Story by Yolanda Moyo
THE city of Bulawayo was the epicentre of spiritual fervour this Saturday as the Catholic Archdiocese hosted a significant day of prayer, bringing together thousands of faithful people to intercede for the nation.
The event, held after every 25 years, saw the Catholic Church gathering at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, focusing their prayers on national unity, development, and social harmony, demonstrating the church’s deep commitment to the nation’s welfare.
Guest of honour at the gathering, Colonel Miniyothabo Chiwenga, a devoted member of the church, highlighted the importance of faith-based initiatives in complementing government efforts towards national development and social cohesion.
“A nation that prays together stays together, and a praying church is a powerful partner in the fight against social scourges and in advancing the national development agenda. We must empower our youth and women, and the church provides the perfect platform to instil the values of hard work and integrity,” she said.
His Grace, Archbishop Alex Thomas, of the Archdiocese of Bulawayo, stressed the importance of peace and shared responsibility.
“Our faith compels us to be agents of change. From the education of our children to caring for the vulnerable, the Church is firmly rooted in the development of every Zimbabwean. The Church’s extensive work in education, healthcare, and community support, which directly contributes to the national agenda of improving livelihoods, cannot be overlooked,” he noted.
Church members indicated a sense of shared destiny and commitment to the nation’s future.
“This day reminds us that we are one family under God. We are praying for rain for our fields, for prosperity for our businesses, and for a united country where our children can thrive. Faith gives us the strength to face challenges and to work harder for a better Zimbabwe. Praying for the nation is our first responsibility. We also prayed for better harvests and better opportunities for our children. It was inspiring to see a national leader acknowledge the power of our faith. It makes our commitment to nation-building even stronger,” a church member added.
The church’s capacity to mobilise people, foster unity across divides, and offer moral direction remains one of the greatest national assets in the collective journey towards a peaceful and prosperous upper-middle-income society by 2030.
