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Pilgrimages, a journey in faith, evoke Christians’ journey towards heaven and are traditionally special occasions for renewal in prayer and to honour God.
The occasion coincided with the commissioning of the recently built 2 000-seater Our Lady of Fatima Church.
Addressing congregants during the high mass, Pope Benedict XVI’s representative to Zimbabwe Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop George Kocherry said there was a need for all churches to pray for the country.
“As we celebrate the importance of Mary in our faith, we need to pray for the church, the country and also pray about our day-to-day challenges,” said Archbishop Kocherry.
“Prayer is very important to us as Catholics. You should pray the rosary daily and also for the Pope, bishops and priests and for the institution.
“I am proud to be here representing the Pope. He knows that I came here to consecrate this church, a very privileged parish, because it is the first Marian sanctuary in Bulawayo Archdiocese and Zimbabwe as a whole.”
Congregants from 24 parishes from the Bulawayo Archdiocese and other parts of the country took part in the pilgrimage, which started on Friday, to celebrate the role of Mary the Mother of God in Christians’ lives.
Bulawayo Archbishop Alex Thomas said the pilgrimage was an important day for Catholics.
“We are happy to have gathered here to commemorate Mother Mary who makes us strong. By converging here we are showing our faith in God and making it strong,” said Archbishop Thomas.
Preaching during the high mass, Father Raphael Ncube said the pilgrimage united all Catholics.
“It has brought people from near and far, therefore let this be a great symbol of unity in the church.
“This unity should be a true reflection of what is happening in our spiritual lives,” said Father Raphael.
He urged the congregants to be united and be exemplary in society.
“Through the intercession of Mary, we receive blessings from God.
“Let nothing divide us, we should unite knowing Mother Mary was assumed to heaven to send us blessings,” said Fr Raphael.
He said Christians across the divide should unite and assist each other in faith.
“Let’s not allow anyone to take away our spirit of oneness. We should also maintain the spirit of resilience during the trying times,” said Father Raphael.
There was ululation and whistling when Archbishop Kocherry thanked parish priest Fr Anthony “Mqwayi” Jansen who played a pivotal role in the construction of the church.
Moments before the new church could be blessed, a whirlwind swept across the parish yard to the merriment of congregants in belief that it was the Holy Spirit.
The occasion was graced by more than 30 priests and deacons.
Online Reporter