Antony Chawagarira
Bondolfi, Masvingo—Saints Peter and Paul Bondolfi Mission celebrated 75 years of evangelisation and community service during colourful Diamond Jubilee commemorations that brought together church leaders, traditional authorities, religious congregations and members of the local community.
The celebrations honoured the Mission’s rich history of spreading the Gospel while contributing to education, health and social development. The commemorations were led by Masvingo diocese head Bishop Raymond Mupandasekwa, with Bishop Rudolf Nyandoro of the Diocese of Gweru, who once served at the mission, also attending the historic occasion. Also present were the Diocese’s Vicar General, Fr Oscar Chagweda, Chancellor of the Diocese of Gweru Fr Gilbert Chibhira, Chief Fortune Charumbira, village heads, priests, religious brothers and sisters, as well as hundreds of lay faithful.
The celebrations began with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass by Bishop Mupandasekwa, who paid tribute to the pioneering Bethlehem Mission Society (SMB) missionaries and generations of church workers who dedicated their lives to the mission’s growth. Founded in 1951 by the Swiss-based SMB congregation and named after Canon Pater Bondolfi, the mission emerged under difficult circumstances with limited resources, but gradually grew into one of the region’s prominent centres of faith and development.
In his homily, Bishop Mupandasekwa said the mission’s journey reflected the Church’s enduring missionary calling.
“The Church on earth is by its very nature missionary,” he said, quoting the Second Vatican Council document Ad Gentes.He said Bondolfi Mission had remained steadfast in proclaiming the Gospel while responding to the social and educational needs of the community.
The Bishop praised the mission’s institutions, including its primary and secondary schools, clinic and teachers’ college, for shaping generations of Zimbabweans through education, healthcare and spiritual guidance.
“Our schools have formed men and women of integrity and service, while the clinic continues Christ’s healing ministry by responding compassionately to human suffering,” he said.
He also commended the teachers’ college for producing educators who have served both locally and internationally.
A major highlight of the celebrations was the recognition of individuals who played key roles in the mission’s development over the decades. Former parish priests, bishops, catechists, religious brothers and sisters, and founding members were honoured for their dedication and sacrifice.
Bishop Mupandasekwa urged Christians to continue embracing unity and participation within the Church.
Chief Charumbira applauded the Catholic Church for working closely with traditional leaders to uplift communities through education, healthcare and social support programmes.
“The relationship between the Church and traditional leadership has fostered unity, development and harmony within our communities,” he said.
The jubilee celebrations were further enlivened by traditional dances, choral performances and poetry, as the faithful expressed gratitude for the mission’s achievements over the past 75 years.
