SYDNEY MUBAIWA
GOKOMERE- The late Roman Catholic Church priest, Father Cephas Manyanye(44) who died at Silveira Misson Hospital on Wednesday last week was buried at Gokomere Mission Cemetery on Saturday.
Hundreds of Catholics from Masvingo Diocese and beyond led by Masvingo Diocese head, His Lordship Bishop Raymond Mupandasekwa converged to bid farewell to the man of cloth who served at several stations before his death.
Fr Manyanye suffered from a cancer of the liver for a long time and was treated at 24 Hours private clinic in Masvingo and in India but the situation did not change.
He was also referred to Silveira Hospital where he passed away last Wednesday.
He served as a priest for 9 years and in 2020, he was appointed as a secretary of the Presbyterial Council which advises the bishop on Diocese governance issues.
He was deployed to several parishes including St Joseph in Bikita, St Joseph Beitbridge, St Barbra Bangala and other parishes in Gutu district.
Bishop Mupandasekwa who gave a moving sermon urged mourners to work for life after this world and always seek God’s guidance.
“We should learn from Father Cephas and accept ourselves as we are. We should serve God in the best way possible.
“Father Cephas Manyanye was a humble man who was down to earth. He preached to many and a number of lives were turned to God.
“He was passionate about his work and he preached unity and love every time and let’s all emulate his humility,” he said.
Masvingo Diocese Vicar General Father Oscar Chagweda described the late Father Manyanye as a mysterious person, a miracle and a fighter.
“Today we are laying to rest a priest who was described by one of his doctors as a mysterious man, a miracle and a fighter.
“We are laying to rest a priest who was not fast in giving up. He chose not to give up and he would fight for his life. We are burying a strong priest whose character had a strong foundation,” he said.
Born on August 1, 1981 in Mvuma to Margaret Evelin Nduku, Father Manyanye had four siblings, three boys and one girl.
He attended Chikiza Primary School in 1987 to 1994 before proceeding to Nyikavanhu Secondary School in 1995 to 1998.
He studied Philosophy in Malawi in 2008 and enrolled at Chishawasha Regional Major Seminary from 2013 to 2016.
He was ordained priest on June 24, 2017 and started pastoral year at St Joseph Matiore Mission. He was appointed priest in charge at Soti Source in 2018 before being assigned as a priest in charge at St Barbra Bangala Mission in 2023.
He was a holder of Bachelor of Theology Honours Degree (Chishawasha), Diploma in Philosophy (Malawi) and a Masters of Arts in Religious Studies (Great Zimbabwe University).
