Bishop Munyanyi, Sr Chibhangora like twins they go
Share
Moses Madyira
Mirror Reporter
Mvuma – They were both aged 66, they religiously served the same vocation and on Sunday May 22, 2022 they were buried at Driefontein Mission Cemetery one after another.
Bishop Emeritus Martin Munyanyi and Sr Bernadeti Chibhangora who died two days apart last week both served in the Roman Catholic’s Gweru Diocese.
Thousands of Catholics, friends and relatives gathered at Driefontein Mission Park about 100km East of Gweru, the place where many Catholic bishops are interred.
Like twins they were buried and indeed one after another!
The vast Driefontein Farm has for years been a fountain of the Catholic success story; rearing hundreds of cattle, running a successful dairy project, running carpentry and mechanic courses for communities but most famously running the most caring and reputable hospital on the continent.
Driefontein Mission Hospital is the name that will come into everyone’s mind when a friend or relative was dogged with a stubborn illness.
Have you tried Driefontein?
In the rolling beautiful grasslands of a world-renowned Driefontein Wetland lies Driefontein and behind the staff cottages of some old rugged houses are happy tall pine trees pointing straight up into heaven. It is in this yard that the two Catholics have found their resting place.
Great Catholic bishops too lie there; remember the last Bishop to go there, Xavier Munyongani a towering figure, towering indeed in height and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He was a man of humor and one of the greatest preachers to stand on the alters of the Catholic church.
Humble, forthright, pragmatic, caring indeed rest in peace Bishop.
Sister Chibhangora was buried first followed by the Bishop.
Sister Chibhangora was a mathematician, a PHD holder and she taught at Gokomere High School.
Bishop Munyanyi was described as a humble leader, caring and loving.
Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference Union in Zimbabwe president Paul Horan said Bishop Munyanyi was always loving and a man who always led by example. Horan described Chibhangora as an academic par excellency
She exceled both in the academia and missionary work.
Fr Thomas Kutwa described Bishop Munyanyi as a cheerful man who did not lose strength even in his last hour.
“As we lay Bishop Munyanyi to rest, I recall his immense passion for Christ, passion for people of God. Presence in the society was his belief on the existence of the church. He loved to be with the people.
“Sister Bernadette excelled in both her missionary work and academic life,” said Horan.
Emphraim Munyanyi, Bishop Munyayi’s young brother described the late bishop as a loving and caring father who believed in progress. He was a marvel to spend time with.
The late Munyanyi was born on January 3, 1956 in Bikita. He attended Beardmore Mine Primary School before proceeding to Silveira Mission for his secondary education.
Munyanyi then studied for priesthood at Chishawasha and was ordained a priest on September 3, 1983. He was appointed Bishop of Gweru Diocese in May 2006 by Pope XV1 after the death of Bishop Xavier Mugadzi who died on February 6, 2004.https://masvingomirror.com