The 14th Plenary Assembly of the Interregional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa, IMBISA, is underway in the Diocese of Manzini, Eswatini.
Sheila Pires – Manzini.
From 24 September to 28 September, Bishops of six episcopal conferences are gathering at Esibayeni Lodge to mark not only the Plenary Assembly, but also IMBISA’s Golden Jubilee, under the theme: “A Synodal Journey, nourished by compassion and blossoming in faith as pilgrims of hope.”
Renewal, solidarity and dialogue
The Plenary Assembly opened on Wednesday evening with Holy Mass. Thursday’s official opening session was led by IMBISA President Archbishop Liborius Ndumbukuti Nashenda, OMI, of Windhoek, Namibia.
In his address, Archbishop Nashenda reminded Bishops that the Jubilee year 2025 was not just a celebration of the past but a call to renew their commitment to building bridges of dialogue, promoting non-violence, and peace. He quoted an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
The host Bishop, José Ponce de León of Manzini Diocese, extended a warm Swazi welcome to the participants. He recalled the historic role Eswatini has played in IMBISA since its founding in 1975, hosting early plenary assemblies, and even being the home of its first office. With joy, he noted that this year’s plenary had drawn one of the largest number of Bishops in attendance.
Church and the Kingdom of Eswatini
Bishop Ponce de León also spoke about the long-standing partnership between the Catholic Church and the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini, particularly in the areas of education, health, and social services.
The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini, represented by the Minister of Education, Owen Nxumalo, conveyed warm greetings from His Majesty King Mswati III. He described Eswatini as a nation founded on Christian values, recalling that King Mswati II welcomed the first missionaries in 1844. He praised the Catholic Church’s contributions to education, health, and care for the disadvantaged, noting that the Church runs 47 primary schools, 13 high schools, and a nursing college, which His Majesty the King hopes will one day develop into a Catholic university.
Bridges of reconciliation and peace
Also present was the Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa, Archbishop Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński, on his first official visit to Eswatini. He commended IMBISA Bishops for their enduring spirit of synodality. He encouraged the Bishops to continue walking as pilgrims of hope, building bridges of reconciliation and peace.
The week-long gathering will feature reflections, prayer, and discussion on the hopes and challenges facing the region, from governance and justice to youth leadership, safeguarding, and the promotion of peace.
