Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere in Chinhoyi
VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Constantino Chiwenga has commended the Catholic Church for its contribution to education and human development, pointing to tangible progress within the Diocese of Chinhoyi.
He made the remarks during the episcopal ordination of Bishop Patrick Ngwenya in Chinhoyi yesterday, which he attended in the company of his wife, Colonel Miniyothabo Chiwenga.
He recalled that in 2021, he was at the same site during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Our
Lady of Perpetual Help Primary School, saying the hilltop then appeared largely undeveloped.
VP Chiwenga also commended the ongoing efforts in Chinhoyi, where the diocese is constructing the Perpetual Help
Secondary School, noting that the project includes a strong focus on science education.
“His Lordship, Bishop Patrick Ngwenya, assumes this sacred responsibility at a particularly exciting chapter in the life of the Diocese of Chinhoyi, a diocese whose spiritual growth has been matched by remarkable institutional and infrastructural development,” said VP Chiwenga.
“I vividly recall standing on this very site in 2021 during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Primary School. At that time, this hilltop was largely undeveloped, and one could easily have questioned whether such an ambitious vision could become reality.
“Yet vision, when anchored in faith and sustained by determination, has an extraordinary way of transforming landscapes. Today, I return once again to witness an even greater milestone, the ordination of a new bishop within this very institution.
“It is equally gratifying to note the remarkable progress taking place just beyond this hill, where the diocese is constructing the impressive Perpetual Help Secondary School with a strong focus on science education.
“These investments demonstrate that the Church’s mission extends beyond the sanctuary into education, human development and nation-building.
“I therefore commend the Diocese of Chinhoyi for its foresight and commitment to building not only places of worship but institutions that will shape future generations. This is in line with the Government’s developmental trajectory.”
VP Chiwenga also launched Bishop Ngwenya for having discharged every responsibility entrusted to him with integrity and humility, which earned him the confidence and respect of both clergy and laity alike.
“Your Lordship, Bishop Patrick Ngwenya, as you assume this sacred office today, may you continue to shepherd God’s people with wisdom, compassion and unwavering fidelity to the Gospel.
‘The word of God, in 1 Peter 5 verses 2, is instructive: ‘Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonesty gain but eagerly.’
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Zimbabwe, I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, the Diocese of Chinhoyi, the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the entire Catholic faithful on this historic occasion,” added VP Chiwenga.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo said the school has been producing excellent results.
She noted that, in an effort to further motivate teachers, she reached out to the business community, whose support has proven invaluable.
Minister Chombo commended Vincity Construction (Pvt) Ltd, a Chinhoyi-based land developer, for donating six residential stands to the school’s top five teachers and the head teacher.
The excelling teachers received their agreements of sale at the end of the ordination ceremony.
The Roman Catholic Church has long held a strong foothold in Zimbabwe’s education sector, playing a key role in educating generations of Zimbabweans from the colonial era.
Through schools, scholarships and other learning programmes, the Church has contributed to human development by expanding access to quality education, nurturing moral values and empowering young people to acquire knowledge and skills essential for national progress.
