Story by Tamuka Charakupa
VICE President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga has commended the Church for promoting peace, unity and social cohesion, urging it to continue complementing Government’s national development efforts.
He made the remarks on Saturday during the episcopal ordination of Bishop Patrick Ngwenya as the fourth Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Chinhoyi in Mashonaland West.
Bishop Ngwenya succeeds Bishop Raymond Mupandasekwa, who led the Diocese for eight years.
Addressing congregants as Guest of Honour, Vice President Chiwenga urged the new bishop to provide steadfast spiritual leadership while strengthening unity and hope within communities.
“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. May your ministry inspire unity where there is division, hope where there is despair, and faith where there is uncertainty.”
Quoting 1 Peter 5:2, he added:
“‘Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly.’”
Outgoing Bishop Raymond Mupandasekwa attributed the Diocese’s achievements to collective effort and urged the faithful to remain united while contributing to national development.
“What was accomplished was not my work alone… We have a responsibility to pray for our country and its leaders, and to do everything within our means to improve the social and economic well-being of the communities in which we worship,” he said.
Bishop Ngwenya pledged to build on his predecessor’s legacy through closer collaboration with Government, the Church and development partners.
“I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by my predecessor… Together, we will promote unity, strengthen evangelisation, expand our social outreach and improve the lives of the people we serve while remaining faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church,” he said.
The ordination was attended by senior Government officials, including the Minister of State for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo, who urged the Church to continue promoting national unity and supporting efforts to combat drug and substance abuse.
The ceremony also attracted clergy, religious leaders and congregants from across Zimbabwe, underscoring its significance for the Roman Catholic Church in the country.
