-as General Rugeje stands in for VP Chiwenga
Tawanda Homba
Gutu-Hundreds of Roman Catholic Church congregants from in and outside the country’s borders converged at veteran clergy, Bishop Rudolf Nyandoro’s homestead in Runyowa Village along Chivhu-Harare Highway to celebrate his 25th anniversary as a Priest.
The mass was attended by among others Masvingo Diocese Bishop Raymond Mupandasekwa , priests, brothers from Masvingo diocese, Chief Gutu and decorated soldier and veteran of the liberation struggle, General Engelbert Rugeje who was standing in for Vice President Rtd General Constantino Chiwenga who is out of the country on tour of duty.
Gen Rugeje in his keynote address said that VP Chiwenga wanted to be a Roman Catholic Priest before he joined the liberation struggle hence he never misses an opportunity to share the word of God with fellow congregants as witnessed by his presence at similar gatherings like the ordination of Bishop Mupandasekwa at Gokomere Mission.
“I have been tasked to come and address this gathering by Vice President Rtd Gen Chiwenga. He is the one who must have come here to address you but due to other national commitments he is not here with us and he has tasked me to come and represent him at this very important occasion.
“Let it be known that before he joined the liberation struggle he wanted to be a priest, he had to stop after he decided to go to war to liberate the nation from colonial bondage,” Rugeje said.
Rev Fr Emmanuel Jongwe, the Vicar General for Masvingo Dioceses said Bishop Nyandoro’s leadership qualities have been instrumental in laying the foundation in the growth and development of the Roman Catholic Church in the Province.
“On behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Masvingo I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on the occasion of your Silver Jubilee as a Priest.
“This is a remarkable milestone that symbolises your unwavering commitment and service to the faithfuls, Church and God,” Rev Fr Jongwe said.
During his tenure as Priest in Masvingo Diocese, Bishop Nyandoro once served as Priest in Charge at St Peters and Paul Parish where he worked closely with founding Masvingo Diocese Bishop Michael Bhasera.
He was also the first Rector at St Kizito Minor Seminary where he nurtured and guided young men in vocational discernment.
“Your leadership and mentorship have left a lasting impact on the lives of those who passed through the seminary,” Fr Jongwe said.
Bishop Nyandoro was also the Rector at Bondolfi Teachers College where he contributed towards the shaping and education of future teachers and fostering knowledge among young minds
Bishop Nyandoro was once appointed in charge of of Gokwe Diocese before he was appointed to be the shepherd of Gweru Diocese.
“May your priesthood continue to be a source of inspiration and blessing to all those whose lives you touch and also may this special occasion be a time of reflection, gratitude and a renewed dedication,” Fr Jongwe said.
