Events

Solemn Blessing of Land for Future Shrine and Pilgrimage Centre

1 NOVEMBER CELEBRATIONS AT TSHITANINI

Yesterday, 1 November 2014, Bishop Joao Noe Rodrigues, together with the Priests (including some priests from the Dioceses of Polokwane and Witbank) and eight to nine hundred Parishioners of the Diocese of Tzaneen, gathered at Tshitanini Village in the Parish of Thohoyandou to celebrate the Solemnity of the Feast of All Saints.

The Eucharistic Celebration commenced at 9.00am and finished at 1.30pm. Also present at this celebration were Heads of the Local Tribal and Municipal Authorities, together with their Entourages, the Daswa Family members including his Mother, siblings, adult children and other extended family members, and representatives from some other Christian Churches.

During the Mass the Bishop solemnly blessed the 10 hectare plot of land which the Diocese has acquired for the future Shrine and Pilgrimage Centre in honour of the Servant of God. At the place where the future church is to be built, twelve miraculous medals brought especially from the Holy Land were buried. These twelve medals of the Mother of God symbolized the Church built on the foundation of the twelve Apostles.

Before the final blessing and dismissal, to mark this historic occasion, two trees were planted, one by Bishop Joao, representing the Church, the other by the Mayor of Thulamela Municipality, Her Worship Cllr Mahosi NG, representing the Civil Authorities. A number of speeches were given by various dignitaries, both at the commencement of the Mass and prior to the conclusion of the celebration.