Story by Abigirl Tembo
VICE PRESIDENT General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga has paid tribute to a Zimbabwean royal priest buried in India, underscoring deep historical, cultural and diplomatic links between Zimbabwe and India that date back more than three centuries.
Dr Chiwenga visited the Church of Santa Barbara in Goa, the final resting place of Roman Catholic priest Reverend Father Miguel, during commemorations of the Feast of St Barbara. The visit drew church leaders, congregants and academics and renewed interest in the historical connections between the two countries.
Father Miguel, a Dominican priest, was the son and heir of Emperor Kapararidze of the Monomotapa Empire. An inscription at the church records that he served as Vicar of Santa Barbara from 1700 to 1726, highlighting early religious and cultural exchanges between southern Africa and the Indian subcontinent.
Church officials commended the Zimbabwean government and the Vice President for supporting the renovation of the chapel and the construction of a tombstone at Father Miguel’s grave.
Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa, Most Reverend Simiao Purificacao Fernandes, expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying it would strengthen relations between the Archdiocese of Goa and the Republic of Zimbabwe.
“I also take this opportunity with much joy to express our whole, all-hearted and profound gratitude to Your Excellency for assisting us with the renovation works, not only in this chapel, but also at our major seminary, the Patriarchal Seminary of Rochelle. I am sure this encounter will definitely help us to bolster our steps towards strengthening the relationship between the Archdiocese of Goa and the Republic of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Attorney of the Fabrica of Our Lady of Merces Church in Goa, Dr Xavier Martins, said the support demonstrated a shared commitment to preserving cultural heritage, noting that the restoration works would help safeguard the site’s historical significance for future generations.
“This chapel is a cornerstone of our identity because of our past and a promise for our future. Your Excellency’s generosity has been the wind beneath our wings to undertake the gigantic task of structural risk restoration. We consider your excellency’s generosity as an act of sharing profound cultural responsibility, thereby ensuring that the echoes of our ancestors are not lost to time. this act of your excellency will certainly take Goa-Zimbabwe relations to new heights. We thank you excellency for making a real difference and for being a true champion of history and preservation. Your exceptional work is invaluable,” Dr Xavier Martins said.
Addressing congregants, VP Chiwenga said the Feast of St Barbara and the historic chapel symbolised the shared heritage between Zimbabwe and Goa. He described the site as a reminder of enduring ties forged through faith, culture and leadership, and said such historical connections could open opportunities for deeper cooperation in areas including culture, trade and development.
“As we celebrate the Feast of Saint Barbara at this historic chapel, significant to both the people of Goa and my homeland, Zimbabwe, we are reminded of our shared pasts and enduring ties. This sacred place not only honours one of Zimbabwe’s greatest leaders, but also honours one of Zimbabwe’s esteemed sons, Father Michael, a former priest and vicar who rests here, but also symbolizes the vital role he played in the cultural and spiritual exchange between our nations, Our celebration reflects the values of faith, courage, and community, emphasising the need to strengthen relationships between Zimbabwe and Goa. Our historical connections can pave the way for greater cultural exchange, trade, and collaboration in various sectors. By fostering these ties, we create opportunities for our people to engage more closely, learn from one another, and work together towards common goals, ultimately benefiting our citizens and contributing to our collective growth and prosperity,” he said.
For Zimbabwe, the site represents a tangible link to its global historical footprint, illustrating how African royalty and faith intersected with international exchanges in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
Father Miguel’s journey from the Monomotapa Empire to Goa remains a lasting symbol of early interaction between Africa, Europe and Asia, and continues to serve as a bridge linking Zimbabwe and India more than 300 years later.
