By Tinashe Chimombe
The serene city of Gweru was graced by a profound gathering from July 26 to 28, as the Zimbabwe Catholic Association for Sacred Music (ZICASAM) organized a National Symposium. This holy convocation drew together composers and choirs from all dioceses across Zimbabwe. Mr. Tafara Mangoma, Chairperson of ZICASAM, welcomed attendees and thanked them for their dedication in attending the event under challenging conditions.
Presiding over this esteemed event was His Lordship, Bishop Raphael Ncube of Hwange, responsible for Liturgy and Evangelisation within the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC). His Grace led a vibrant and spiritually uplifting Mass, delivering a homily that deeply resonated with the faithful. He emphasized the indispensable roles of composers, liturgists, and choir masters in nurturing the spiritual well-being of the laity. Bishop Ncube fervently urged these dedicated servants of the Church to work in harmonious collaboration, highlighting the synergy essential for spiritual enrichment.
The symposium featured a plethora of informative discussions. On the first day, Fr. Alex Mapfuti and Fr. Alex S. Ndlovu initiated their presentations, shedding light on the hierarchical structure of the Church and the spirituality intrinsic to the role of composers, respectively. Their insights provided a profound understanding of the sacred duties and the spiritual depth required in their ministries.
On Saturday morning, Fr. Mgcini Moyo, National Coordinator of the Commission of Liturgy and Worship under the ZCBC, delivered an enlightening presentation. His discourse set a contemplative tone for the day’s proceedings, preceding the solemn Mass celebrated by Bishop Ncube as the principal celebrant. Fr. Moyo spoke about the Jubilee 2025, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” and the Jubilee of Choirs to be celebrated in Rome from November 22 to 23, 2025. He emphasized the theological and pastoral significance of the Jubilee logo and symbols.
Additionally, the symposium witnessed articulate presentations by Prof. Albert Munyanyi, who illuminated the controversies surrounding sacred music competitions. He highlighted how these competitions, initially intended to foster spiritual development and unity, have deviated from their original objectives. Prof. Munyanyi called for reconciling competitions with liturgical norms and addressing the impact of disputes on faith growth and evangelism. He advocated for necessary modifications in adjudication criteria to ensure sacred music competitions unify worshippers and enrich their spirituality.
Mrs. Lindsay Gwatirera Murahwa’s contributions were also greatly appreciated. Her presentation on the monetization of church music was particularly vibrant. As of 4 PM on Saturday, the faithful eagerly awaited upcoming presentations by Dr. Claybough T. Mapfumo and Mr. Tinashe Chimombe. These presentations were anticipated to further enrich the spiritual and intellectual dimensions of the sacred assembly, focusing on the relationship between composers and choir masters/conductors, and the standardization of music at a national level.
This symposium stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe to promote and preserve sacred music, fostering a deeper connection between the laity and the divine.