By Fr.Methuli Lanele Moyo
On Sunday, the 3rd of November, St. Martin De Porres Zhombe Mission celebrated its 60th anniversary with a remarkable and vibrant celebration.
The day began with a Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Rudolf Nyandoro of Gweru, concelebrated by diocesan priests, with a congregation that included the religious, lay faithful, community members, Chief Gwesela, and the Member of Parliament for the Zhombe constituency, Honourable Eddie Samambwa.
During the celebration, thirty people received the sacrament of Confirmation, marking a significant spiritual milestone.
Despite the scorching sun, the congregation’s enthusiasm remained high as they celebrated one achievement after another.
Beginning at the Mission hospital, the festivities included the blessing of a new solar system for the maternity ward, overseen by the Bishop, and the handover and blessing of a new ambulance, donated by Caritas.
At the primary school, a brand new 75-seater bus—arriving in the early hours of the previous day—was unveiled, sparking an indescribable joy in the community.
The church, primary school, and hospital (originally a small clinic) were built simultaneously by the late Fr. John Hug of the Swiss Missionary Brothers (SMB).
According to Mr. Petros Sinoya Mancitshana, an elder parishioner, the first attempt to establish a mission was made in 1947 by Fr. Winter Holder (SMB), when the missionaries initially arrived in the area. However, resistance from local traditional leaders and political factors thwarted this initial effort.
In 1960, a breakthrough occurred when local leadership accepted the idea of the mission, thanks to the efforts of two men, Fidelis Vundla and Dominic Mudavanhu, who served as interpreters for Fr. John Hug, who had succeeded Fr. Winter.
The community’s elders fondly remembered the mission pioneers: Fr. Hug, the priest in charge from 1964 to 1968, who later returned to serve from 1980 to 1987; Brother Charles, instrumental in the primary school; and Sr. Elizabeth, the first nurse at the then-clinic, who was later deported for her support of the liberation.
With pastoral compassion, the Bishop expressed concern over reports of violence and urged everyone to uphold the dignity of human life, asking them to invite perpetrators of violence to come to church. He emphasized, “The ambulance we just commissioned in not meant to be ferrying emergencies of wounded people, rather let it be used more to assist delivering mothers to give more life to the world”. His words resonated with his commitment to supporting expectant mothers, evident in the solar he installed to sustain the maternity ward and other hospital facilities.
In a speech delivered by the education Secretary of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Gweru, Fr. Augustine Chirikadzi thanked the community for the support they render to the school for its development and that of learners. He indicated unity and shared vision as essentials in the mission of the school.
Chief Gwesela, the traditional leader of the land on which Zhombe Mission sits, expressed gratitude to the local leadership of the time for embracing the missionaries and granting them land. He acknowledged all priests and religious who have served at the mission, especially the current priest-in-charge, Fr. Melusi Ezekia, and his curate, Fr. Munyaradzi Madamombe, as well as Sr. Praxedes Nyamande, the school head, and Sr. Salome Zifa, the Sister-in-charge at the hospital.
The Chief encouraged his people to appreciate the Catholic Church’s exemplary work in building a school and hospital, which serve not only Catholics but also the wider community, where non-Catholics are the majority.
Honourable Eddie Samambwa, the Member of Parliament for Zhombe constituency, expressed gratitude to the Bishop and the Church for their contributions in health and education.
“The government appreciates and supports such impactful work,” he said, pledging support for ongoing projects at the mission, including the construction of a doctor’s residence. He shared his joy in participating in the service, encouraging everyone to keep God at the centre of their lives.
To date, the Mission has produced several priests and sisters including Fr. Jabulani Magugu, Fr. Collen Sakala, Fr. Barnabas Machingauta, Fr. Mabhunu, Sr. Chipo Mangwende, Sr. Teresa Siziba and Sr. Lethel Tavengwa among others.
Bishop Emeritus Michael Bhasera was ordained at St. Martin De Porres in 1978.
The mission continues to grow, impacting lives as a beacon of spiritual nourishment and social transformation.
Other St. Martin De Porres Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Scenes:
