Catholic Parish in Zimbabwe Reconsecrated after “woman destroyed sacred vessels”

“Hordes of Catholics from the three parishes, led by Bishop Nyandoro, met at Gokwe Primary School to perform the Palm Sunday ritual and to witness the re-consecration process of the Uganda Martyrs Church.,” Fr. Moyo recounts.

He continues, “Bishop Nyandoro then went round the Church building blessing it with holy water before he blessed its interior, culminating in the consecration of the altar.”

“There was ululation, singing and dancing when the Bishop opened the doors of the Church to rededicate it to God,” the Parish Priest says, and adds, “Bishop Nyandoro explained the meaning of the practice which he said was meant to cleanse the Church and return it to its state as the house of God.”

Fr. Moyo continues to explain the events of Palm Sunday, “The Bishop then challenged people of Gokwe to respect and protect Church property, especially sacred things and sacramentals.”

The Catholic Bishop, Fr. Moyo further says, also encouraged parishioners “to be always engaged in prayer and adoration so that they are protected from evil powers.”

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Following the desecration of the Parish, the Apostolic Administrator called for fasting and prayer for reparation.

In a statement issued March 23, the Vicar General of Gokwe Diocese, Fr. Damian Gumbo, encouraged “the clergy, sisters, brothers and the laity of the diocese to engage into a Triduum of prayer for an act of reparation.” 

“The Apostolic Administrator of Gokwe Diocese summons the clergy, sisters, brothers and the laity into a Triduum of prayer for an act of reparation,” Fr. Gumbo said.

He said, “The three days will begin on Thursday 30th of March to Saturday 1st of April 2023. The Church will be re-consecrated on Sunday the 2nd of April 2023.”

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.