Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
Centenary celebrations have been held at Hwange’s oldest Roman Catholic Church parish cathedral, St Ignatius, built by the Jesuits in 1924.
100 of missionary work has been the testimony of the Jesuits-founded parish which has become a symbol of spiritual endurance in the coal mining town of Hwange.
The church has not only grown numerically but also established hospitals, schools, and vocational training centres and also maintained a strong presence in philanthropy, according to the parish Chairperson Mr Agrippah Chiwando Ncube.
“We are marking 100 years of our presence here. Our presence in this community has also been about the work we continue to do not only to preach the gospel but uplift lives. We are excited about our journey which has been marked by a contribution to development,” he said.
It was also another historical moment when during the celebrations, Reverend Kelvin Munkuli who is the first Jesuit from Hwange was ordained as a priest.
The church has grown to over 30 parishes with Hwange District being the only diocese in the country to fall under three bishops.
