Introducing Fr Lizwelinjani Mlotshwa OMI: Acting Parish Priest

16 June 2020

Dear Parishioners of St Thérèse, Edenvale

Introducing Fr Lizwelinjani Mlotshwa OMI: Acting Parish Priest

I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and his Holy Mother!

Archbishop Buti Thlagale OMI has accepted the appointment of Fr Lizwelinjani Mlotshwa OMI (Fr Zweli) as Acting Parish Priest of St Thérèse Catholic Church, Edenvale. It is ‘Acting’ because the appointment would be for a short period, as we hope to appoint a full time parish priest by the middle of 2021.

Fr Zweli is at present, and continues to be, the Vicar Provincial of the Oblate Province (OMISA). He resides at the Provincial House in Germiston, where he is also the superior of the provincial house community.

Fr Zweli was born in Johannesburg. He is 46 years old. Before joining the Oblates, he had spent two years at the Taizè community in France. He has been an Oblate for 22 years and a priest for 15 years. As a priest he had ministered at St Luke Mission in Lupane, Zimbabwe (2004-2007) and at St Peter Catholic Church in Nelspruit, Diocese of Witbank (2007-2008). Before taking up his full time appointment as Vicar Provincial of the Oblates in January 2019, he had been the parish priest of St Margaret and Immaculate Conception parishes in Diepkloof, Soweto.

Fr Zweli is a keen marathon runner, who has 10 Comrades under his belt – or should I say ‘under his soles’! He’s been disappointed that his 11th could not be accomplished this year.

We are grateful to Fr Zweli for accepting this appointment along with the other responsibilities he has. Knowing his dedication and deep prayer, I am confident that he will serve the community of St Thérèse with great care and attentiveness.

Yours in Christ and Mary Immaculate

Fr Neil Frank OMI
Provincial