Over a thousand at third annual Daswa youth pilgrimage in Limpopo
Annual Daswa Youth Pilgrimage at Ave Maria Pastoral Centre in Limpopo
By Kati Dijane – More than 1400 young people from Southern Africa in countries including Botswana, Eswatini and even Zimbabwe wrapped up the last weekend of March by taking part in the third annual Daswa Youth Pilgrimage at Ave Maria Pastoral Centre in Limpopo. The annual event is organised by the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Youth and Young Adults’ Ministry, currently led by Lesego Zikhali as its president.
Bishop Joao Rodrigues, the bishop of the Diocese of Tzaneen, was the main celebrant during the opening Mass on Saturday, with Father Montakane Makhlako, the national youth chaplain of the SACBC Youth and Young Adults Ministry, Father Nhlanhla Mchunu from the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Father Tebello Moeti from St John Vianney Seminary and several priests from the region. More than 45 priests and several religious sisters were present at the pilgrimage. Benny Rikhotso from the Archdiocese of Pretoria was the MC, while The Light Twins and Kgethang Konese, renowned Catholic musicians, led the praise and worship segment of the programme.
Following Jesus in today’s world
In his homily, Bishop Rodrigues reflected on John 12:26, where Jesus tells His disciples, “Whoever serves me must follow me.” He posed the question: What does it mean to follow Jesus when we cannot physically see Him?
While South Africa enjoys religious freedom, making it easier to worship, this very freedom can also lead to complacency. The bishop warned against forgetting the core teachings of Jesus and emphasised the importance of staying true to one’s faith.
Using the example of Blessed Benedict Daswa, Bishop Rodrigues highlighted what it means to be a true disciple of Christ. Daswa, a devoted Catholic and family man, was baptised at 17 and lived by the motto Ora et Labora—Pray and Work. Prayer, he noted, is not just about speaking to God but also about listening. Likewise, following Christ means taking action, not merely conforming to the ways of the world.
He also warned against the dangers of practical atheism—believing in God while acting against His will. The best guidance, he said, comes from the Word of God, especially the Ten Commandments. The bishop also mentioned that this year’s jubilee theme encourages the youth to embrace hope amid life’s challenges.
A night of spiritual enrichment
As the night unfolded, the youth participated in various activities designed for spiritual nourishment. The Light Twins and Kgethang Konese led the praise and worship, followed by a dramatisation of Daswa’s life by the Wipotza cluster (youth from the Witbank, Polokwane and Tzaneen dioceses). Several priests then delivered impactful talks. Father Mpho Cart the youth chaplain of the Diocese of Kroonstad, led a reflection on the Stations of the Cross. Father Monwabisi Ntshudu from the Archdiocese of Johannesburg spoke about the role of Mother Mary and the Holy Rosary in salvation. Father Dzinisa Ngcongo, the youth chaplain of the Diocese of Umzimkulu then gave a heartfelt talk on healing, which was followed by a healing service.
Closing Mass and message of repentance
The pilgrimage concluded with Mass on the Fourth Sunday of Lent. Father Mahlako, the main celebrant, reflected on the readings of the day—Joshua 5:9a, 10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 and Luke 15:1-3, 11-32. He emphasised the parable of the Prodigal Son, illustrating God’s love, mercy and invitation to return to Him.
“The prodigal son represents those who seek freedom away from God, only to find themselves lost in empty promises and hardships,” said Father Mahlako. “His return symbolises true conversion, as the Father welcomes him with open arms, showing that God sees us even when we are lost.”
He cautioned against false freedom, particularly for young people who may stray from God’s security, only to experience emptiness and regret. He also warned against self-righteousness, likening it to the elder brother in the parable: “Your own sins are not cleansed by the mistakes of others.”
Encouraging the youth, he added, “Like a monetary note that is stepped on, dirtied, or spat upon, you do not lose your value in the eyes of God. No matter what others say about you, you matter to Him.”
As Lent nears its end, he urged self-reflection: Have I grown closer to God? Have I truly repented?
Reflections from the youth
After the event, the youth shared their experiences. Kamano Motaung from St Nicholas in Daveyton in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg said he was moved by the bishop’s message about meeting God halfway through both prayer and action. “One of the moments that stood out for me was the healing service, which reminded me that we are pilgrims of hope,” he said. He also appreciated Father Mahlako’s message of God’s forgiveness and love. “I can’t wait for next year’s pilgrimage,” he added.
Father Mahlako expressed joy at the event’s success, saying, “The turnout was amazing, and we are grateful to everyone who participated.”
Father Dzinisa highlighted the importance of his talk on healing, reminding the youth that true healing comes from acknowledging one’s wounds, identifying the root cause and seeking Jesus Christ, the ultimate healer.
The life and legacy of Benedict Daswa
Benedict Daswa was born on 16 June 1946 in Mbahé, Limpopo. He converted to Christianity as a teenager and was baptised and confirmed in 1963. He became a primary school teacher in 1973. In 1974, he married Shadi Eveline Monyai in a traditional ceremony, followed by a civil marriage in 1978. After her conversion to Catholicism, their marriage was convalidated in 1980.
A devoted father of eight, Daswa played an active role in his parish, serving as a catechist and working alongside the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSCs) to build the Church in an area where African traditional religion was prominent.
In January 1990, lightning struck several village huts, prompting accusations of witchcraft. The community sought a sorcerer’s help and demanded financial contributions. Daswa refused, condemning the practice as unchristian. On 2 February 1990, he was ambushed, stoned and beaten to death with a knobkerrie. Boiling water was then poured over his head.
At his funeral, priests wore red vestments, symbolising martyrdom. As devotion to him grew, the late Bishop Hugh Slattery and the MSCs initiated the cause for his beatification. In January 2015, Pope Francis declared him a martyr, paving the way for his beatification. This year marks 35 years of his martyrdom and 10 years of his beatification.
