St Joseph Sodality Manzini Celebrates10th Anniversary

By Bokang Tsoanamatsie – The St Joseph Sodality in the Diocese of Manzini commemorated its  10th anniversary on November 1 at Hlatikulu Christ the King Parish.  This occasion served as a tribute to their late President, Maduduza  Gabriel Zwane, who introduced the Sodality from the Diocese of  Mariannhill in 2015.

The Sodality expressed gratitude for the prayers of fellow faithful who have supported them thus far and takes pride in being part of the SACBC St Joseph Sodality interdiocesan conference, a vision of the late President Maduduza Gabriel Zwane.

The day commenced with a procession led by the drummers from Salesian High  School and Christ the King Primary. Bishop José Luis Ponce de Leon of Manzini was in attendance and presided over the  Mass at Christ the King Parish, the birthplace of the Sodality. He encouraged the members to pray for global peace. Additionally, the  Sodality honoured seven members who have faithfully reached this ten-year milestone. Mrs Thandie Zwane, the widow of the late President Zwane,  received a certificate on behalf of her late husband, who was instrumental in establishing the Sodality in the diocese.

The celebration would not have been complete without the presence of  brother sodalities. The dioceses of Mariannhill, Eshowe, and Witbank attended this significant event. Mr Fidelis Nxumalo, the president of  St Joseph Sodality in the Manzini diocese, expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the event. He thanked everyone for their prayers, Dr Diana Earnshaw for covering the event, and the brothers from RSA who attended in large numbers to celebrate with them.

Mr  Nxumalo announced that preparations are underway for next year’s events, including the 3rd IDC conference at Mariannhill, where the St  Joseph Sodality will also celebrate its 70th anniversary. The second event will take place in Lesotho, where the Sodality will be launched in  May 2026.

St Joseph  Sodality has emerged as a prominent male-only Sodality in the Southern region and is actively working on establishing its uniformity under  SACBC while developing Metropolitan structures.