Story by Abigirl Tembo
THE church has been commended for shaping individuals and communities worldwide through education.
During a visit to Assisi town, the birthplace of Saint Francis, Vice President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga acknowledged the church’s significant contributions to education and societal development.
The Vice President paid tribute to the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi.
The visit was part of the Pilgrimage of Hope, initiated by Pope Francis, which continues to inspire hope and unity worldwide.
During his visit, Vice President Chiwenga expressed his deep gratitude to the Franciscan Order for their contributions to education, particularly in Zimbabwe.
“In Chivhu, we have a Franciscan institution named after St. Francis of Assisi. Assisi is home to the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, the place where his mission began and where he eventually passed on. Although the town is small, home to just around 28 000 people, the work of St. Francis has spread across the world. It was my personal wish to visit Assisi, as the Franciscans were the ones who made my education possible. As a Catholic, it is deeply meaningful for me to be here.
Assisi Municipal Councillor, Isabel Fischi centred on potential collaborations in education, cultural exchanges, and social unity.
“In our discussions with the Vice President, we explored opportunities for cooperation in areas like education, cultural exchange, and social unity. We were honoured by the visit to the Basilica, which symbolises the spirit of Franciscanism. We hope this marks the beginning of a new relationship, building bridges between Assisi and Zimbabwe.”
The visit marked a new beginning for strengthened ties between Zimbabwe, the Vatican, and Assisi, with all parties expressing hope for future collaborations and mutual benefits, underscoring the enduring legacy of St. Francis and the commitment to education and social justice.
