Today, February 1, is the memorial of Blessed Benedict Daswa.
The future beato was born Tshimangadzo Samuel Daswa in 1946 in South Africa. He was a member of the Lemba tribe. Since this tribe followed Jewish laws, rituals, and traditions, they were known as the “Black Jews.”
He got the name “Benedict” when he converted to the Catholic faith in 1963, inspired as he was by St. Benedict. Also, his life motto was “Ora et Labora” or “Pray and Work.” Indeed, he devoted much of his time to prayer and working for South Africa’s Catholic Church. He served as teacher, catechist and local youth animator. Benedict helped build the first Catholic Church in his area. He also became principal of his school, popular local leader, and advisor to area civil authorities.
Between late 1989 and early 1990, his village suffered from heavy rains. The village elders said it was due to magic, and required everyone to pay taxes to stop the magic. Benedict reasoned that it was not magic, but it was Mother Nature. Having said that, he declared that no taxes should be paid. This angered those who believed in magic and witchcraft.
On his way home in February 1990, Benedict was ambushed by these believers and was stoned. As if this was not enough, he was beaten up, hit on the head with blunt instruments, and poured boiling water in his ears and nose. Benedict’s final words: “God, into Your Hands receive my spirit.”
He was beatified in 2015 in South Africa by Cardinal Angelo Amato. Benedict’s mother, children, and the priest who baptized him were present at his beatification.