Times Of Swaziland: CATHOLIC PRIEST BUYS HIS COFFIN

CATHOLIC PRIEST BUYS HIS COFFIN
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BY GCINA DLAMINI on 10/01/2015 06:18:00


MBABANE – At the age of 85 years Catholic priest, St Joseph’s Parish Priest
and Catholic schools overseer Father Angelo Ciccone already has a coffin in
preparation for his death.
After spending 60 years in the country since 1957, Father Ciccone, who
originates from Naples in Italy, opted to get himself a coffin which, according
to him, was handcrafted at Kululameni Training Centre, a vocational centre he
established at St Joseph’s Mission for vocational training.
Named ‘Nkhom’iyahlaba’ by the late King Sobhuza II, Father Ciccone said
the love of the Swazi culture made him have the will of being buried in the
country when this days on earth come to an end.
“I have the coffin, which has been available for about a year now and I am
waiting for God to call me anytime,” said Father Ciccone.
Father Ciccone said death was something unpredictable and after living for 85
years he believed that it was in God’s hand to take him any day.
The middle class coffin, made of wood covered by an orange soft cushion inside,
unusual for dignified people to use for their burials, is a symbol of the warm
heart embracing the priest’s soul.
Father Ciccone said he will use the same grave used by the late Father Francis
Mayr as a symbol of appreciation and honour to the late founder of the mission.
The St Joseph’s Mission founder, Father Francis Mayr, was murdered by Fanyana
Mdluli in October 1914 who was later executed through hanging under Queen
Labotsibeni’s decree.
“Sometime next year before May, Father Mayr’s grave will be dug and his
skeleton (bones) will be washed then buried in a different grave because I will
use the grave he is in now for my funeral in a bid to honour the late founder of
the mission who took an initiative to take care of the handicapped and
underprivileged people in the community,” said the Catholic Priest.
Father Ciccone said the grave to be used to re-bury Father Mayr was already in
place as he had made all arrangements before meeting his death.
“I used to be frightened after seeing my coffin as it is part of the Swazi
mythology that when you prepare for your funeral while you are living, it meant
you will not live any longer. It really scared me,” said Father Ciccone.
Father Ciccone said the courage, getting a coffin came to him as a way of
avoiding an unplanned funeral.