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Second Catholic Bishop of Mutare Diocese in Zimbabwe Dies “peacefully” at 84

By Jude Atemanke

Mutare, 08 January, 2024 / 9:00 pm (ACI Africa).

Bishop Alexio Churu Muchabaiwa, the second Catholic Bishop of Mutare Diocese in Zimbabwe, has passed on “peacefully” after an illness. He was aged 84.

Bishop Muchabaiwa “passed on peacefully to eternal life” on Monday, January 8 at Murambi Gardens Clinic, Mutare, the Local Ordinary of the Zimbabwean Diocese, Bishop Paul Horan, O. Carm, announced in a statement.

“We pray for his eternal rest, and consolation for his family and many friends at this difficult time,” Bishop Carm said, adding that “funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.”

Born in June 1939 in Wedza, Zimbabwe, the late Bishop Muchabaiwa was ordained a Priest in August 1968.

He ministered at Makumbe Mission from 1969-1972. In 1973, he was enrolled at Gaba Institute in Uganda for a diploma in Pastoral Theology. He later served as Spiritual Director at the Chishawasha Major Seminary, where he rose to the rank of Rector.

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Between 1979 and 1980, the late Catholic Church leader served as Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Harare as well as Chaplain of the first African Mayor of Harare, Dr. Tizirai Gwata. 

Late Bishop Muchabaiwa will also be remembered for consecrating the National Heroes Acre and for officiating at the burial of the first two heroes to be interred at the national shrine, Josiah Tongogara and Jason Ziyapapa Moyo in 1980.

The Catholic Bishop, who retired in May 2016 at the age of 75 had leadership responsibilities at the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC), where he served as President for two terms. 

Other leadership roles at ZCBC included Chairman for the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, Education Commission, Marriage and family, Seminary Board and the ZCBC Finance Committee.

Jude Atemanke

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.

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