Tinaye Agere
Tanyaradzwa Rusike
FOR the past two decades, members of the Catholic Church in Murombedzi, Mashonaland West province, used to travel long distances every week to attend holy mass.
This was particularly challenging for the elderly.
However, Mr Felix Marufu, a local businessman and director of Flexi Organisation, has since come to the rescue.
The 50-year-old, who is currently based in the UK, decided to build a church for the community.
“During one of my visits to Zimbabwe, I attended mass celebrated under the now-famous fig tree.
“Seeing my beloved grandmother and other women sitting on the grass broke my heart,” Mr Marufu said.
“That’s when I made a promise to help church members have a new home they could call their own.”
Mr Marufu, who was born and raised in Murombedzi, attended St Columbus Primary School and St Paul’s Musami Mission Secondary School, which are both Roman Catholic Church-run learning institutions.
He later pursued his university education in the United Kingdom.
After completing his studies, Mr Marufu, together with a friend, established an organisation aimed at supporting underprivileged communities in Zimbabwe.
“As a native of Zvimba Chirau village, I returned home after completing my studies in the UK and met the love of my life, Loreen,” added Mr Marufu.
“Realising that there were people in need back home, we founded a charity organisation that assists children from impoverished backgrounds, providing educational support to boys, girls and disabled children in remote areas. We work in collaboration with Musengezi High School and other institutions.”
The church was completed on October 21, 2023 and officially opened on April 28, 2024.
Mr Marufu commended the help he got from the community in completing the church.
“The church was completed in 2023 under the stewardship of Councillor Mukupi and the church committee.
“Dedication to Mr Kizito Kays Kupara, Mr Douglas Musara, Mr David Usaiwehvu Bhobho and many others who were instrumental to the construction of the church but were called by the Lord before this special day.
“Our thoughts with their families, friends and the church community they served so well,” said Mr Marufu.
The church was named after Mr Marufu’s grandmother, Emilia Kupara, in recognition of her philanthropic works in the community.
“The church is invaluable …
“For the community to decide to name the church St Emilia in dedication to Gogo Emilia has more significance than the cost of the building itself.
“It means so much to the Kuparas and is fitting for a woman who is devoted to services to the community, feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, donating food to those not able to afford the same, hence gaining the nickname VaChireranherera,” he said.
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