Story by Mercy Bofu
THE government has commended the Roman Catholic Church for its significant contribution towards education and health.
This Thursday saw the installation of the Right Reverend Bishop Raymond Mupandasekwa of the Roman Catholic Church as the Second Bishop of Masvingo Diocese at St Patrick’s Gokomere Mission.
Vice President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga graced the occasion where he commended the church for improving people’s livelihoods through ensuring access to education and health services.
“Government appreciates the role played by the church in education and health system. The number of educational and health institutions bear testimony that the Roman Catholic Church has indeed gone beyond moral and faith education. The government through the able leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa continues to support all church initiatives and remains grateful to the church’s efforts to minister to the people,” said the Vice President.
Bishop Mupandasekwa who takes over from Bishop Michael Bhasera pledged to work together with the Diocese of Masvingo in developing the diocesan institutions.
He said, “I want to appreciate my predecessor Bishop Bhasera for laying a good foundation in Masvingo. I am coming to build upon that foundation working together with all of you. Let us serve our Lord together in unity and love.”
Bishop Mupandasekwa was appointed as the Second Bishop of Masvingo Diocese by Pope Francis on 15 September this year.
He takes over from Bishop Michael Bhasera who has been at the helm of Masvingo Diocese for 23 years since 1999.
Currently, Bishop Mupandasekwa is the Vice President of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference.
The government share cordial relations with the church hence they collaborate on various development programmes.
