The Catholic Church in Zimbabwe dedicates July for prayer and campaigns for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The Church in Zimbabwe faces a severe shortage of vocations to the priesthood, with dwindling numbers of candidates in the past decade. Catholic faith arrived in Zimbabwe in the 16th century, with modern evangelization starting in 1879 with the arrival of Jesuit missionaries. In the 1930s, bishops recognized the need to form a local clergy to continue the church's mission. Chishawasha Seminary was founded in 1936 by Archbishop Aston Chichester SJ to serve as a Minor and Major Seminary.
5 months ago
The Catholic Church in Zimbabwe is experiencing a severe and persistent shortage of vocations to the priesthood, with a significant decline in candidates entering major seminaries over the past decade 1. This decline is evident at Chishawasha Major Seminary, the country's sole remaining major seminary, which currently houses only 95 seminarians from all eight Catholic dioceses 1. For the current year, fewer than 30 candidates applied for the first year of philosophy, with only about 20 admitted, marking the first time enrollment has fallen below 100 since the early 1990s 1. The previously opened St. Augustine Major Seminary, established in 2000 due to a boom in vocations, was closed in 2016 because of dwindling numbers 1.
The Catholic faith arrived in Zimbabwe as early as the 16th century, with significant evangelization beginning in 1879 with the Jesuits 1. Initially, the Church heavily relied on missionaries, but efforts to form local clergy began in the 1930s with the founding of Chishawasha Seminary in 1936 1. The promotion of vocations intensified after dioceses were created from 1955 onwards, leading to a substantial number of local priests being produced 1. The Church saw a boom in vocations in the 1990s, which necessitated the opening of a second major seminary, St. Augustine, in 2000 1.
Several factors are cited for the current scarcity of vocations. Fr. Bernard Mukwewa, Rector of Chishawasha Major Seminary, attributes the decline to the disintegration of the traditional African family, which he describes as the "domestic church" from which vocations emerge 1. This breakdown is linked to poverty driving migration for employment, climate change, conflicts, drug and substance abuse among youth, political instability, and high mortality rates, leading to broken, child-headed, or single-parent families 1.
Bishop Rudolf Nyandoro of the Gweru diocese corroborates these concerns, highlighting the impact of Zimbabwe's economic decline, which results in widespread unemployment and pushes youth towards activities like illegal mining, or into hopelessness, alcohol, and drug abuse 1. Additionally, Bishop Nyandoro notes that the requirement of an Advanced Level (High School certificate) for seminary admission has reduced intakes, as many potential candidates do not possess this qualification 1. Some devoted Catholics also suggest that a lack of sacrifice and increasing materialism among young people contribute to the decline, alongside concerns that scandals involving some priests and religious have made religious life seem irrelevant to many 1.
The Church in Zimbabwe is actively implementing strategies to counter the decline in vocations. The month of July is dedicated annually to prayer and campaigns for vocations 1. Priests and religious members are engaging in promotional activities, encouraging youth to discern God's call and parents not to dissuade their children 1. Bishop Nyandoro's diocese has established an office to animate youth, formed campaign teams to visit Catholic schools, and organized "come-and-see" workshops 1.
Efforts are also underway to retain existing priests and religious, with campaign teams visiting parishes and communities to understand challenges and encourage perseverance 1. Bishop Nyandoro plans to visit the homes of his priests and seminarians to build relationships with their families, believing that good examples and strong family faith attract vocations 1. He also encourages the faithful to pray for vocations and has invited missionary congregations to send members to his diocese to address manpower shortages, especially as many current priests are aging 1.
Many Catholics believe that the exemplary lives of priests are crucial for attracting vocations 1. They recall that early missionaries, despite language barriers and lack of modern communication, successfully promoted vocations through their virtuous conduct 1. There is a strong appeal for priests to live genuinely Christian lives to inspire young people 1. Vocations promoters emphasize the importance of families teaching and living the faith, as "vocations are a function of faith" 1.
What is the Church's mission regarding priestly vocations?
The Church's mission regarding priestly vocations is multifaceted, encompassing the identification, encouragement, selection, and comprehensive formation of candidates, as well as the ongoing support and spiritual growth of ordained priests . This mission is rooted in the understanding that priests are essential for proclaiming the Gospel, building up the Church, and serving the People of God in the person of Christ the Head and Shepherd .
A primary aspect of the Church's mission is to foster and encourage vocations to the priesthood . This involves promoting vocational awareness and encouraging prayer for vocations among all the faithful, both at the parish level and within families . The goal is to help young men be open to the Lord's call to follow Him more closely .
The Church is responsible for the careful guidance and direction in the selection and training of those preparing for priestly vocations . Bishops, as successors of the Apostles, have a serious personal responsibility in this regard, acting as the "first representative of Christ in seminary formation" . This responsibility, while shared, must never be completely delegated . Bishops are urged to be demanding in the selection of candidates, ensuring they possess sound motives, genuine piety, sufficient talent, and strive for irreproachable moral character .
The formation of future priests is a serious journey that involves four key dimensions: human, intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral . This comprehensive approach aims to develop candidates who are mature and fit for the presbyterate .
The Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Pastores Dabo Vobis is a foundational document that provides clear guidelines and a comprehensive vision for priestly formation, synthesizing the Church's wisdom and experience in this field .
The Church's concern for priestly formation does not end with ordination . Bishops are responsible for the ongoing formation of priests, ensuring their generous fidelity to the gift and ministry received . This permanent formation is essential for priests to maintain and reinforce their effectiveness and zeal, and to address any gaps in their seminary training . It involves continuous conversion, spiritual support, and opportunities for growth, helping priests to acknowledge their true dignity and live out their priestly identity as "men of God," "servants of the Church," and "alter Christus" . The consistent witness of bishops' own zeal, fidelity, interior joy, and simple lifestyle also serves as an example for men to recognize their call to the priesthood .