Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
VICE-PRESIDENT Constantino Chiwenga has urged churches to rise to the challenge of building a self-reliant, spiritually anchored society amid declining international donor support and growing social challenges.
He made the remarks yesterday while officiating at the commissioning of the Catholic Diocese of Gweru’s Pastoral and Vocational Training Centre and presiding over the ordination of six deacons to the priesthood.
The event drew thousands of Catholic faithfuls.
VP Chiwenga said the centre’s establishment and the priestly ordinations marked not only a celebration of faith, but a powerful statement of vision and responsibility.
“This centre is not just a structure of bricks and mortar, it is a living testament to foresight, leadership and unwavering faith. It signifies a shift towards sustainability and self-determination. In an era when external donor support is diminishing, this initiative boldly declares that we are ready to take responsibility for our church’s destiny,” he said.
The Pastoral Centre, established in 2017, provides training and resources for individuals and parishes within the diocese.
The Vice-President praised the centre’s visionary, the Right Reverend Bishop Sekuru Rudolf Nyandoro, for transforming a long-held dream into reality.
“The transformative project is a reflection of the dreams and dedication of its chief architect, His Lordship, the Right Reverend Bishop Sekuru Rudolf Nyandoro,” he said.
Vice-President Chiwenga said the Pastoral and Vocational Training Centre, first envisioned during Bishop Nyandoro’s Silver Jubilee in 2023, now stands as a hub for developing lay and clerical leadership within the Diocese and beyond.
The ordination of six new priests comprising Reverend Deacons Kudzai Mabhena, Gerald Simon Dube, Brian Kanyayi, Reynold Machirori, Carlos Tatenda Masiya and Calvin Wadzanai Mbenene, was the emotional highlight of the day.
VP Chiwenga described their response to the divine call as an inspiration in a world that is “yearning for truth, direction and spiritual healing.”
Quoting Luke 10 verse 2, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few,” the Vice-President called on families and communities to encourage vocations, particularly among the youth, saying priests were “at the frontline of the battle for souls.”
“Zvinoda kukohwiwa zvakawanda, asi vakohwi vashoma. This is more than scripture-it is a reality. Our world is yearning for truth, direction, and spiritual healing. To our newly ordained priests, I extend my warmest and most heartfelt congratulations,” he said.
VP Chiwenga said the newly ordained priests have embraced a calling that demands sacrifice, faith and unwavering devotion.
“It is not an easy path, but it is one of eternal purpose and profound impact. May your hands bring healing to the broken, your words offer hope to the lost and your hearts remain ever open to the will of God. You are now stewards of the sacred, walk boldly, humbly, and faithfully in that holy charge,” he said.
VP Chiwenga also urged broader community engagement in the life and sustainability of the church, calling on laypeople, families and development partners to contribute spiritually and materially to its growth.
“As Pope Francis has said, the church in Africa must be the protagonist of her own future, which begins here, and it begins now-with the people. No contribution is too small. Together, we can shape a legacy of resilience, service and faith for generations to come,” he said.
The Vice-President paid tribute to the Diocese of Gweru for its historical role in shaping spiritual life in the region since its founding in 1955 by the Bethlehem Mission Society of Switzerland. From just a handful of missionaries, the Diocese now boasts over 60 priests serving more than 40 missions and parishes, a legacy VP Chiwenga described as a “spiritual renaissance.”
In his welcoming remarks, Bishop Nyandoro echoed the Vice-President’s sentiments on unity and collaboration.
“What a wonderful day it is, marking the ordination of six priests and the official opening of our Pastoral Centre. We are grateful for God’s grace in this Jubilee year. As children of God, we walk together and appreciate your support as we work collaboratively in our beloved country, Zimbabwe,” he said.
The event was also attended by Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo, Zanu-PF Politburo members Engineer Daniel McKenzie Ncube and Cde Tsitsi Muzenda, Vice-President Chiwenga’s wife, Colonel Miniyothabo Chiwenga and senior Government officials, among other dignitaries.
