"Be creative, compassionate in your ministry": Apostolic Nuncio to Consecrated in Eswatini

Manzini, 29 September, 2025 / 4:49 PM

Members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (ICLSA) ministering in Eswatini have been challenged to take initiatives that contribute to the spreading of the Gospel, fostering compassion for the poor and needy in their midst. 

In his September 27 address when he met representatives of ICLSA members serving in Eswatini, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Southern African nation, Archbishop Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński, recognized with appreciation the “spiritual riches” women and men Religious bring to the country. 

“Be creative and compassionate in your ministry, responding to the cry of our people, especially the young, families, the sick, and those afflicted by scarcity or illness,” said Archbishop Jagodziński during the meeting. 

The Vatican diplomat highlighted the need to adopt “new forms of apostolate” and “new ways of accompaniment,” noting that “Eswatini has its unique challenges and gifts.”

“You bring spiritual riches, wisdom, faith, and love—continue to adapt and to serve,” he said during the meeting that was held in the Catholic Diocese of Manzini on the eve of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Inter-Regional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA).

The Vatican diplomat, who represents the Holy Father in five of the nine member countries of IMBISA, said, “This Jubilee time invites us to be confident—not because we have no burdens, but because Christ is with us, carrying us, renewing us.”

“May this Jubilee open doors—doors of reconciliation, if there have been wounds; doors of renewed commitment, if there have been times of waning zeal; doors of mission, as you look outward to the poorest, the lost, and the broken,” he said.

Archbishop Jagodziński acknowledged the difficulties that often accompany those in Consecrated Life, such as financial strain, loneliness, fatigue, and misunderstanding—but urged them to remain courageous.

The struggles “are not signs of failure,” he said, and added, “They call you to deeper reliance on God, to mutual support, and to perseverance.”

The Nuncio, who also represents the Holy Father in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa, reminded the religious women and men Religious that prayer life must remain the foundation of their witness and service. 

“Root yourselves ever more deeply in prayer,” he said, emphasizing that consecrated life is first and foremost about intimacy with God—in intimacy, in silence, in listening. Without the well of prayer, other works can dry out.”

The Vatican diplomat pointed out the value of unity and community life for the ICLSA, saying, “When you collaborate, when you support one another, when you witness unity, the Church is strengthened and hope is multiplied.”

“You are members of communities, institutes, and orders—but you are also part of the one Body of Christ here in Eswatini, in Africa, and in the world,” he said.

He thanked them for their sacrifices, fidelity, and evangelical witness, reminding them that their vows are not merely rules but “living signs.”

“When you cling to poverty, chastity, and obedience, you witness to the radical call of Christ for all of us,” he said.

The Apostolic Nuncio urged them to become agents of hope, particularly for the youth, saying, “Young people need to see that commitment consecrated to Christ is not an outdated ideal, but a powerfully liberating one.”

He added, “They need to see joyful witnesses, elders who do not lose vision, Sisters and Brothers who remain faithful in prayer, community, poverty, chastity, and obedience—yet deeply human, compassionate, and joyful.”

During the first meeting with the Consecrated women and men in the Kingdom of Eswatini, Archbishop Jagodziński conveyed a message of encouragement to the ICLSA members from the Holy Father. 

“I bring you his warm greeting, his encouragement, and his Apostolic blessing,” the Apostolic Nuncio said, and added, “Know that Pope Leo XIV carries you in his heart; he honors your vocation. He sees in you a treasure for the Church and a blessing for Eswatini.”