Ten reasons you should experience Mauritius for yourself!

IMG 3101 edited 1024x683 Radio Veritas presenter Khanya Litable was recently invited by the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) to cover Pope Francis' 9^th September 2019 apostolic voyage to Mauritius.

He very quickly discovered that Mauritius has more to offer than just sandy beaches and sunshine. As Khanya is also a serious and talented photographer, he recorded his impressions of the island on his blog:

Mauritius is affectionately known as the Paradise Island because of its beautiful picturesque beaches. This is why I was totally ecstatic when I received a kind offer from Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) to cover Pope Francis 9^th September 2019 apostolic voyage to Mauritius. This was as a result of Radio Veritas, The Southern Cross and Spotlight Africa's collaboration to take pilgrims to Mauritius to see the Pope, to have a spiritual revival and a holiday of sorts. The South African office of MTPA were very kind to us and for that we are truly grateful.

And so like a typical inland person, I went to Mauritius expecting to be on the beach everyday all day, save the Pope’s Mass. However, it turned out that Mauritius has far more to offer than the blue clear beaches and perfect weather.

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And the Winner is .... Thembekile Shabalala!

The winner of the 2019 "Pope in Mauritius" Pilgrimage Draw is Thembekile Shabala, of Hillbrow, who is a parishioner at Christ the King Cathedral in Johannesburg.

He will join the pilgrimage, led by Fr Russel Pollitt SJ, which flies to Mauritius from 7 - 14th September to attend the PAPAL MASS during Pope Francis’ historic trip to this tropical island. Pilgrims will also see the great Catholic SIite of this faith-filled country. and will take part in a guided retreat on the beach under the spiritual direction by the popular Fr Russell Pollitt — and there will also be time for relaxation and fun in one of Mauritius’ best 4-star resorts.

Thembekeli had this to say on hearing of her win: "As soon as I heard about this competition on Radio Veritas, I went to the bank to deposit my money and started praying that I win it."

The picture shows Radio Veritas Administrator Lucia Zwane with draw auditors Gavin van Rensburg and Sumari Dames.

JOHANNESBURG RECEIVES THREE NEW DEACONS

The Archdiocese of Johannesburg received three new deacons on Friday. Reverend Kgaugelo Ntsie, Tshepo Duik and Dimpho Mawela were ordained by Auxiliary Bishop Duncan Tsoke at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg. In his homily, the bishop said these deacons-in-via are being ordained at a difficult time in many people’s lives in South Africa.

Audio clip by Bishop Duncan

NEW ARCHBISHOP OF PRETORIA INSTALLED

Bishop Dabula Mpako has been officially installed as the fifth Archbishop of the Pretoria. The installation, held in the 2000-seater Church of the Beatitudes, Zwavelpoort, was attended by the Papal Nuncio Archbishop Wells, bishops of the Catholic Church and other churches, clergy, laity, the Archbishop’s family and people from various parts of the country.

In his homily, Archbishop Mpako said this celebration not only marks the installation of the new Archbishop but also the entry of the local Church of the Archdiocese of Pretoria into a new phase in its life and in its evolution as a community of faith.

Audio clip by Archbishop Mpako

BETTER THE ANGEL YOU KNOW THAN THE ANGEL YOU DON’T KNOW: NUNCIO

Archbishop Peter Wells, the Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa has praised and thanked the outgoing Archbishop of Pretoria, William Slattery for his wonderful service to the people of Pretoria, for being a mentor, a brother, a father and a friend. Addressing Slattery at the installation of a new Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Pretoria, Dabula Mpako.

“Over these years I have seen His Grace demonstrate the values of a true shepherd to his people: untiring dedication, a humble approach in everything he does, a care and concern for the poor, for the sick, for the elderly and above all his compassion and mercy towards those who are in most need of being welcomed and embraced truly by his fatherly love…”: the Archbishop said.

He also thanked the incoming Archbishop for his generous and dedicated service to the people of Queenstown for eight years. “I know he will be sorely missed by everyone in that diocese. This highlights, even more, his willingness as a true servant of Christ, to go wherever the Master calls him to minister, to always minister to the people of God.” He encouraged him to carry forward the rich legacy of Archbishop William Slattery: the spirit of openness and dialogue among the priests, the religious men and women, and the laity.

Audio clip by Archbishop Wells

HE WAS OUR FRIEND EN NOU SKIELIK HE’S AN ARCHBISHOP: BISHOP SIPUKA

In a witty way Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, the President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference, addressed the people of Pretoria at the installation of Archbishop Dabula Mpako.

Audio clip by Bishop Sipuka

I HAVE LOVED THE PEOPLE OF PRETORIA: ARCHBISHOP SLATTERY

In his thank-you speech, Archbishop Emeritus William Slattery thanked the people of Pretoria and the Church in Southern Africa for giving him the opportunity to lead the faithful. He welcomed the new Archbishop and handed over “the treasure that is the people of Pretoria” to him. “I have loved these people of Pretoria, I have loved them, and it is with joy and great confidence that I hand this treasure over to you. Because I know of your love for the Church and your labour. Take this treasure and guard it…”

Audio clip by Archbishop Slattery

YOUR VISION WILL BE MY VISION: ARCHBISHOP MPAKO

In his vote of thanks, Archbishop Dabula Mpako said he was not going to enunciate his vision because he didn’t have any vision until he met with the people of Pretoria to reflect on what needs to be done in the Archdiocese. He thanked the people of Queenstown “who brought me up as a novice bishop.” He said he is now a seasoned bishop. “I have been tried and tested in Queenstown and I’m very grateful for that.”

Audio clip Archbishop Mpako