In Mary’s embrace: Bishop Ponce de León blesses Rosary Garden at Florence Spiritual Centre, Manzini

by Kati Dijane · May 14, 2025

Opening and blessing of the Rosary Garden at Florence Spiritual Centre in Manzini by Bishop Jose Luis Ponce de Leon

By Kati Dijane – The hills of Mbelebeleni echoed with joyful hymns as Catholics from near and far gathered at Florence Spiritual Centre in the Diocese of Manzini, Eswatini, on May 11.

They came to witness the official blessing and opening of a sacred space—the Rosary Garden—a place of prayer and Marian devotion. The garden was a joint labour of love, led by parish priests and Consolata Missionaries Father Francis Onyango and Father Anthony Muinde, both of the order known for its deep reverence for Mary, the Mother of Consolation.

The event fittingly took place during May, the month of the Holy Rosary, and on the fourth Sunday of Easter—also known as Good Shepherd Sunday. Presiding over the Mass and blessing was Bishop José Luis Gerardo Ponce de León IMC, whose words resonated deeply with the Gospel reading of the day, John 10:27–30: “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.”

Drawing inspiration from Scripture, Bishop Luis reflected on how Jesus’ followers, both then and now, recognise Him not by His appearance but by His voice. Just as Mary Magdalene and the disciples on the road to Emmaus only recognised the Risen Christ through His voice and actions, so too must modern-day disciples attune their hearts to His truth.

He urged that in a world crowded with noise, especially from social media, Christians must learn to filter out the distractions and hear the unmistakable voice of Jesus. He added that it is this voice that gives life and direction. The bishop added that like the two disciples who journeyed to Emmaus with Jesus, our hearts must burn like those of the disciples when we recognise the voice of the Risen Christ.

He encouraged the faithful to develop this spiritual sensitivity and challenged Fathers Francis and Anthony to continue building an environment at the centre where people can encounter Christ through silence, reflection and prayer.

After Mass, the congregation proceeded in joyful procession to the newly completed Rosary Garden. As hymns to the Virgin Mary filled the air, Bishop Luis blessed each section of the garden, unveiling its unique features. Among them were a selfie booth to encourage young pilgrims to share their experience, prayer walls adorned with beloved Marian devotions such as the Hail Holy Queen, The Memorare, and The Litany of the Blessed Virgin, and a magnificent giant rosary fashioned from metallic beads donated by parishioners. Painted in Marian blue and white, the rosary takes the shape of the map of Eswatini.

Nearby, a striking grotto shaped like Mary’s open arms welcomes the faithful. It also symbolises the centre’s consecration to her maternal intercession. Bishop Luis crowned the statue of Our Lady with a golden crown, while the faithful looked on and sang. Enclosed behind a glass door, the grotto also features a special letterbox where visitors can leave their written intercessions.

As the final blessing concluded, Marian songs continued to echo through the garden, and many remained behind. Some prayed while others captured the moment in joyful photos behind the booth. The Florence Spiritual Centre, already a place of education (through a school), healing (through a clinic) and worship (through a chapel), had now added another jewel to its haven— a garden of prayer and reflection, something many will look forward to, not just in August when the diocese gathers for its annual night vigil to celebrate the feast of the Assumption, but throughout the year.

Welcome, Southern Africa, to another pilgrimage site to offer your prayers to God through the Virgin Mary.