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

Some years earlier, again during February, Fathers Burke and McGrath were travelling from Harare to
Mutare via the Seke Road. As we approached the turn off for Marondera on the Seke road, about
thirty ‘Youth Brigade’ were manning a ‘road block’. This group were armed with big sticks and were
known for their aggressiveness. J. McGrath who was driving was aware of these fellows and as we
approached the group, he slowed down as they were right across the road. Thinking that we were
about to pull over, they made a ‘gap’ for us to pull in. When McGrath saw the ‘gap’ he put his foot
down and left the lot behind, they all gave chase of course but with a Toyota, we cleared the danger
point in no time!! One up for Toyota!! About two miles further on there was another group, but this
time they were in the back of a trailer pulled by a tractor, so they did not bother us. There must have
been no cell-phones in those days otherwise the other group may have alerted them as we approached
the trailer. About a week later, a Sister phoned to ask if we were alright as she had heard that we
drove through a Police Road Block at high speed and the Police opened fire on us!!
Philemon Kuyengwa was Ordained to the Priesthood at Triashill Mission on the 27 th of May 2006.
The Provincial Chapter took place at Gort Muire Dublin from the 18 th to the 22 nd of June 2006.
Fintan Burke began his third term as Provincial and confirmed Simplisio Manyika as the first
Zimbabwean Commissary Provincial. Congratulations to Simplisio. Fintan Burke and Martin
Kilmurray visited Zimbabwe from the 15 th to the 24 th of September 2006. A Wall of Remembrance
was erected at Triashill Cemetery with all the names of the brethren who ministered in Zimbabwe
and who died outside of Zimbabwe are recalled. Father Michael Hender published an edition of
‘Carmeletter Zimbabwe’ to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the Carmelites in Zimbabwe 1946 –
2006. Sister Evelyn Kadzere was elected Mother General of the Carmelite Sisters during August 2007.
2008 General Councillor for Africa, Father Desire Unen Alimange visited Zimbabwe from the 10 th
to the 26 th of May 2008. Michael Ngano was Ordained to the Priesthood at Kriste Mambo on the 24 th
of May 2008. Father Gerry Galvin and Norbert Heaslip celebrated their Golden Jubilee of
Ordination in Mutare on the 26 th of May 2008. Doctor Irene von Furstenberg died in Mutare on the
15 th of June 2008 and was buried at Triashill Mission Cemetery on the 19 th of June.
Conall Collier died in Ireland on the 5 th of July 2008. Another great priest who gave himself tirelessly
in ministry. Conall shared his gifts with his brothers and sisters in life and assisted so many, religious,
people in the parish and in the Diocese and a host of others who came to him for whatever reason.
May his soul rest in peace. Father General, Father Fernando Millan Romeral and the Councillor for
Africa, Father Desire Unen Alimange held a Canonical Visitation of the brethren in Zimbabwe
during October 2008. Holy Trinity College Harare transferred from Silveira House to the Nazareth
House complex during 2008. The Fathers from the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, Ireland,
Fathers Pat Lennon, Nigel Charles and Charlie Healy completed their Mission to Zimbabwe during
2008. Fathers Pat and Nigel came during January 1999 and ministered at Saint Benedict’s Mission
and Saint Columba’s Mission respectively. Father Healy replaced Father Lennon at Saint Benedict’s
Mission when Pat returned to Ireland. The Bishop of the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois,
Bishop Colm O’Reilly very graciously, together with Fathers Pat, Nigel and Charlie made a great
contribution to ministry in the Diocese of Mutare over their nine years. During their ministry in the
Diocese of Mutare, they were under the umbrella of the Kiltegan Fathers.
2009 During 2009 Alexio Makokowe became the editor of ‘Carmeletter Zimbabwe’ replacing
Michael Hender who was the editor since the beginning of the publication, 1986. The Spiritans in
Zimbabwe celebrated 25 years of Ministry in Zimbabwe on the 6 th of June 2009. The Provincial
Chapter was held at Gort Muire Dublin from the 14 th to the 18 th of June 2009. Father Martin
Kilmurray began his first term as Provincial and Simplisio Manyika was confirmed at Commissary
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