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Dean Carlos Simão Matsinhe has been consecrated as the new Bishop Of Lebombo, in a ceremony on 28 September 2014 in Maputo. Archbishop Thabo Makgoba (Archbishop of the Province of Southern Africa) presided.

The new Bishop commented:

The whole event was a gift from the people of the Diocese including hiring of the stadium, organization, ornamentation, TV direct broadcast, the meal and the place where this meal took place. Some people gave more compared to the others but the whole event was a product the generosity of the people of God who are also my many friends.

ALMA was represented at the ceremony by the Revd John Seymour, who has recorded the event and his impressions:

(There are more pictures of the service in the Picture Gallery section of this site.)

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba presides

As an event, his consecration was very impressive. It was held in the sports stadium in Maputo, close to the port. Arriving for the rehearsal, there were three television cameras, a large stage at the front with digital screens on either side with Carlos’ picture on it, a large number of people – and several bishops among them. Under Fr Carlos’ direction, the party were taken through the service and processions.

The next day, the scale of the event continued to unfold. The president of Mozambique would be attending; walking into the sports stadium, it was almost full – members of the Mothers' union ranged on one side of the stadium in their white jackets and black hats and there was a huge choir on the other dressed in capulanas bearing Fr Carlos’ picture, there was a band with keyboards and drums and its charismatic leaders and vocalists on the other. Those attending were to number 2500. Thirty priests were gathered in the vestry – 14 bishops were attending. The Archbishop of the Province of Southern Africa presided – Archbishop Thabo.

Bishop Dinis Sengulane welcomes visitors

Bishop Dinis started the formalities, welcoming the wide range of guests representing every part of national life as well as the spectrum of international visitors present. As his speech came to a close, he handed his pectoral cross to the Archbishop and Primate - a poignant moment. There were a number of messages delivered during the service by various representatives, including the President of Mozambique and Diocesan representatives. Whilst I’d expected a service of three to four hours, with the messages delivered, the prayerful spectacle ended up stretching to six hours. There are two features that contribute to the length: the character of worship – and the messages given as addresses that are woven through the service, reflecting the reality that when a far dispersed community comes together, there is real communication that needs take place.

The mitre is placed on Bishop Carlos’ head

The Dean of Johannesburg preached with simultaneous translation emphasising the need to minister in God’s strength. He memorably observed that the more a minister is lifted up in the sight of the people for their ministry, the more deeply he must be ready to give. The Bishop of Swaziland, the Rt Revd Ellinah Wamukoya was asked to give Communion to all the priests and bishops present in what looked to be an purposeful choice. Touching moments included the moment at which the a red mitre, bearing three gold crosses was lowered onto Carlos’ head and then his enthronement, which drew a roar of ululations; it was moving to see how touched Bishop Carlos was as he blessed the people and priests of his Diocese one by one – after which he was visibly tearful.

It was good to bring greetings from London as part of the proceedings; these were offered threefold: from the Diocese and Bishop Richard; from ALMA London and from Twyford Church of England High school. I wore my red stole that had been a gift from staff St Paul’s Cathedral for my deaconing, so was able to point out the crossed-swords of St Paul – identifying that we are partners of mission, seeking to cross boundaries, like St Paul, for the gospel.

The day concluded with a meal outside of Maputo, hosted by a friend of Bishop Carlos. Carlos’ son Samito – a 36 year old musician gave a touching biographical tribute to his father.