Mukudzei Chingwere-Sunday Mail Reporter
VICE PRESIDENT Dr Constantino Chiwenga says the Roman Catholic Church’s Franciscan Order has left a permanent mark on both the State and his life, adding that its unwavering commitment to education, healthcare and evangelisation aligns with the Government’s vision for a prosperous and empowered populace.
The Order of Friars Minor in Zimbabwe has been declared an autonomous entity, a significant milestone marking its maturation from the Irish Province that founded its mission in 1958.
The new Custody of the Good Shepherd was launched at a ceremony held at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Waterfalls, Harare, yesterday, an event that also served as a tribute to the Franciscans’ profound contributions to Zimbabwe’s liberation and nation-building.
The Church continues to partner the Government in several community projects straddling education, health and the championing of moral uprightness.
VP Chiwenga, who was guest of honour at the event, went down memory lane, reflecting on a personal journey that began decades ago during his schooldays at Mount St Mary’s Mission in Hwedza.
“For me, and for many of my generation, this occasion represents a pilgrimage back to our roots,” he said.
“My connection to the Franciscan Order goes beyond public record; it is deeply woven into the fabric of my life. Here, at the feet of the Franciscan friars, I received an education that went beyond the classroom. Under their guidance, and that of my grandfather, Marimo Guveya Chiwenga Matangira, the ideals of justice and freedom took root in my young heart.
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“As a schoolboy, the quiet courage of these men helped forge the revolutionary convictions shared among my comrades and I.
“This is a story of quiet rebellion against colonial oppression, a tale of Friars who, in the name of a higher calling, chose to stand with the marginalised.
“With their secret support, we, as young men driven by a vision for a liberated Zimbabwe, found the means to cross borders and join the protracted liberation struggle.
“They risked everything — their positions, their freedom, even their lives — acting as a vital, underground lifeline for our cause.”
VP Chiwenga singled out Father Paschal Slevin, who was one of the missionaries that supported the liberation struggle, for special praise.
“Among these heroes, none stood taller than Reverend Father Paschal Slevin. A man of immense faith and courage, he became a father figure not just to me but to countless others,” said VP Chiwenga.
“For his unwavering support of the liberation movement, he faced brutal deportation by the colonial regime. Yet, when freedom finally arrived, Father Slevin returned, bringing with him the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation that defines our nation. Our connection, forged in the fires of struggle, was reawakened and deepened an enduring bond that even his passing cannot cut, alongside the legacy of other luminaries like Father Sean and Father Philip.
“As we stand at the dawn of this new reality today, I carry Father Pascal’s spirit with me. His legacy of selfless service is what led the Government of Zimbabwe to honour him with the Royal Order of Munhumutapa, a tribute to one of the few who stood firmly on the right side of history.”
The Government, he said, will work collaboratively with the Church to sustain the great works championed by Fr Slevin, particularly in education and scholarships.
The Franciscans, also known as the Friars, operated under the Irish administration and now manage their pastoral responsibilities and mission work locally.
Such a status is awarded to regions where there is a growing number of Friars, but are not many enough to form a full province.
“Today marks a significant milestone. The Custody of the Good Shepherd in Zimbabwe has come of age. With this declaration of autonomy, the Order has now become . . . an institution capable of charting its own course,” added VP Chiwenga.
“This achievement is a testament to local spiritual resilience and dedication, the blossoming of seeds planted by the Irish Province now flourishing in Zimbabwean soil.
“We pay tribute to the Irish Friars, whose devotion and mentorship made this day possible, and we celebrate the wisdom of this moment of transition . . . I stand here to reaffirm the Government of Zimbabwe’s unwavering support for the Franciscan mission.
“Your unwavering commitment to education, healthcare and evangelisation aligns perfectly with our vision for a prosperous and empowered populace. As we move forward, let us continue to collaborate to ensure that the legacy of those who sacrificed so much continues to thrive.”
He encouraged the newly autonomous Custody of the Good Shepherd to embrace the moment with courage and conviction.
“Let this autonomy serve as a catalyst for even greater works, reaffirming your mission to serve the poor and the marginalised,” he said.
The celebrations were graced by dignitaries who include the Archbishop of Harare Robert Christopher Ndlovu and Bishop Raymond Mupandasekwa, who gave the homily.
Minister Provincial of the Irish Province Father Adian McGrath and Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor Father Massimo Fusarelli were also part of the event.
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