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Twin brothers make Zimbabwe Catholic history
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The Archdiocese of Bulawayo has made history after twin brothers were ordained as Catholic priests, marking the first known twin priestly ordination in Zimbabwe.
Fr. Francelino Joachim Machirika and his twin brother, Fr. Franklin Joachim Machirika, were among four deacons ordained to the priesthood during a solemn Mass held on Saturday at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Bulawayo.
The ordination ceremony, which began at 9:30am, was presided over by Archbishop Alex Thomas SVD.
Also ordained were Fr. Bongani Ndlovu CMM and Fr. Dumisani Dube CMM, bringing the total number of priests ordained during the ceremony to four.
The ordination of the Machirika twins was widely celebrated by the Catholic community as a landmark moment for the Church in Zimbabwe, with many faithful describing it as a powerful symbol of faith, family and vocation.
Church members said the occasion would inspire more young people to consider religious life and priestly service.
The four newly ordained priests are expected to celebrate thanksgiving Masses in their respective parishes on Sunday.
Fr. Francelino Joachim Machirika and Fr. Franklin Joachim Machirika will celebrate their thanksgiving Mass at Holy Trinity Parish in Cowdray Park.
Fr. Bongani Ndlovu CMM will celebrate at Uganda Martyrs Parish in Luveve, while Fr. Dumisani Dube CMM will celebrate his thanksgiving Mass at St Bernard's Parish in Pumula.
The ordinations mark the culmination of years of spiritual formation, theological studies and pastoral training, with the new priests now preparing to begin their ministry through the celebration of the sacraments, preaching the Gospel and serving communities.
Jacob Chikarakara, a member of the St Joseph Guild in Bulawayo, described the occasion as historic.
"Today we witnessed history in our church and my family and I wish the twins and indeed the other two new priests a long and blessed journey in their chosen vocation. Our guild stands ready to support them as they go through their journey as priests," he said.
The Archdiocese of Bulawayo said the ordinations were a joyful celebration of faith and reflected the continued growth of priestly vocations within the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe.
Fr. Francelino Joachim Machirika and his twin brother, Fr. Franklin Joachim Machirika, were among four deacons ordained to the priesthood during a solemn Mass held on Saturday at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Bulawayo.
The ordination ceremony, which began at 9:30am, was presided over by Archbishop Alex Thomas SVD.
Also ordained were Fr. Bongani Ndlovu CMM and Fr. Dumisani Dube CMM, bringing the total number of priests ordained during the ceremony to four.
The ordination of the Machirika twins was widely celebrated by the Catholic community as a landmark moment for the Church in Zimbabwe, with many faithful describing it as a powerful symbol of faith, family and vocation.
Church members said the occasion would inspire more young people to consider religious life and priestly service.
Fr. Francelino Joachim Machirika and Fr. Franklin Joachim Machirika will celebrate their thanksgiving Mass at Holy Trinity Parish in Cowdray Park.
Fr. Bongani Ndlovu CMM will celebrate at Uganda Martyrs Parish in Luveve, while Fr. Dumisani Dube CMM will celebrate his thanksgiving Mass at St Bernard's Parish in Pumula.
The ordinations mark the culmination of years of spiritual formation, theological studies and pastoral training, with the new priests now preparing to begin their ministry through the celebration of the sacraments, preaching the Gospel and serving communities.
Jacob Chikarakara, a member of the St Joseph Guild in Bulawayo, described the occasion as historic.
"Today we witnessed history in our church and my family and I wish the twins and indeed the other two new priests a long and blessed journey in their chosen vocation. Our guild stands ready to support them as they go through their journey as priests," he said.
The Archdiocese of Bulawayo said the ordinations were a joyful celebration of faith and reflected the continued growth of priestly vocations within the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe.
Source - NewZiana
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