BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MANZINI – The Roman Catholic Church on September 28, 2025, wrapped up the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA). The celebrations had begun on Thursday, September 25, 2025, with an official opening by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini.
The closing ceremony took place at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre, bringing together church leaders, government officials, and invited guests to mark 50 years of IMBISA’s service, unity, and commitment to faith.
The Jubilee, celebrated under the theme “Synodal journey, nourished by compassion and blossoming in faith as pilgrims of hope,” attracted Cardinals Michael Czeny, Fridolin Ambongo, Stephen Brislin, and Wilfred Napier; Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Henryk Mieczyslaw Jagodzinski; Bishop José Luis Ponce de Leon of Manzini; archbishops, bishops, priests, members of religious orders, diplomats, government officials, and invited guests.
Eswatini was chosen as the host as it is the birthplace of IMBISA in 1975. At the time, Southern Africa faced racial discrimination and political oppression, and church leaders united in solidarity with the oppressed. “We sought to return where it all started to rediscover the spirit of our founding fathers,” the bishops said.
Archbishop Zacarias Kamwenho, 91, from Angola and one of the founding fathers, attended the Jubilee. Speakers emphasized that the celebration marked not only 50 years but also a renewed commitment to faith and service. They highlighted ongoing challenges in the region, including poverty, corruption, migration, conflict, and environmental disasters, stressing the need to live out the teachings of Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti.
Concerns over declining youth participation in the Church were also raised, with leaders urging guidance through example and active listening.
The new IMBISA interim committee includes:
.Bishop Antonio Constantino – Media and Communications (Mozambique)
.Bishop Rudolph Nyandoro – Zimbabwe
.Bishop Willem Christian – Namibia
.Bishop Siphiwo Vanqa – South Africa
.Bishop Vitalis Sekhonyana – Lesotho
.Bishop Tonito Muananoua – Mozambique
.Bishop Dionisio Hisiilenapo – Angola
Additional standing committee members include Siphiwo Vanqa, who also represents Eswatini and Botswana.
In his closing remarks, Archbishop Liborius Nashenda, President of IMBISA, expressed “great joy and gratitude,” describing IMBISA as a beacon of hope and unity. He called on the faithful to continue the synodal journey, build bridges, promote dialogue, and remain “pilgrims of hope” guided by Christ’s light.
The celebrations concluded with a prayer for renewal, reminding participants to build compassionate societies where no one is left to suffer. “In a heartless world, we are called to be prophetic by being compassionate,” the bishops declared.
(Courtesy Pic)
