By A Correspondent – Vice President, General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga has emphasised the vital role of the church in fostering unity, peace and national development, urging Zimbabweans to prioritise prayer, togetherness and a collective national vision.

He made these remarks during the St Joseph Guild Weekend of Prayer held at St Paul’s Musami Mission, where he joined congregants from the Archdiocese of Harare.

Speaking to attendees, Vice President Chiwenga highlighted the church’s enduring influence in shaping moral values, nurturing leadership and strengthening social cohesion.

“We need to pray for our country, for national unity, and to rise above the spirit of individualism. We must cherish the values of a common destiny. By strengthening our spiritual foundations, the church reinforces the moral fabric of our nation and builds the solidarity necessary for economic and social development,” he said.

He called on citizens to draw inspiration from the virtues associated with Saint Joseph—notably humility, discipline, resilience and faith—which he described as essential traits for leadership and nation-building. “Through institutions such as the St Joseph Guild, the church plays a pivotal role in nurturing responsible leadership, discipline and community participation—qualities that are indispensable to national growth, stability and resilience,” he added.

Prior to the service, the Vice President toured St Paul’s Musami Mission Hospital, a mission-run health facility established in 1957. He commended the institution for its longstanding contribution to healthcare, noting that it caters to an estimated 150,000 people.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment, alongside the church, to mobilise resources for the improvement of mission hospitals across the country, with particular focus on infrastructure such as staff accommodation.

“We are prioritising people’s lives. Institutions like this are vital to our healthcare system. I have contributed US$4 000 to kick-start efforts to mobilise funding for the construction of accommodation for nurses and doctors,” he said.

Church leaders welcomed his presence and support, describing it as a strong endorsement of cooperation between religious institutions and national development efforts. St Joseph Guild Vice Secretary for the Archdiocese of Harare, Mr Kudakwashe Kadoro, said the Vice President’s attendance demonstrated his dedication to the guild and its mission.

A priest from the Society of Jesus, Father Alex Tatenda Dakamire, noted that the gathering provides an important space for spiritual renewal among men, fathers and community leaders. He also praised Vice President Chiwenga for encouraging men to become responsible and exemplary figures within their families and society.

The St Joseph Guild Weekend of Prayer, which began on April 23 and ends on Sunday, seeks to deepen members’ spiritual commitment while promoting unity, leadership and purposeful Christian living.