HARARE — First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa has joined the Mwazha family and thousands of congregants across the country in honouring the late Archbishop Paul Mwazha, a revered religious icon whose life of faith, discipline and service left a lasting imprint on Zimbabwe’s spiritual landscape. The First Lady shared her reflections through her official X account, emphasising that the memorial was not only a moment of mourning but also an opportunity to celebrate an extraordinary legacy built over more than a century.
Archbishop Mwazha, who passed away at the age of 107, was the founder of the African Apostolic Church and a towering figure in Zimbabwean Christianity. His life story, marked by humility and a profound sense of divine purpose, has been widely regarded as an embodiment of steadfast devotion and unwavering commitment to uplifting families and communities. For decades, he played a pivotal role in nurturing spiritual discipline, promoting unity and counselling believers to live in harmony regardless of background or circumstance.
In her tribute, First Lady Mnangagwa described the Archbishop’s passing as the conclusion of “a divinely guided journey” defined by resilience and compassion. She noted that his teachings had shaped generations by encouraging values rooted in love, peace and purposeful service. According to the First Lady, the Archbishop’s ability to inspire believers across denominations demonstrated the depth of his calling and the reach of his influence.
“As we mourn, we also celebrate his extraordinary legacy, which strengthened families, promoted harmony, and deepened spiritual fellowship, leaving our nation enriched through his teachings that nurtured faith, discipline and unity,” she said. Her message underscored her belief that the Archbishop’s life’s work contributed significantly to national cohesion by instilling principles that transcended church walls and supported the moral fabric of communities.
First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa Participates in Mwazha Tribute Event
The memorial for Archbishop Mwazha has generated tributes from across the country, reflecting his widespread influence and respected status. Political leaders, clergy, community groups and ordinary citizens alike have acknowledged his role in shaping Zimbabwe’s religious heritage. Many described him as a spiritual father whose counsel brought comfort during difficult times and whose commitment to unity contributed to harmony within the Christian community.
The Archbishop’s leadership in the African Apostolic Church built one of Zimbabwe’s most recognisable indigenous Christian movements. Rooted in African spirituality and disciplined worship, the church became known for its emphasis on moral uprightness, family values and strict adherence to principles that encouraged believers to lead purposeful lives. Over the years, Mwazha’s guidance helped the church grow in both membership and national significance, with its teachings reaching rural and urban communities across the country and beyond.
His long life also made him a symbol of perseverance and spiritual endurance. Many Zimbabweans viewed him as a living testament to the transformative power of faith, citing his ability to counsel both the young and the elderly with equal patience and wisdom. His followers often highlighted his humility, noting that despite his status as a national religious figure, he maintained a lifestyle focused on service rather than personal elevation.
As the country reflects on his legacy, the memorial has become both a moment of collective grief and a celebration of spiritual continuity. The Mwazha family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, noting that the Archbishop’s message of unity and disciplined faith remains central to the church’s mission. Church leaders have pledged to carry forward his teachings, emphasising that his vision for a morally grounded and united society will continue guiding believers.
For many, Archbishop Mwazha’s death marks the end of an era, but his influence continues to resonate through the values he championed. The First Lady’s tribute captures a sentiment shared by countless Zimbabweans — that his life was a blessing to the nation and his legacy a moral compass pointing generations toward peace, service and spiritual harmony.
Source- Byo24
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