa. During this celebration, Bishop Rodrigues will solemnly bless the 10 hectare plot of land which the Diocese has acquired for the building of the future Shrine and Pilgrimage Centre in honour of the Servant of God, Tshimangadzo Samuel Benedict Daswa. According to Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference spokesperson,  Fr S'milo Mngadi, all are invited to participate in this historic event.

Tshimangadzo Samuel Benedict Daswa was a primary school headmaster and devout Catholic who shed his blood at the hands of a mob justice that chased him into a pub and beat him to death.

At the time, the elders of the village had wanted to hire a witchfinder but Daswa objected to their wishes. His opposition to some traditional practices earned him many enemies. Today, he is revered greatly in his home village of Nweli and stories about his great acts of courage and kindness resonate with many South Africans.

(e-mail: engafrica@vatiradio.va)








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