The Diocese of Mutare & The Carmelites in Zimbabwe - the Irish ...

the vast area of Melsetter, Chipinge and surrounding areas. The Seminary was planned and constructed by an ex-
Jesuit, a Bruno Gassi, who was German. Bruno built the Seminary right into the hills, it was and is a solid
structure, other buildings were constructed in the years which followed. As we are aware, the Seminary is near the
main road, there is always a good supply of water from springs in the mountains, plenty of firewood, plenty of
ground for growing vegetables, maize and whatever. The Seminary was opened and blessed in January 1962. As
time went on, students from the Archdiocese of Salisbury and from the Diocese of Chinhoyi joined the students
from the Umtali Diocese. Boys who finished Standard Six in those days and who expressed a wish to become
priests were sent to Melsetter. Father John Lamont became Rector soon after the Seminary was opened. John’s
knowledge of the local customs and language was very limited.
The Seminary began with students attending Form One. Father Gerry Galvin went to the Seminary to assist John
Lamont. The second year began, with Forms One and Two and Father John O’Sharkey took up residence at the
Seminary. Mr Joe O’Neill, a mission helper spent some time there teaching Latin. It was then decided that they
would follow the London G.C.E. ‘O’ Level syllabus as it was a subject examination as distinct from a group
examination, if a student failed any particular subject, he could repeat the subject. The subjects offered at that
time were: English Language, English Literature, Latin, Mathematics and Bible Knowledge.
During 1965 John Lamont left the Seminary and Father Tom McLoughlin was appointed Rector. Tom
McLoughlin introduced many changes for the better at the Seminary, the Junior Seminarians used to wear red
cassocks and got a monthly allowance, all that and other privileges went!! The Seminarians were to be treated like
any other group of young men studying G.C.E. They were also at this time asked to pay school fees, though it was
a small amount. They also competed in sport activities with other schools. A much healthier atmosphere prevailed
at the Seminary. During this time, Fathers Ward, Josten and O’Sharkey were on the staff. Father Senan Egan
together with Brother Ignatius Moore built the Church at the Seminary and Father O’Sharkey added a unique
bell tower, it was in imitation of the first American rocket taking off from Cape Canaveral in the USA!!
Fathers O’Sharkey and Ward left the Seminary during 1966 and were replaced by Fathers Jim Doyle, Stan
Hession, another staff member came some time later. There were now five on the staff, including Fathers
McLoughlin and Josten. Stan Hession was appointed Dean of Studies and a proper curriculum was drawn up.
Two new subjects were added, Geography and Shona language. The number of Seminarians increased greatly.
During 1968, Stan Hession was advised that they must have a science subject on the syllabus in order to get
recognition at University level and so biology was introduced. During 1967 Tom McLoughlin began to build an
extension to the present Sister’s Convent as new Sisters were expected at the Seminary, other buildings were also
added at this time. During 1968 the Carmelite Sisters came and began their work at the Seminary and with the
people, especially women in the surrounding areas.
Some of the brethren questioned the value of the Seminary with so many able-bodied men involved with Seminary
education? Yet it was so necessary that the Country prepared for its own Clergy and Religious, the Archdiocese of
Salisbury, Chinoyi and Umtali students were all studying at Melsetter.
During 1970, Father Tom McLoughlin was elected Commissary Provincial of the Carmelites and Father Jim
Doyle was appointed Rector of the Seminary. As Rector Jim Doyle began to extend the Seminary buildings after
receiving funds from overseas donors. The State Lottery donated funds to build a swimming pool. Other buildings
were included as time went on together with an outstation church just outside Melsetter town. Many of the
brethren served for a short time at Melsetter and when two left during early 1972, Father McLoughlin returned
and began to teach English Language and Literature four days each week at the Seminary. Sister Paulus de
Bruyn came during 1972 and began to teach history at the Seminary. At this time there were four Carmelites at
the Seminary, namely, Jim Doyle, Stan Hession, Tom McLoughlin and John McGrath. Father Stan Hession
went for studies in England during 1974 and he was replaced by Father Thomas Fives. During 1976 Father
Ambrose Vinyu was appointed Rector and Jim Doyle became the Bursar of the Seminary. During the war years,
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