VP Chiwenga urges stronger ties between Govt, Church

Mukudzei Chingwere

VICE PRESIDENT Dr Constantino Chiwenga has hailed the Church’s role in championing national development.

He called for a recalibration of the Church’s approach and alignment to the Government’s overall national development plan for better and sustainable results.

VP Chiwenga was speaking at the centenary celebrations for the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the Dominican Convent School grounds in Harare yesterday.

The celebrations were held under the theme “One hundred years of faith, a legacy of love and a future of hope”.

VP Chiwenga reflected on the Church’s significant contributions to education, health and community upliftment in the country.

“As a proud Catholic and a servant of the Republic, I wish to underscore the significant role the Church has played in Zimbabwe’s development, particularly in education, health and community upliftment,” he said.

“These contributions are aligned with our national vision of building an inclusive, empowered and morally grounded society.

“We stand here today as humble children of God celebrating the gift of the Church and its impact in our lives, giving us hope for a beautiful future of abundant grace.

“In times such as these, marked by economic pressures, moral challenges and social fragmentation, we must draw even closer to the Cross.

“We are called to rekindle a covenant between Government and Church; to walk together in the spirit of Isaiah 1:17: ‘Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, and plead the widow’s cause.’”

VP Chiwenga urged the nation to be bold in faith and diligent in actions.

“Let us raise a generation of young people who know the Lord, honour their neighbour and serve their country with integrity,” he said.

“Let us continue to build parishes, not only with bricks and mortar, but with love, compassion and purpose.

“May the witness of those who built and sustained this cathedral inspire us to greater faith, service and unity.

“May this sacred space continue to be a beacon of divine grace and a fortress of spiritual nourishment.”

VP Chiwenga revisited the rich tapestry of Zimbabwe’s historical contribution to early Catholicism.

He highlighted the crucial role that early missionaries played in shaping the faith landscape of the country, tracing its origins back to the 15th century.

The narrative began with the arrival of Portuguese Jesuits at the court of King Munhumutapa, where they introduced Christianity to the emperor himself.

The VP spotlighted the remarkable journey of Prince Mapeze, son of Emperor Kapararidze, who was taken to Goa by the Dominicans in the 16th century.

There, he became one of the first Black African Catholic priests, earning the title of Doctor in Theology.

The Vice President’s address further delved into the stories of Father Constantino and Father Zhuwao, sons of King Mupande, who ventured beyond Zimbabwe in the 17th century.

Their missionary work extended to Macau and Brazil, showcasing the global reach of Zimbabwean priests.

“As we celebrate our history, let us also celebrate missionaries such as Father Henri Depelchin SJ and his companions who, despite immense hardship, hostility, illness and loss, persevered to establish the first mission at Old Tati, now in Botswana, before moving into Bulawayo under King Lobengula’s reluctant hospitality,” VP Chiwenga said.

“After many setbacks, the Jesuits eventually found stability in Chishawasha, with the arrival of Father Francis Richartz SJ and companions in 1892.”