Final profession of Nhlanhla Nxumalo SDB in eSwatini
By Fr Vaclav Klement SDB – Salesian Nhlanhla Nxumalo made his Final Profession Vows at Saint John Bosco parish in Malkerns, eSwatini before almost 300 faithful, 30 men and women religious and 7 priests of Manzini diocese.
It was the first time the Salesian parish has witnessed a celebration of final vows, where Br Nxumalo (originally of Mater Dolorosa parish in Mbabane, eSwatini), professed his forever YES to Jesus as a Salesian of Don Bosco.
The solemn Mass, presided over by the provincial of Southern Africa Fr Vaclav Klement SDB, was accompanied by the Malkerns parish choir and the youth. The main theme of Fr Klement’s homily ‘Give your heart completely to Jesus’, was drawn from the rich spiritual heritage of Don Bosco.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, engraved on the Salesian Cross, was given to each member on the day of Nhlanhla’s perpetual profession. On the back of the Salesian Cross, the calligraphy of Saint John Bosco’s words ‘Studia di farti amare’ (Strive to be loved) is visible as the heart of Salesian spirituality and pedagogy. The image of the Good Shepherd is probably the most ancient depiction of Jesus. It appears on the walls of the first Christian underground cemeteries, the catacombs in Rome.
Nhlanhla with his mother and Provincial Fr Vaclav Klement
With the final profession of Br Nhlanhla, there are now 6 religious originally of Manzini diocese (3 Servites of Mary, one Salesian, one Servite Sister and one Cabrini Sister) who committed themselves in this 110th Jubilee Year of the diocese. As Bishop Jose Luis Ponce de Leon shared to Nhlanhla Nxumalo on the eve of his final profession: “Be a good Salesian and always keep in touch with the local Church of Manzini!”
A Youth prayer Vigil was held on July 19 before the celebration, attended by young adults of all outstations of Malkerns parish, former Bosco Volunteers of eSwatini, South Africa and Lesotho, accompanied by Salesian Brothers and Fathers. All 50 participants were enriched through Eucharistic adoration, community building and vocation storytelling by all 11 Salesian brothers, practical trainees and priests present.
With the final profession of Nhlanhla, there are four perpetually professed Swazi Salesians within the Southern Africa Salesian provincial community, that comprises eSwatini, Lesotho and South Africa, with 7 communities and 35 Salesians.
- Why Does the Catholic Church reject IVF? - July 14, 2025
- St Benedict of Nursia: A Man who Changed the Catholic Church - July 11, 2025
- St Benedict’s College Wins Big at Drama Festival - July 9, 2025
