By Fr. Johnston Z. Mlambo

The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) Plenary commenced today at the Cresta Lodge in Harare, with the theme “Fostering Synodality through Discernment in Common and Decision-Making in the Synodal Bodies of the Church.”
The proceedings began with an opening prayer, followed by the introductory remarks from the bishop president of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference, His Lordship Bishop Paul Horan. In his address, Bishop Horan underscored the challenging circumstances under which the plenary was being held.
“Globally, world peace is very much under threat; the number of ongoing wars is devastating. As a country, and together with other Southern African nations, we are living in an El Nino-induced drought,” said His Lordship Bishop Paul Horan.

“Our national economy is very much unstable, something that has seen the collapse of most social services leaving many people in distress. These and many other challenges are significantly shaping the church in Zimbabwe as she seeks to fulfil her mandate to evangelise,” continued the prelate.

Bishop Horan highlighted significant events from the previous year, including the ad limina visit to Rome in September, during which the bishops met with Vatican officials and the Holy Father. He also mentioned the ordination of Bishop Eusebius Nyathi as the bishop of Gokwe and the installation of Bishop Raymond Mupandasakwa to the diocese of Masvingo.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our two brother bishops and wish them all God’s blessings,” said bishop Horan.

“Among other key events was the participation of Archbishop Robert Ndlovu and bishop Raphael Ncube at the Synod in October 2023,” Bishop Horan continued.
Additionally, he told the participants that the Conference inaugurated St. Augustine College in the Archdiocese of Bulawayo, marking the first school owned by the Conference.
“It becomes the first school in the country to belong to the conference,” remarked the most Reverand Horan.
Bishop Horan informed the assembly about recent staff changes at the ZCBC, including the departure of Br. Alfonse Kugwa, the former National Coordinator of Social Communications. Fr. Johnston Mlambo has succeeded him as the new coordinator, with Fr. Methuli Moyo providing assistance.

He said that last year, the Health Commission and Caritas Commission had briefly ceased operations, with Caritas resuming activities in February under the leadership of Mr. Harrington Chuma. “We wish him well as he seeks to build the new Caritas National Team.” He revealed to the house that Mrs. Thandiwe Muzadzi had been appointed the new health coordinator.
The plenary continued with a presentation from Fr. Tonderayi Sola, the Pastoral Coordinator of the Gokwe Diocese.