Antony Chawagarira
MASVINGO – Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has commended the church for its contribution to national development, saying faith-based institutions remain critical partners in promoting social cohesion, moral renewal and improved livelihoods.
Speaking at the Silver Jubilee celebrations marking the 25th priestly anniversary of Masvingo Diocese Bishop Raymond Mupandasekwa at Gokomere Mission on Saturday, Vice President Chiwenga said the church had complemented Government efforts in education, health, agriculture and community development.
He said Government recognised the church as an important institution in shaping the moral fabric of society while contributing to the country’s development agenda.
“Government recognises the Church as a pillar of social cohesion and moral renewal. Where Government builds infrastructure, the Church builds conscience. Where Government provides policy direction, the Church provides the ethical compass,” he said.
Vice President Chiwenga said the partnership between Government and the church should ensure that development was both material and spiritual, as well as economic and moral.
He commended priests, religious leaders and lay faithful for their service in schools, hospitals, clinics, parishes, orphanages and communities.
“Your daily work in schools, hospitals, clinics, parishes, orphanages, and communities contributes significantly to social cohesion and national development,” he said.
The Vice President also paid tribute to Bishop Mupandasekwa for 25 years of priestly service, describing his journey as a demonstration of commitment to serving God and humanity.
He urged Christians to continue praying for priests, saying the vocation came with immense responsibilities and challenges.
“We should pray for our priests because they carry a heavy load. It is a difficult task, but they were chosen by God for this work. God is the one who protects and guides them in their ministry,” he said.
Vice President Chiwenga noted that Bishop Mupandasekwa was born and raised in Masvingo, where his parents were involved in farming, making his Silver Jubilee particularly significant for the province.
He commended the Bishop for providing holistic leadership and supporting initiatives in education, agriculture and community development.
The Vice President said projects associated with the Bishop’s ministry, including the revival of farms and support for vulnerable communities, were contributing to livelihoods, food security and the restoration of dignity.
He also highlighted initiatives such as St John in supporting people facing various social challenges.
“Across Zimbabwe, faith organisations are playing a critical role in shaping our nation. Government respects the church for its contribution to social cohesion and for helping shape our morals as a people,” he said.
Vice President Chiwenga urged young people to draw inspiration from Bishop Mupandasekwa’s life of service while shunning drug and substance abuse.
“Let us take the life of Bishop Mupandasekwa as a role model. Let us stop the use of drugs because they destroy our communities. Zimbabwe’s future lies in the hands of the youth,” he said.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira said the provincial administration valued the partnership between Government and the Roman Catholic Church in implementing development programmes.
“As a province, we want to appreciate the work that the church is doing in ensuring improved access to education, agriculture developments among other developments,” he said.
The Roman Catholic Church also paid tribute to Bishop Mupandasekwa for his service and leadership.
Apostolic Nuncio to Zimbabwe Archbishop Janusz Urbanczyk described the 25 years as a testimony of sacrifice and leadership.
“Twenty-five years of priestly service is a testimony of sacrifice and leadership,” he said.
Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference Vice President Bishop Rudolph Nyandoro said Bishop Mupandasekwa had answered his calling with courage and humility and continued to provide leadership within the church.
Bishop Mupandasekwa expressed gratitude to the faithful for supporting him throughout his priestly journey.
“Today is a great day for me, my family, the Diocese of Masvingo and the Roman Catholic Church. I want to appreciate your support for the past 25 years as a priest,” he said.
He called on the faithful to continue working with him in advancing the ministry of the church.
Bishop Mupandasekwa was appointed Bishop of Masvingo Diocese by Pope Francis in 2023 and currently serves as president of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
The Silver Jubilee celebrations brought together thousands of congregants, church leaders, Government officials and other stakeholders to celebrate the Bishop’s 25 years of priestly service.
