Manzini: The Diocese of Manzini has become the spiritual and pastoral heart of Southern Africa this week as Bishops from six episcopal conferences convene for the 14th Plenary Assembly of the Interregional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA). Running from September 24–28 at Esibayeni Lodge, the gathering marks not only the Plenary Assembly itself but also the Golden Jubilee of IMBISA, celebrated under the theme: “A Synodal Journey, nourished by compassion and blossoming in faith as pilgrims of hope.”
The Assembly formally opened with a solemn Mass on Wednesday evening, followed by Thursday’s inaugural session presided over by IMBISA President, Archbishop Liborius Ndumbukuti Nashenda, OMI, of Windhoek, Namibia. In his keynote address, Archbishop Nashenda emphasized that the Jubilee of 2025 is not merely a backward glance but a call to renewal, solidarity, and dialogue. Invoking African wisdom, he reminded the bishops: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Bishop José Luis Ponce de León, host of the Assembly, offered a warm welcome steeped in history. He recalled how Eswatini has been closely tied to IMBISA since its inception in 1975, having hosted early assemblies and even providing the first office of the regional body. This year’s gathering, he noted, is among the largest in attendance, a sign of the organization’s continued vitality and growth.
Bishop Ponce de León also underlined the enduring cooperation between the Catholic Church and the Kingdom of Eswatini, particularly in education, healthcare, and social development. Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, Minister of Education Owen Nxumalo conveyed greetings from King Mswati III, who reaffirmed the monarchy’s recognition of Christian values in shaping the nation’s identity.
Minister Nxumalo praised the Catholic Church’s commitment to uplifting society, pointing to its 47 primary schools, 13 secondary schools, and a nursing college. He added that the King envisions the eventual establishment of a Catholic university in Eswatini, further strengthening the Church’s contribution to national development.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa, Archbishop Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński, made his first official visit to Eswatini for the occasion. He lauded IMBISA Bishops for their steadfast embrace of synodality and urged them to remain “pilgrims of hope” who work tirelessly to build bridges of reconciliation, justice, and peace in the region.
Throughout the week, participants will reflect on pressing challenges facing Southern Africa, including governance, justice, safeguarding vulnerable groups, and empowering young people as leaders of tomorrow. The sessions, grounded in prayer and fraternity, are expected to yield renewed commitments to unity and shared pastoral responsibility across the region.
As IMBISA celebrates 50 years of service to the Church in Southern Africa, the Eswatini assembly stands as a powerful witness to faith, resilience, and the shared mission of bishops walking together with their people on the synodal journey.