By CCN Reporter in Hwange Diocese

The Bishop of Hwange Diocese, Raphael Ncube officially opened a new priest’s house at St. Francis of Assisi in Cross Dete on 22 April 2023.

Catholics from Dete Deanery and other deaneries in the Catholic Diocese of Hwange gathered at St. Francis of Assisi to celebrate and witness the blessing and official opening of the new priest’s house. 

St. Francis of Assisi was recently established as a parish after separating from St. Francis Xavier, Dete. It is now a stand-alone parish administered by Fr. Lashiwe Muzamba.

In his homily at the official opening ceremony, Bishop Ncube said, “priests ought to live in the communities, amongst the people they serve and this is what the Church encourages, taking the example of the Early Church.” 

Bishop Ncube acknowledged the contribution of the community in fulfilling the Diocesan Pastoral Theme which says: ‘Christ our hope: A synodal journey towards a self- reliant Church,” which became a reality for the new parish after the completion of the new house.

The bishop expressed that the Priest’s house should be a home, a fountain which brings about a unique relationship between the priest and parishioners. He said it must help parishioners enrich their sacramental life, sustain the welfare of priests, enhance communication, and make the priest accessible to the people of God. It is also a platform to share common realities.

“From this initiative growth must be seen not only in numbers of believers but also in the spiritual life of people,” Bishop Ncube stressed. 

On the same day, 45 catechumens received the sacrament of Confirmation and this expressed the growth of the church in her synodal journey and mission to reach out to people of different cultures.

The event was graced by Archbishop Emeritus Pius Ncube, Bishop Emeritus Albert Jose Serrano, the Vicar General Fr. J. Nyoni, the Dean of Dete Deanery Fr. Nkatazo and several priests serving in the Diocese of Hwange.