Chiwenga to grace Bishop Mupa silver jubilee

PREPARATIONS are at an advanced stage for the priestly silver jubilee celebrations of Bishop Raymond Tapiwa Mupandasekwa of the Masvingo Diocese, with clergy, government officials and hundreds of congregants expected to gather at St Patrick's Mission, Gokomere, on August 8.

The event will commemorate 25 years since Bishop Mupandasekwa, popularly known as Bishop Mupa, was ordained to the Catholic priesthood and is expected to attract church leaders and worshippers from across Zimbabwe.

A source familiar with the preparations said Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is expected to attend the celebrations. The source also said Archbishop Janusz Stanisław Urbańczyk, the Apostolic Nuncio to Zimbabwe and the Holy See's ambassador to the country, is expected to be among the dignitaries.

The silver jubilee will celebrate Bishop Mupa's quarter-century of priestly ministry, during which he has served in various pastoral and leadership roles before his appointment as Bishop of the Masvingo Diocese.

Reflecting on his journey ahead of the celebrations, Bishop Mupa said his decision to pursue the priesthood was initially met with resistance within his family.

"When I initially told my parents that I wanted to become a Catholic priest, there was no joy in the family. My parents went into a fight. My mother was happy but my father did not want to hear of it. I just had to do it as something I felt was a calling to serve God. The first year was not easy. I missed my parents and would be homesick," he said.

The bishop said reaching the 25-year milestone was a testament to faith, perseverance and God's grace.

The celebrations are expected to feature a thanksgiving Mass, prayers and speeches highlighting Bishop Mupa's contribution to the Catholic Church, pastoral ministry and community development within the Masvingo Diocese.

Organisers are expected to release the official programme and confirm the final list of invited dignitaries ahead of the event.