New pastoral assignments take effect across the Diocese
The Catholic Diocese of Gweru has officially announced the transfers and appointments of clergy for the year 2026, following a pastoral circular issued by His Lordship, Bishop Rudolf Nyandoro, dated 27 December 2025.
The announcement was made on the Feast of the Holy Family and marked the closure of the Jubilee Year 2025, situating the message within a moment of thanksgiving, renewal, and recommitment to mission. Addressed to the clergy, religious, and laity, the Bishop’s message reflects both gratitude for faithful service and a forward-looking pastoral vision for the Diocese.
In his circular, Bishop Nyandoro extended heartfelt greetings to all the faithful in the name of the Child Jesus and expressed sincere appreciation to priests, religious, and lay faithful for their unwavering dedication in pastoral ministry and diocesan commissions throughout the year 2025.
“As we come to the closure of this year 2025,” the Bishop wrote, “I wish to express my deepest gratitude to all our clergy, religious and the laity for your unwavering dedication and service within the Diocese of Gweru.”
Effective Dates of the Transfers
The Bishop announced that the new transfers and appointments will take effect from 15 January 2026, with all affected clergy expected to take up their new appointments by 25 January 2026. He concluded his message by invoking God’s blessings for the New Year, praying for renewed zeal, strength, and commitment in service to God’s people.
Key Diocesan Leadership Appointments
Among the many appointments announced, several key diocesan leadership roles stand out, reflecting the administrative, pastoral, educational, and formational priorities of the Diocese of Gweru.
- Vicar General of the Diocese
Very Reverend Father Simon Mavhiya continues in his role as Vicar General of the Diocese of Gweru, while also serving as Priest-in-Charge of Lalapanzi Mission. His dual responsibility strengthens diocesan coordination while maintaining close pastoral engagement at mission level. - Diocesan Chancellor
Reverend Father Gilbert Chibhira continues as Diocesan Chancellor, now based at St Theresa Cathedral, where he supports canonical administration and diocesan governance, ensuring the proper functioning of ecclesiastical processes within the Diocese. - Diocesan Financial Administration
Reverend Father Aaron Mpofu remains Diocesan Financial Administrator, while also serving as Priest-in-Charge of Driefontein Mission. His role is central to promoting financial accountability, stewardship, and the sustainable management of diocesan resources. He is assisted by Reverend Father Knowledge Mutingwende, who serves as Assistant Financial Administrator, based at Thornhill, Whawha. Together, they support sound financial governance, transparency, and effective resource management in service of the Church’s mission across the Diocese of Gweru. - Education Secretariat
Reverend Father Terrence Mapwashike continues to serve as Diocesan Education Secretary, based at St Severino, Chiwundura West, overseeing Catholic education institutions and supporting faith-based formation across the Diocese. - Diocesan Secretariat and Communications (SOCCOM)
Reverend Father Tinago Mutusva serves as Diocesan Secretary and Assistant Priest with responsibilities in Social Communications (SOCCOM), contributing to administration, coordination, and diocesan communication efforts.
Seminary Formation and Ongoing Priesthood Training
The Diocese of Gweru continues to place strong emphasis on priestly formation and ongoing education, with key appointments in seminaries and formation houses.
- Reverend Father Anselm Tafara Musemwa serves as Rector of Chikwingwizha Minor Seminary, guiding the early formation of future priests.
- Reverend Father Tinashe Wunganai serves as Vice Rector at Chikwingwizha Seminary.
- Several priests have been assigned to further studies abroad, including in Belgium, Spain, and the United Kingdom, strengthening theological, pastoral, and academic capacity for future diocesan leadership.
Parish, Mission, and Institutional Appointments
The published list of appointments covers a wide range of pastoral responsibilities across the Diocese, including:
- Urban and rural parishes
- Mission stations
- Cathedrals and rectories
- Education and formation institutions
- Specialised pastoral ministries
Key worship centres such as St Theresa Cathedral, Regina Mundi, St Peter’s Mkoba, St Paul’s Mkoba, St Mary’s Shurugwi, and other major parishes have received strategic appointments to ensure continuity of pastoral care and sacramental life.
The circular also includes appointments of SMB Fathers serving in the Diocese, as well as Deacons attached to various parishes and missions, further strengthening pastoral outreach and service.
A Call to the Faithful
The Diocese of Gweru calls upon all the faithful to pray for the clergy as they assume new responsibilities and begin new chapters of ministry. Parish communities are encouraged to welcome incoming priests with openness and cooperation, while expressing gratitude to those completing their service.
Looking Ahead in Faith
As the Diocese enters the year 2026, these transfers and appointments reflect more than administrative adjustments; they express a renewed commitment to evangelisation, service, and unity in the mission of the Church.
May the Lord who has begun this good work bring it to fulfillment, and may all who serve in the Diocese of Gweru be strengthened in faith, hope, and love.