Br. Seraphicus Nkosibonile Nzimande TOR, a member of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, Vice Province., died on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at R K Khan Hospital Chatsworth.
Deacon Seraphicus Nzimande was born on June 29, 1960, the son of the late Pius Nzimande and Malukhozi Ignatia Nzimande in Ngwaqa at Malenge Parish, Umzimkhulu Diocese. He received all the sacraments.
Having completed his standard 10 from St. Anthony’s adult center, in 1995, he joined the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, Vice Province South Africa. After one year of candidacy, he joined novitiate at Phemba Friary in 1996. At completion of the Novitiate in Phemba Friary, Br. Seraphicus made his temporal profession on January 10, 1997. He made his Solemn Profession in St. Joseph’s Friary, Mabheleni on January 12, 2002.
Brother Seraphicus had a zeal of becoming a permanent deacon. Father Cosmas Mdladla, provincial at that time, submitted the application to the Diaconate Board with the approval of the late Bishop Paul Themba Mngoma of Marrianhil.
Brother Seraphicus was stationed in Emabheleni from 1998 until 2022. From there, he moved to Merrivale as the Director of TOR students. Seraphicus completed the deaconate program in 2013. With the permission of the Minister Provincial, Seraphicus approached the late Bishop Paul Themba, if he would ordain him to the deaconate. The bishop consented to ordained him in Malenge Parish of Umzimkhulu on January 3, 2004. After his ordination, he helped out in the Mission of Mpophomeni with Fr. Jude Fernando TOR. At the end of December 2006, Brother Seraphicus and Fr. Jude were transferred to Divine Mercy Friary, Hilton and continue the ministry in Mpophomeni.
After he served in Mpophomeni, he moved to Queenstown Diocese at Idutywa Parish and Eshowe Diocese. In 2016, Seraphicus asked for a leave of absence for a period of one year and came back and was stationed at St. Joseph’s Friary.
A Mass of Christian burial was concelebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Friary with the Very Rev Fr. Mxolisi Paulus Ndlovu TOR., Minister Provincial as principal celebrant. Following the Mass, interment will take place at the Franciscan TOR’S Cemetery.
At the time of his death, he was staying with the Friars at Kwa St. Joseph friary.