MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU—The Roman Catholic Church is set to establish a new parish in Woodlands Park Phase Two as the fast-growing Gweru suburb attracts more residents and institutions.
The development was announced on Sunday during a ground breaking ceremony led by Gweru Diocese Bishop Rudolf Nyandoro, marking the church’s latest expansion into the developing residential area.
The new church is expected to serve Catholics living in Woodlands and surrounding areas, while also providing a base for the diocese’s pastoral work in the growing community.
Bishop Nyandoro said the church was coming to Woodlands with a mission to reach out to people from all backgrounds and offer them an opportunity to turn their lives to God.
“We are not suggesting that there were no churches in Woodlands. However, as the Roman Catholic Church, we are affirming our presence and welcoming everyone to worship with us. We invite all members of the community, regardless of their circumstances, to come to church, repent, and receive blessings,” he said.
Thousands of Catholic faithfuls attended the ground breaking ceremony, which included a procession through the suburb before a service was held at the site of the proposed church.
River Valley Group company secretary Sitholokuhle Jemuce, representing group chief executive officer Ambassador Smelly Dube, said the property developer welcomed the church’s establishment in Woodlands.
“We already have many churches with beautiful chapels here in the suburb. We have the likes of UFIC, ZAOGA Forward in Faith, Church of Nazarene, and many others who have come up with magnificent structures to worship in, and we are happy that the Roman Catholic Church is also now on board,” Jemuce said.
“We are aware of the church’s capacity, and we are happy our suburb continues to develop and grow.”
Jemuce said River Valley Properties would donate a residential stand for the parish priest as part of its contribution towards the church’s establishment.
“As part of our contribution to the development of the church in this area, we are donating a residential stand for the church priest here in Woodlands,” she said.
The Catholic Church’s entry into Woodlands comes as the suburb continues to expand, with residential and commercial developments taking shape.
The establishment of the church adds to the growing number of religious institutions setting up in the gated community as its population increases.
