By Sr. Mufaro Chakuinga LCBL

Over 500 Catholics converged at St. Mary’s Amaveni in Kwekwe, Gweru Diocese to witness the confirmation of 78 catechumens on 3 June 2023. The confirmation coincided with St. Mary’s Amaveni Parish Day to commemorate 69 years of the parish’s existence. The day was graced by Bishop Rudolf Nyandoro, his Vicar General, Fr. Simon Mavhiya and a number of priests and religious.

St. Mary’s Amaveni was built in 1954 and operated under St. Edward Parish until it became independent in 2017. The parish’s population has been rapidly growing due to the mushrooming settlements around the area.

In his homily, Bishop Nyandoro challenged those confirmed to emulate the life of saints and to live a life worthy of their Christian life.

“It is very important that you live a life worth of your vocation so that one day you become saints in your own right. Saints are people who lived an exemplary life and if you practice your faith diligently, it is possible that one day you become saints,” said Bishop Nyandoro.

The Priest in charge, Fr. Ephraim Matingwina expressed gratitude to St. Mary’s Amaveni parish for their wholehearted participation in supporting the Church 78 activities.

” Success is built on teamwork. I am impressed by the participation of St. Mary’s parishioners which always bear fruit in many ways. We are inspired by the work of the Holy Spirit in our parish. Our gathering is an opportunity to celebrate the collective effort in developing the parish”, said Fr. Matingwina.

The second part of the day was organized by the Missionary Childhood who performed a mock ordination as a way of promoting vocations to religious life with the child bishop ordaining five child priests. The children thrilled the congregants as they imitated different groups found in the Catholic church from priests, sisters, bishops and the faithful.