US$3m spiritual, counselling centre planned for Bulawayo

Judith Phiri, [email protected]

THE Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM) has launched a US$3 million fundraising campaign to build the Franciscan Centre Bulawayo, a multi-purpose spiritual, counselling and retreat facility expected to address growing mental health, social and spiritual challenges in Zimbabwe.

The project, whose implementation is scheduled to run from 2026 to 2031, was officially launched through a ground-breaking ceremony attended by church leaders, civic officials and stakeholders.

According to the implementation roadmap, construction will be undertaken in six phases, beginning with professional services and core infrastructure before expanding to include dining and conference facilities, administration blocks, accommodation chalets and recreational amenities.

Speaking at the ceremony, the head of the Roman Catholic Church’s Archdiocese of Bulawayo, Archbishop Alex

Thomas, said the project represented more than the construction of buildings.

“As we break the ground, we are doing much more than launching a construction project. We are laying the foundation for a sanctuary of the soul, a Franciscan Spiritual Centre in the Year of St Francis,” he said.

“This land will become a place where the values of St Francis and St Clare come alive in a unique way.”

Archbishop Thomas said the centre would promote peace, prayer, reconciliation and Christian fraternity while embracing the African philosophy of Ubuntu.

“Africa is a continent rich in deep spirituality, community warmth and vibrant life. It is a place that understands Ubuntu. This Franciscan Centre will be a home where Ubuntu meets Christian fraternity,” he said.

“This will be a sanctuary of peace in a world that is often loud, frantic and divided. It will be a place where anyone, regardless of their background, can come to find quiet, to pray and to encounter the healing peace of Christ.”

Archbishop Thomas added that the centre would also serve as a space for dialogue, reconciliation and community healing.

Bulawayo mayor Councillor David Coltart described the project as a timely investment in the city’s social and psychological well-being.

He said the Catholic Church had made significant contributions to the city’s development over many decades and the new centre would further strengthen community support systems.

“The FMDM, as all of us who have grown up in this city know, has been part of our community for a very long time.

This is yet another chapter in a long history of important work done in our community,” he said.
Clr Coltart said Zimbabwe was facing growing mental health challenges fuelled by drug and substance abuse, economic pressures and other social problems.

“We are living in a society where many people need psychological and spiritual support,” he said, citing the impact of drug abuse and recent anti-migrant violence in South Africa on individuals and families.

“The construction of this centre will create a new window of hope for those in need. Professional counselling services are not an option; they are mandatory. They are a must, not just for the individuals who receive them, but for the communities around them.”

The mayor pledged the city’s support for the project.

“As council, we will provide you with whatever support we can as you take steps towards setting up this very important facility. I hope that together we can create an institution that does not just provide professional counselling services, but actually goes to the extent of saving lives as well as stabilising families and our entire community,” he said.

Fundraising committee chairperson Ms Charity Maseko said the total capital requirement for the project is US$3 million.

She said the first phase, scheduled for 2026, requires US$680 000, followed by US$505 500 for Phase Two and US$424 500 for Phase Three in 2027.

Phase Four, planned for 2029, is budgeted at US$449 500, while Phase Five in 2030 will require US$333 500. The final phase, scheduled for 2031, is expected to cost US$511 000.

Ms Maseko appealed to individuals, corporates, development partners and well-wishers to support the project, saying the centre would provide lasting benefits to communities by offering spiritual formation, counselling, retreats and wellness programmes.

The development comes at a time when Zimbabwe is experiencing increasing demand for accessible mental health, counselling and spiritual support services.