Ceremony

Beatification Ceremony

Catholic Youth of Tzaneen Diocese

The whole ceremony was preceded by a song and dance presentation by a Catholic youth group from the Tzaneen diocese. Then Fr. John Selemela, the master of ceremonies, welcomed everyone and announced the solemn procession of Bishops and Priests for the opening prayer service, to be presided over by the Bishop-Emeritus of Tzaneen, Hugh Slattery msc. This was the recitation of the Office of Readings from the Divine Office which is the official prayer of the church. After that Cardinal Angelo Amato began Holy Mass with the Introductory and Penitential Rites. Then there followed the Rite of Beatification.

Requesting the Beatification of Benedict Daswa

Bishop Joao Noe Rodrigues, as the Bishop of Tzaneen, requested the Beatification of the Servant of God, Benedict Daswa. This was followed by the Diocesan Postulator of the Cause, Fr. Andre Bohas msc, reading a short biographical profile of the Martyr. After that came the big moment of the reading in Latin and English by the Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature in Pretoria, Monsignor Kevin Randel, of the Apostolic Letter of Pope Francis, declaring that, “The Venerable Servant of God, Tshimangadzo Samuel Benedict Daswa … from now on will be called Blessed and his feast will be celebrated every year on the first day of February”.

The relics on a stand adorned with flowers

A large banner with the portrait of Blessed Benedict Daswa was then unveiled. His relics were brought in procession and placed on a stand near the altar adorned with candles and flowers, and incensed by Cardinal Amato, while the choir sang a song of praise. Bishop Rodrigues on behalf of the Church in Southern Africa, expressed heartfelt thanks to Pope Francis for granting the title of Blessed to the Venerable servant of God, Tshimangadzo Samuel Benedict Daswa. The Rite of Beatification concluded with the joyful singing of the Gloria. After that Holy Mass continued as usual with an inspiring homily by  Cardinal Amato, and at the end there were short addresses by some Church dignitaries and leaders in civil society.

Beatification Ceremony Booklet

To download the Ceremony Booklet, please click here