Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
Vice President, General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga has underscored the critical role of the church in promoting national unity, peace and development, calling on Zimbabweans to embrace prayer, solidarity and a shared sense of purpose.
He made the remarks while attending the St Joseph Guild Weekend of Prayer at St Paul’s Musami Mission, where he joined congregants from the Archdiocese of Harare.
Addressing the gathering, Vice President Chiwenga said the church remains a cornerstone of moral guidance, leadership development and social cohesion.
“We need to pray for our country, for national unity, and to rise above the spirit of individualism. We must cherish the values of a common destiny. By strengthening our spiritual foundations, the church reinforces the moral fabric of our nation and builds the solidarity necessary for economic and social development,” he said.
He urged Zimbabweans to emulate the virtues of St Joseph—humility, discipline, quiet strength and unwavering faith, qualities he said are essential for responsible leadership and nation-building.
“Through institutions such as the St Joseph Guild, the church plays a pivotal role in nurturing responsible leadership, discipline and community participation—qualities that are indispensable to national growth, stability and resilience,” he added.
Before the service, Vice President Chiwenga toured St Paul’s Musami Mission Hospital, a historic health institution established in 1957 by missionaries.
He praised the hospital’s long-standing contribution to healthcare delivery, noting that it serves an estimated 150 000 people.
The Vice President said both Government and the church would continue mobilising resources to strengthen the institution and similar mission hospitals across the country.
He highlighted the need for improved staff accommodation and pledged immediate support towards that goal.
“We are prioritising people’s lives. Institutions like this are vital to our healthcare system. I have contributed US$4 000 to kick-start efforts to mobilise funding for the construction of accommodation for nurses and doctors,” he said.
Church leaders welcomed the Vice President’s participation and support, describing his presence as a strong affirmation of the partnership between faith institutions and national development.
St Joseph Guild Vice Secretary for the Archdiocese of Harare, Mr Kudakwashe Kadoro said the Vice President’s attendance reflected his commitment to the guild and its values.
Society of Jesus priest Father Alex Tatenda Dakamire said the gathering serves as an important platform for spiritual renewal among men, fathers and community leaders.
He commended Vice President Chiwenga for encouraging men to become exemplary leaders in their families, communities and the nation.
The St Joseph Guild Weekend of Prayer, which began on April 23 and concludes on Sunday, is aimed at deepening the spiritual lives of members while promoting unity, leadership and purposeful Christian living.
