On Saturday, 5 February 2023, the Redemptorist Region of Zimbabwe in Africa celebrated the ordination to the priesthood of Rev Deacon Kudakwashe Kariviro C.Ss.R. Many people from all walks of life graced the occasion. The Apostolic Nuncio to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, conferred the sacrament of Holy Orders to Fr. Kudakwashe Kariviro at Saint Augustine’s Parish Hatclife.
In his homily, the Archbishop encouraged the newly ordained priest to follow closely in the footsteps of the Redeemer, who came to serve and not be served. The Nuncio spoke briefly on the need of priests to work with the laity in a synodal manner according to the pastoral needs of each Christian community.
The Provincial of London and Region of Zimbabwe, Fr Richard Reid, also graced the occasion and shared words of fraternal support to the newly ordained. He reminded Fr. Kudakwashe that he should remain humble and keep smiling as a Redemptorist, and he congratulated the untiring work of formation being done in Zimbabwe and Africa at large.
The occasion was also graced by the presence of the Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, himself a Catholic and Redemptorist parishioner. He thanked the Redemptorists family for bringing a unique charism of Preaching into the local Church.
Fr. Kudakwashe was overjoyed and had as his ordination motto profound words from Saint Clement Maria Hofbauer: “What l am doing was the greatest ambition of my heart: in my childhood l had been drawn to it, in my youth l had yearned for it and l had spent the early years of manhood to attain it.” Vivat in Aeternum to the brother we love!
Fr. Gideon Sidinga C.Ss.R.
