In act of humility and respect to the authority of the clergy, Vice President, Constantine Chiwenga, kneels for prayer before the newly ordained priests at St Fidelis Mabvuku Parish in Harare, an act many have appreciate and commended.
Bowing to a man of God is not worshipping the person but what they represent hence it is a sign of spiritual gesture of submission, humility and reverence to the office of God.
The Vice President is a strong Roman Catholic cadre, a member of the Chita Cha Josefa guild. He is common figure in many Roman Catholic gatherings and at times giving teachings and preaching. He has always urged the church to lead with integrity and encouraging the church to partner with the government for social cohesion and developmental issues.
Chiwenga has a long spiritual journey well before the war of liberation He once considered to be a priest before joining the guerillas to free Zimbabwe. His baptism was after his birth in 1956 and has been a Catholic since. Attending school at Mount St Mary’s Mission in Hwedza, helped him build a firm foundation of faith and practice.
His “deep rooted connection with the Roman Catholic and spirituality is his primary motivation’ for service to the nation.
Chiwenga is a strong Catholic who carried the rosary during the war and he was inspired by the church to have the spirit to serve the public.
Despite failing to be a priest, Chiwenga, is an active and astute lay Catholic rising in the ranks of the guild system transitioning from the green belt to the cream and blue belt. A Catholic Guild is a formal group of lay people who pray together regularly, study the faith related to their calling and support each other in living Raman Catholic values. They serve the church and community through works of charity. It is in the guild of St Joseph’s Guild that Chiwenga belongs to, a guild that focuses on the virtues of St Joseph that includes fatherhood, work and family protection.
He and his family are active Roman Catholics members.
