Yesterday, the Catholic University of Zimbabwe, in Harare, was the centre of attraction as the Catholic Church community in Zimbabwe converged there to celebrate Archbishop Robert Christopher Ndlovu’s Silver Jubilee as a bishop.
The momentous occasion drew a distinguished gathering, including the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Dr. Emmerson D. Mnangagwa, the Vice President, Honourable Dr. Constantine Chiwenga, government officials, six fellow bishops, priests from across Zimbabwe, Archbishop Ndlovu’s siblings and relatives, and numerous Catholic faithful.
The presence of these notable figures, along with the Holy Father, Pope Francis, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Section for the First Evangelization and New Particular Churches of the Dicastery for Evangelization, who sent congratulatory letters to the archbishop, added to the grandeur of the event.
In his address, Archbishop Ndlovu began by revealing that the Speaker of the National Assembly of Zimbabwe, Advocate Mudenda, was his English Language teacher.
“He was my teacher, so if I am speaking bad English, blame it on Advocate Mudenda, as he was my English Language teacher at the ‘O’ Level and also my soccer coach.”
“He was also my lecturer in English literature, Ndebele, and Career Guidance,” said his grace, Robert Ndlovu.
The archbishop continued, “When you come to a day like this, you start looking back.”
“What happened for me to be here?”
“You know, God can still write straight on crooked lines, … I believe that,” the archbishop pondered.
Archbishop Ndlovu humbly described himself as “a simple rural boy who enjoyed herding cattle, trapping birds and hunting tsuro and all that.”
“That’s how I grew up,” remarked archbishop Ndlovu.
He expressed gratitude to his family members for their unwavering support and asked them to stand up and be recognised by the congregation.
He also acknowledged the affectionate relationship he shares with his mother, Gogo Ndlovu.
After the speeches, attendees enjoyed a celebratory lunch before departing.
The archbishop continued, “When you come to a day like this, you start looking back.”
“What happened for me to be here?”
“You know, God can still write straight on crooked lines, … I believe that,” the archbishop pondered.
Archbishop Ndlovu humbly described himself as “a simple rural boy who enjoyed herding cattle, trapping birds and hunting tsuro and all that.”
“That’s how I grew up,” remarked archbishop Ndlovu.
He expressed gratitude to his family members for their unwavering support and asked them to stand up and be recognised by the congregation.
He also acknowledged the affectionate relationship he shares with his mother, Gogo Ndlovu.
