A Roman Catholic priest has praised Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga for demonstrating consistent dedication to his spiritual life, describing his commitment as an example of how families and communities can nurture faith, unity, and positive values. The remarks came during a ceremony held yesterday to mark the Vice President’s successful completion of the first stage of the St Joseph’s Guild, a programme grounded in the principles of family care, responsibility, and service.
The event, attended by clergy, parish members, and the Vice President’s family, highlighted a rare moment in which national leadership and personal faith intersected in a public setting. Dr Chiwenga completed the first phase of the Guild together with five of his sons, a gesture that religious leaders said symbolised the importance of shared family participation in spiritual development. His wife, Colonel Miniyothabo Chiwenga, was also present to witness the milestone.
The Vice President was inducted into the Guild alongside Dr Kudzai Chiwenga and Messrs Gamuchirai Chiwenga, Tawanda Chiwenga, Kudakwashe Chiwenga and Takudzwa Chiwenga. The St Joseph’s Guild, named after the biblical figure widely regarded as a model of fatherhood, emphasises the duty to guide, nurture and protect families while upholding Christian values in daily conduct.
Father Victor Bushu, who officiated at the ceremony, said the Vice President’s involvement in the Guild reflected a form of leadership grounded not only in public duty but also in spiritual humility. He emphasised that Dr Chiwenga’s willingness to take part in church programmes, despite the pressures of national office, demonstrated a valuable balance between responsibilities at home, in government and in the community.
Catholic Priest Commends Vice President Chiwenga for Exemplary Devotion as He Graduates With His Sons in St Joseph’s Guild
“What makes his accomplishments even more remarkable is that he is living out the Church’s teachings together with his family,” Father Bushu said. “The teachings of St Joseph highlight the importance of love and care within the family, and there is no better way to embody this than by raising children in a faith-filled environment.”
Father Bushu added that by completing the first stage of the Guild with his sons, the Vice President had demonstrated how spiritual growth can be strengthened when families journey together. He noted that such commitment reinforces unity within households and contributes to stronger moral foundations in wider society.
The priest further highlighted that the involvement of national leaders in local church programmes helps to inspire congregants, especially young people, to take faith and community values seriously. He said the example set by the Vice President showed that faith is not separate from public life, but can guide personal choices and strengthen relationships within families.
Catechist Mr Alois Makwembere, who also addressed the gathering, echoed Father Bushu’s sentiments. He described the Vice President’s approach to the Guild as humble and disciplined, emphasising that Dr Chiwenga did not allow his political office to overshadow his responsibilities within the Church.
“He truly set an exemplary standard,” Mr Makwembere said. “It was clear that his role as Vice President did not define him. He fulfilled all requirements with dedication and advanced to the next stage with competence.”
Mr Makwembere added that the presence of the Vice President’s children throughout the programme underscored the significance of mentorship at home. He said the Guild encourages fathers and guardians to lead by example, and the Vice President’s participation with his sons reflected a commitment to practising what the Church teaches about family life.
Dr Chiwenga has previously spoken openly about his long-standing connection to the Roman Catholic Church. He has said that spirituality plays a central role in guiding him both personally and professionally, and that Christian values such as honesty, discipline and selflessness remain important touchstones in his leadership philosophy.
The ceremony marking his graduation from the first stage of the St Joseph’s Guild is therefore viewed as more than a routine church event. It represents a reaffirmation of the Vice President’s personal faith and his intention to continue strengthening his relationship with the Church alongside his family.
For members of the congregation and the community, the event highlighted the significance of faith-based programmes in building strong families. Church leaders said the involvement of public figures in such initiatives helps encourage many other families to prioritise spiritual development, character-building and unity at home.
As Dr Chiwenga progresses to the next stage of the St Joseph’s Guild, church officials say they look forward to seeing continued engagement from the Vice President and his family. The graduation marks a meaningful step in a faith journey that, according to those close to the programme, will continue to emphasise service, humility and commitment to family.
Source- Byo24
