Harare, (New Ziana) – Renowned Roman Catholic priest, Father Immanuel Ribeiro died on Thursday, aged 86.

Father Ribeiro, who was a song writer and novelist, died at St Annes Hospital from a yet to be disclosed ailment.

The clergyman, well known for supporting Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, headed the committee that wrote Zimbabwe’s national anthem and was also part of the team that designed country’s national flag.

Born in 1935 in Chivhu, Father Ribeiro attended Kutama Mission, Gokomere and Gweru Teachers’ College.

He was ordained as a priest in 1964 after training at Chishawasha Mission.

“It is with a heavy heart that we annnounce the passing on of Rev. F. Immanuel Ribeiro today, 17 June 2021 at St Annes Hospital,” the Archdiocese of Harare said in a notice.

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