By Mfanufikile Khathwane (Intern)
MBABANE– The 12 Roman Catholic priests from the Diocese of Manzini have returned home after a week-long pilgrimage to Rome, where they took part in the historic Pilgrimage of Hope and attended Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV at St Peter’s Basilica.
The priests travelled to the Eternal City from June 23 and return on July 1, 2025, joining thousands of global pilgrims during the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year, which takes place every 25 years.
During the pilgrimage, they visited the four major basilicas of Rome, St Peter’s, St Mary Major, St Paul Outside the Walls, and St John Lateran also passed through the Holy Door of Mercy, a sacred tradition that grants pilgrims full indulgence and spiritual renewal.
“This was more than just a journey, it was a profound spiritual encounter. We have come back strengthened and deeply encouraged in our faith,” said the clergy in a message to the faithful.
“This pilgrimage was not only a blessing but a time of deep reflection and faith renewal,” added one of the priests, who previously studied in Rome from 2017 to 2020.
They also visited the burial sites of Saints Peter and Paul, prayed at the relics of the True Cross, and reflected on the legacy of early Christian martyrs.
The group expressed heartfelt thanks to the people of Eswatini for their support and prayers throughout the journey, vowing to continue leading their communities with renewed commitment.
They look forward to the next Jubilee pilgrimage in 2050, hopeful that more members of the Eswatini Catholic community will have the opportunity to participate.
