This past July, I visited St. Philip’s Mission in Swaziland, Southern Africa. Cabrini Ministries is operated there by Srs. Diane Dalle Molle, MSC and Barbara Staley, MSC, Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I was greeted warmly and made to feel very much at home - not only by the Sisters, but also by the staff and children at the hostel. No matter how I tried to intellectually prepare for my trip, there was literally no substitute for the ‘on the ground, hands on experience.’ The contrast between the bustling, cell phone implanted, German luxury car driving Johannesburg crowd, and the 83 year old woman, sitting on a blanket in a Swaziland homestead, crushing nuts with stones, and digging out the nutmeats with a sharp stick, depositing them in a little cup, was jarring. The plane ride from Johannesburg to Manzini, Swaziland was only ninety minutes. The images between them were galaxies apart.

My eight day visit was extremely well-scheduled by Sr. Diane. I was able to spend time with, and learn from a dedicated and patient staff that is obviously very proud of their work at St. Philip’s. I enjoyed my half day with Esau Bhembe who is in charge of the water/irrigation system, as well as the “fire geysers.” These are a relatively new and innovative way to deliver hot showers to the hostel. Esau shared my enthusiasm for all things mechanical – in my case a very amateur avocation. Esau and I tried to repair a washing machine with little success. I later on tried to repair, on my own, an office copier – same results.

Towards the end of my stay, I accompanied Pius Mamba and members of the Health Care Outreach staff. Our destination was the “bush.” At a location that looked like hundreds of others, at the base of a non-descript tree, we parked the Nissan Xterra – and waited. On multiple horizons, figures began to appear and approach. Most of them were thin, regal women with sad eyes and warm smiles. Some wore long brightly colored and attractive clothing. Many were holding infants and small children. All had walked many kilometers to seek treatment for HIV and tuberculosis, and were both patient and grateful. Pius and his staff worked with quiet efficiency to administer medication and provide counsel and advice to people who, if it weren’t for Cabrini Ministries would have no where to turn.

After their visit to the clinic under the tree, just as quietly as they appeared, they began the long walk back to their homesteads.

William R. Bell
President & CEO