Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere in RUSAPE
VICE President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has renewed calls for peace and national unity, urging Zimbabweans to reject hatred, violence and division in their communities.
He was speaking at the centenary celebrations of St Killian’s Mission in Rusape yesterday.
VP Chiwenga urged fellow Christians to embrace their responsibility to share the “good news”, not only through preaching, but by living it through honesty, humility, compassion and love.
“Our responsibility is not simply to celebrate the past, but to build upon the strong foundation that has been handed to us so that future generations will have an even richer inheritance of faith, service and hope,” said VP Chiwenga.
“The life of St Killian himself reminds us that genuine faith demands courage. He left the comfort of his homeland to proclaim the Gospel among people he had never met. His example teaches us that true discipleship requires sacrifice, perseverance and complete trust in God.
“As we begin the Mission’s second century, may that same spirit continue to inspire each one of us to serve God faithfully and to serve our nation with integrity, humility and compassion.”
In his call for peace, the Vice President quoted the Bible, saying it reminds the citizenry to be good citizens, where Christ says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”
“We, too, need peace in our nation. Let us therefore reject hatred, violence and division in our communities,” said VP Chiwenga. The unity found in the mystery of the Holy Spirit teaches us how to live in harmony as one family in Christ. Though we come from different backgrounds, let us remain united in one faith.
“To the Bishop of Mutare, His Lordship Bishop Paul Horan, the priests and religious, may God continue to inspire you as you labour in His vineyard.”
He said the founders of St Killian’s Mission and those who later passed through it left behind a lasting legacy, encouraging citizens to uphold the same spirit by maintaining a good reputation in every role they play in life.
The Vice President also urged young people to shun vices such as drug and substance abuse, stressing that they are the leaders of tomorrow.
The centenary celebrations were attended by dignitaries, including Deputy President of the Senate Lieutenant-General (Retd) Mike Nyambuya, ZANU PF Politburo member Cde Patrick Chinamasa, Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service Moses Chihobvu, Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Manicaland Province Mr Abiot Maronge, as well as other senior Government, ZANU PF and Roman Catholic Church officials.
