THE church has been challenged to be the custodian of peace and encourage it’s congregants to remain united as the nation heads for elections.
This was said by Vice President General Rtd Dr Constantino Chiwenga when he attended Palm Sunday mass at St Marys Immaculate Heart Parish in Highfield, Harare.
Christians across the world marked Palm Sunday, signalling the beginning of the Holy Week, whose climax is the Easter holiday.
In Highfield, the Catholic church started with a marching procession to St Mary’s Immaculate Heart Parish with Vice President Chiwenga and his wife Colonel Miniyothabo Chiwenga being part of the procession.
Presiding over the Palm Sunday mass, Farther Gilbert Chibhira spoke on the need to observe peace as the country heads for elections.
“As we approach Easter, let’s learn not to be selfish and desist from the love of material things. Instead be your brother’s keeper and let’s look out for one another especially now as we are head for elections it is important that we uphold peace at all times,” he said.
Guest of Honour at the event, Vice President Chiwenga called for peace, love and unity in order for the country to prosper.
“The church and the government should work together so that we work together in peace. In the words of the late Vice President John Landa Nkomo: “peace begins with you, me and us,” it is everyone’s responsibility to bring peace among us. That’s the message we are moving with. Let’s unite so that there is peace and love among us.
“When the Second Republic came into being, the message was and still remains of unity love and peace. As we head for elections. When we choose leaders in the church do we fight? So why do we fight when it comes to national issues. Let’s not burden the police we are all adults. As we commemorate Palm Sunday let’s pray for peace as we head for elections. Very soon the President will be making a proclamation with regards to elections after that we want peace, we want love and to live together in peace,” he said.
Father Clifford Nhetekwa also spoke on the need for concerted efforts between the church, government and the community in fighting the scourge of drug and substance abuse.
“When we were growing up we only knew Mbanje. Now our kids are addicted to Mutoriro. If we look at what our kids are drinking these days. It’s horrific. Now kids are drinking kambwa and after that their behaviour becomes like that of dogs. Even the type of clothes they are wearing. They will wear five to 10 trousers. We need to unite and pray for our children. Our lent and appeal money at bishops conference is now going towards the rehabilitation of youths in drugs,” said Father Nhetekwa.
Palm Sunday is observed by various Christian denominations and signifies the beginning of the Holy Week and always falls on the las Sunday before the Easter holidays.
Source: zbcnews
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