The church has been a beacon of hope, where cultivation of love and compassion have been planted in the hearts of many, a manifestation of God’s works amongst us, Dr Constantino Chiwenga, Vice President, has said, as he congratulated All Souls High School, a Roman Catholic institution, for attaining a century of service on 2 November 2024, a day coinciding with All Souls Day celebration
“Over the past century, the mission has been a beacon of hope and a place where love and compassion have flourished in the hearts of countless individuals. Each of you has played a vital role in this community and we have witnessed God’s works in our lives.
“Therefore, I want to congratulate All Souls Mission and the community for the 100 years since this school was built. Together, let us thank God for this. For the past 100 years, All Souls Mission has committed its work to the Lord through education outreach and spirit guidance.
VP Chiwenga said the Government recognised the critical role the church plays in society.
“It is a profound honour to join you in celebrating a hundred years of excellence at All Souls High School. On behalf of the President of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, I extend our gratitude for inviting us to this momentous occasion. This milestone not only harnesses the enduring leaders of education in our community, but also reflects the values instilled in each generation that has walked through this esteemed institution.
“The endeavour has strengthened the mission and enriched the community proving that when we align our efforts with God’s purpose we can achieve great things. As Government, we recognise and cherish the critical role the Roman Catholic Church plays in shaping young minds and guiding the future of our nation. Education is the bedrock of our society and it is through institutions like All Souls Mission that we cultivate the leaders, thinkers and innovators of tomorrow,” said the Vice President.
He said the Roman Catholic Church’s unwavering dedication to nurturing young minds is commendable and aligns perfectly with the national vision, which aspires to create an empowered and prosperous society by 2030.
VP Chiwenga said All Souls Mission was founded by German missionaries in 1924. The school began as a centre of teaching Christianity where evangelisation was combined with education. He added that then, all centres of evangelism evolved into de facto schools.
“The school’s humbling beginning was marred with challenging conditions, yet the missionaries persevered despite the hot and mosquito-infested environment. People died from malaria, but they never abandoned this place.”
VP Chiwenga also bemoaned drug and substance abuse as well as cybercrimes that are threatening the future of youths in Zimbabwe.
“Today, we face dangerous cultural invasions that threaten to undermine the moral fabric of our community such as the misuse of cyber material, hate speech, and drug and substance abuse. The Government calls on youths to invest their knowledge into respectful service in society, following the example set by the missionaries who funded All Souls Mission a century ago.
“I commend All Souls High School for its proactive stance against drug and substance abuse. Let us work together, the church, the community and the Government in our endeavour to stop this drug and substance abuse challenge among the young ones and guide them to become exemplary people in society. If we do that, their future and that of our nation will be bright,” said the Vice President.
The centenary celebrations were attended by Senate President Mabel Chinomona and Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Dr Aplonia Munzverengwi.
Meanwhile Pope Francis offered Mass for All Souls’ Day at Rome’s Laurentino Cemetery. He visited Roman Laurentino Cemetery the third largest cemetery in Rome where he offers Mass and prays for the deceased.
Continuing his custom of offering Mass in a Roman cemetery on All Souls’ Day, on Saturday, 2 November, Pope Francis visited the Laurentino Cemetery, the third largest in Rome.
He concelebrated the Mass in an area reserved for deceased children and unborn babies.
The Pope arrived shortly before 10.00 a.m. and was welcomed by the Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri and a group of about 100 faithful. Among them Stefano, a young father who lost his daughter Sara in 2021 after three months of pregnancy who consigned a letter to him.
Every year Roman Catholics all over the world celebrate All Souls’ Day on November 2, a day to remember and pray for the faithful departed. The day serves as an opportunity for the living to pray for the souls of those who are believed to be in purgatory, a state where souls undergo purification to atone for minor sins before entering heaven.
