In the words of the popular Christian author, Father Tertullian, “sangius martyrum,semen-est Christianorum,” which translates to “the blood of the martyr, is the seed of Christians,” remarks a century of pain, love, heartbreak and joy which the Cathedral of Sacred Hearts felt in its 100 year existence as it celebrates its centenary.
More than a stonewall, the cathedral since its first laid stone in 1925, has been a beacon of hope, faith and also a country’s pride and assistance. In its entire existence, the Cathedral stood toll in the momentous occasion and history of Zimbabwe. Under the main theme, “100 years of faith, legacy of love and hope,” shows the journey of the Church in the soils of Zimbabwe.
In the synopsis seen by ZimGospel, the Centenary Celebrations chairperson, Mr Chirenda said the church has been a symbol of resilience and hope to the community, parishioners and the country as a whole.
“Over the past 100 years, the Cathedral has witnessed the countless moments of joy, sorrow and transformation. It has been a sanctuary for the faithful, a symbol of resilience, and a testament to the power of the community. From baptism to confirmations, ordinations to weddings, funerals to festivals and fun days, the Cathedral has been the heartbeat of our spiritual lives,” he said.
The Roman Catholic Church has not only been a source of spiritual support, but also a place of refuge to the nationalistic and patriotic unity as it helped Zimbabwe to be free. “This faith was not professed in words but also in actions,” the church has also been faithful to both its spiritual and national beliefs and teachings.
“Just as the liberation war fighters of Zimbabwe sacrificed their lives to free their people, the nuns of this Dominican convent, on whose grounds we stand today, played a part in this struggle for liberation—not only through prayer but also by assisting the likes of the late President Robert Gabriel Mugabe and Enos Nkala to escape the injustices of colonial rule. Therefore, these 100 years of faith are not only significant for the Catholic Church but also serve as a major point of national reflection. In recognition of this significant work by the church, the Government of Zimbabwe continues to partner the church and Parish in giving it access to such places as prisons where the Parish assists in re-evangelizing the de-Christianized,” the centenary chairperson said.
The church made no differences between its affairs and the state’s own affairs. It showed that the problems of the state are also the problems which the church faces. In its upward revision and trajectory investment in building the church of God, it also built a strong relationship between the government and the church through the fight against the drug abuse.
“The government and the church have also put hands together to fight the scourge of Drug Abuse which has destroyed families and communities. By designating the Cathedral as a National Monument, the government has also extended the geographical reach of the evangelical work of the Parish through many tourists who visit it,” Mr. Chirenda said in the synopsis.
A church in its 100-year existence, has been filled with the men of cloth worked under God’s guidance and supervision to make the Cathedral to stand toll in the heart of Central Business District in Harare.
“May I also take the opportunity to recognise the work of the many priests and religious who have passed through the corridors of the Cathedral. Notable mention going to the late Monsignor Kizito Mhembere, the late Father Harold Barry, Fr Fidelis Mukonori, Sr Redempta Gondo, Fr Joseph Dandiro, and Fr Kennedy Muguti who are here present, who spent decades in service at the Cathedral. Though some of you are no longer with us or in retirement, you stand as a reminder to all of us of the unwavering sacrifice to the life of the church of those gone by and those here present. In addition, we also give gratitude to many former and current parish executive members whose leadership also ensured continued growth of the parish and responsible stewardship of the temporal goods of the church. Furthermore, we recognize the contributions of the many benefactors of the Parish, some who choose to contribute in silence,” the chairperson said.
Today, the generation has embarked on a journey to build a lasting memoir, a Centenary Block within the Cathedral grounds.
“This development stands as a rising opportunity for us who are here present to participate in making our contribution to the church of tomorrow by constructing this lasting monument which will cater for the current needs of the parish. The block will be the legacy that the present generation will hand over to those coming in the future just as the Cathedral was handed over to us by those that have gone before us,” he said.
In the testament written in the book of Acts 2:4, at Pentecost, the Apostles were heard speaking in many tongues, a miracle of unity in diversity. In like manner, this Cathedral once primarily an English-speaking parish now resonates with the voices of many: Shona, Ndebele, French, Portuguese, and more recently Tonga being learnt through the song “MBULI BBALABALA YACHILANGILILO”; as our choir prepares for the St Cecelia Choir Competitions. These linguistic communities are fully represented here today, a testament to the Church’s living breath of Catholicity.
From this single stem of unity, a thriving community has blossomed made up of guilds, sections and small Christian communities all designed for effective evangelization. Just as natural law sees life begin in a zygote and unfold into a complex, vibrant human being, so too has this Parish grown. It stands not only as a sanctuary of prayer, but as a sign of hope for the future, with a registered 3000 parishioners. The fruits of this growth are evident, abundant, and ongoing.
