His Lordship, Bishop Rudolf Nyandoro of the Diocese of Gweru; the Vicar General; Reverend Fathers; religious brothers and sisters; pastors; brothers and sisters in Christ; the Honourable Chief Charumbira; respected traditional leaders; invited guests; alumni; benefactors; parishioners; students; and all the faithful gathered here.
Today, 22 May 2026, we gather with grateful hearts to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Ss Peter and Paul Bondolfi Mission. Seventy-five years is more than a measure of time; it is a journey of faith, sacrifice, service, and God’s enduring providence.
We stand on holy ground, ground made sacred by prayer, dedication, and the tireless commitment of missionaries, catechists, teachers, religious men and women, and lay faithful who believed in a vision greater than themselves. They sowed seeds of faith, education, healing, and hope. Today, we reap the fruits of their labour.
Established in 1951 by the Bethlehem Mission Society (SMB), a Swiss Catholic missionary congregation, and named in honour of Canon Pater Bondolfi, this mission was founded with courage and conviction. The pioneers faced scarce resources, long distances, and numerous challenges. Yet anchored in Christ and inspired by Saints Peter and Paul, they persevered. Like Peter, they remained steadfast in faith; like Paul, they proclaimed the Gospel with zeal.
Over the past seventy-five years, Bondolfi Mission has been more than buildings of brick and mortar. It has been:
A house of prayer, where generations have received the sacraments.
A center of learning, shaping minds and forming leaders.
A place of healing, where compassion met human need.
A home of community, where families found belonging.
The Second Vatican Council reminds us that “the Church on earth is by its very nature missionary” (Ad Gentes, 2). This mission embodies that truth. It was established not only as a place of worship but as a community rooted in faith, justice, compassion, education, and human development.
The mission has made a profound contribution to education and healthcare. Its schools have formed priests, religious, teachers, nurses, professionals, civil servants, and community leaders. The mission has offered not only academic excellence but also moral formation, discipline, and Christian values. The Primary and Secondary Schools have nurtured generations of learners into responsible citizens.
The Teachers’ College associated with this mission has played a particularly significant role in national development. By preparing dedicated educators who have served across Zimbabwe and beyond, the mission has shaped generations and strengthened society’s foundations.
Equally important has been the mission clinic, which reflects Christ’s healing ministry. For decades, it has provided care, comfort, and hope to the sick, the elderly, mothers, fathers, and children. In serving the vulnerable, the Church has lived out the Gospel in action.
As Gaudium et Spes reminds us, the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the people are also those of the followers of Christ (Gaudium et Spes,1). In times marked by poverty, unemployment, family instability, and moral challenges, this mission continues to stand as a centre of hope, guidance, and renewal.
On this special occasion, we give thanks for the past and renew our commitment to the future. Our schools must continue to provide quality education grounded in Christian principles. Our healthcare services must continue to uphold human dignity with compassion. Our pastoral ministries must continue to promote faith, unity, and moral integrity.
I express my sincere gratitude to the missionaries, bishops, priests, religious men and women, catechists, teachers, healthcare workers, benefactors, and all the faithful who have sustained this mission through prayer and sacrifice.
In a special way, I acknowledge with deep appreciation the steadfast support of our traditional leaders, especially Honourable Chief Charumbira, together with village heads and community leaders. The relationship between the Church and traditional leadership has long been marked by mutual respect and shared concern for the well-being of our people. Your collaboration has enabled evangelization, education, healthcare, and community development to flourish. May this partnership continue for generations to come.
To the young people present today: this mission is now your inheritance and your responsibility. Cherish it, strengthen it, and build upon the strong foundation laid before you.
In the spirit of synodality, we are reminded that the future of this mission depends on our continued commitment to walk together-priests, religious, parishioners, young people, and families. The Synod on Synodality reminds us that the Church is called to be a community of “communion, participation, and mission.” These three words beautifully capture the history of this mission. This mission has flourished precisely because it has been a place where faith has been lived out in collaboration and mutual respect. May this Diamond Jubilee renew our faith, deepen our missionary commitment, and strengthen this mission as a sign and instrument of unity, peace, education, healing, and Christian witness.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, intercede for us, and may Almighty God abundantly bless Ss. Peter and Paul Bondolfi Mission and all who serve within it.
Thank you, and may God bless you all!
