Metropolitan Archbishop’s Report
on his
recent Visitation to the Diocese of Umzi Wase Tiyopiya (South Africa)
(Photographs at the bottom of this page.)
The
main
purpose of my recent visitation to the
Diocese of Unizi Wase Tiyopiya
was to
attend the Youth Conference and
the Ladies' Conference
-
- two diocesan gatherings
held in King William’s Town.
Yes, my trip to South Africa was tedious
- all
those long hours sitting in the cramped space of an airplane
seat could be none
other
- yet, if the
money were to be available, I would gladly make the journey all over again. I
would sum up my
Visitation in a single word: INSPIRING. I only wish that all our people could
have been there!
But first, I must publicly express my gratitude to Bishop Lamani, ordinary of the diocese, for his welcome and meticulous care for my needs. Then I offer my thanks to Subdeacon Edward Spalton and his wife, Ellen, who accompanied me and made the long journey bearable. I would also like to acknowledge the ministry of Subdeacon Spalton in gladly taking on the role of chaplain, which he carried out with precision and care.
I recall with joy the attentive and devout congregations at the daily Masses I offered in the smaller of our two church buildings in King William’s Town. At almost every Mass, which were always High Masses, it was my privilege to preach to the large and receptive congregations. Subdeacon Spalton also gave an inspiring and informative address, which was much appreciated by the congregation, and Mrs Spalton made, I am sure, a lasting impression on members of the Mothers Union.
The high day for me was Sunday 30th September. It was the final day of the Conference and I was to be the celebrant at the High Mass, ordain, and preach in the larger of our two churches in King William’s Town. I eagerly approached this joyful task, for it was in this very building that I had inaugurated the Diocese of Umzi Wane Tiyopiya on Sunday 5th November 1999. At that time I received a very large number of men, women and children into the full communion of the Church and ordained several deacons.
I was driven to the church by Bishop Lamani together with Subdeacon and Mrs Spalton and as soon as I had sight of the building memories flooded my mind - memories enhanced by the greetings expressed by so many of our faithful laity and clergy who recalled my 1999 visit, and upon whom I had not set eyes since that time.
The amazing growth of the diocese was clearly evidenced by the very large congregation at the High Mass - somc six hundred souls which exceeded the number at my first visit in 1999. Never before had I preached to so large a congregation.
Our sincere congratulations are extended to Bishop Lulamile Lamani and his many faithful clergy and laity, our true brothers and sisters, on their ongoing witness to the true Catholic Faith in South Africa. My sincere gratitude to you for giving me INSPIRATION.
May Our Divine Lord always bless you all and may Our Lady of Africa keep you in her motherly care.
Daily Mass at the smaller of pur two churches in
King Williams Town.
The congregation at daily Mass which the Archbishop celebrated
in King Williams Town.
Sunday Mass in King Williams Town.
The Sunday Mass at which the Archbishop celebrated and preached to a 600 plus congregation at the larger of our two churches
in King Williams Town.
Prayers at the foot of the altar at one of the daily Masses celebrated by the Archbishop in King Williams Town.
A stop on the way from Port Elizabeth on the way to King Williams Town at the |Mission if Christ the King. To the far left is Subdeacon Spalton, whilst the Archbishop enjoys a joke with a parishioner. Bishop Lamani. Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of Umzi Wase Tiyopiya, is to the far right.
The Archbishop with members of the Mothers' Union present un King Williams Town. Pictured sitting in the front row is Mrs Ellen Spalton
(Apologies - the problems of photography in dark places with strong sunlight entering at windows is obvious, but I feel the vibrancy and inspiration of the faithful people of the Diocese of Umzi Wase Tiyopiya needs to be shown to the whole of Holy Church throughout the world. - Editor.)
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` 'Unreformed' - the magazine of the International Church -October/November/December 2007