Bishop Rodrigues: Pray for the first South African Saint, Benedict Daswa

The Diocese of Tzaneen in South Africa says that theologians who have been studying the life and death of the Servant of God, Benedict Daswa of South Africa, will gather in Rome on 9th October to cast their vote on whether he should be considered a martyr or not. 

The Bishop of Tzaneen, Joao Rodrigues, who is on pilgrimage to a Marian shrine for this cause, has requested prayers from the 1st to the 9 th October.

Just towards the end of the Apartheid Government’s era, Tshimangadzo Samuel Benedict Daswa, a primary school headmaster and devout Catholic shed his blood at the hands of a mob justice who chased him into a pub and beat him to death.

The elders of the village had wanted to hire a witchfinder but Daswa objected to their wishes. His opposition to some traditional practices earned him many enemies. Today, he is revered greatly in his home village of Nweli and stories about his great acts of courage and kindness resonate with many South Africans.

Below is the prayer proposed to to implore favours through the intercession of the Servant of God Tshimangadzo Samuel Benedict Daswa

O Blessed Trinity, you filled the heart of your Servant Benedict with great love and zeal in building up your kingdom. You chose him and gave him the courage and the strength to stand up for his faith without fear and bear witness unto death.

Loving God, like him, may I always proclaim the truth of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ by the witness of my life. Keep me away from all deeds of darkness. Protect me from evil spirits and all the powers of evil. Make me a true Apostle of Life in my family and in society.

Father, through his intercession, and according to your will, grant me the grace that I ask of you … (mention the special favour sought) I draw strength and courage from the life of your Servant Benedict in the hope that he will be proposed to the faithful for veneration and as an intercessor and model of holiness.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

To report favours obtained and to get further details about the Servant of God, Benedict Daswa:

Sister Claudette Hiosan fdnsc

P.O. Box 261                                 

TZANEEN 0850. South Africa

Phone: [phone]

Cell: [phone]

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