On Saturday 19th December, the community of St Alexis (Ubombo) gathered for a special celebration: Mandla Msweli would be ordained deacon. It was probably the first time that an ordination would be held there. Many priests from the Vicariate, the Daughters of Charity, the Dominican Sisters, the members of the Good Shepherd Institute and people from the different Missions were present.
During his sermon and following the Gospel where John the Baptist points to two of his disciples “the Lamb of God” and later on one of them, Andrew, introduces his brother Peter to Jesus, the Bishop reminded the people that in Mandla's life it was the word and example of Fr Thomas Carrol OSM who helped Mandla to understand his call to priesthood. It was also the support of his family, especially his mother, who helped him all these years.
After the celebration, Deacon Mandla remained in the church receiving words of support and encouragement from the people and the gifts they had brought for him.
