Zimbabwe Makes History as Twin Brothers Are Ordained Catholic Priests in Bulawayo

By Southerton Business Times | Bulawayo

The Archdiocese of Bulawayo has marked a historic milestone after twin brothers were ordained as Catholic priests in what is believed to be Zimbabwe's first twin priestly ordination.

Fr. Francelino Joachim Machirika and his twin brother, Fr. Franklin Joachim Machirika, were among four deacons ordained during a solemn Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Bulawayo on Saturday.

The ordination, which began at 9:30 am, was presided over by Archbishop Alex Thomas SVD, drawing hundreds of Catholic faithful, clergy, religious and family members who gathered to witness the landmark occasion. The twins were ordained alongside Fr. Bongani Ndlovu CMM and Fr. Dumisani Dube CMM, bringing the total number of priests ordained during the ceremony to four.

The ordination of the Machirika twins was widely celebrated as a unique moment in the history of the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe, with worshippers describing it as a powerful testament to faith, family and commitment to religious life. Catholic faithful said the rare occasion demonstrates that priestly vocations continue to flourish and could inspire more young Zimbabweans to consider serving the Church.

The Catholic Church teaches that priestly ordination is the sacrament through which men are called to serve as spiritual leaders, celebrating the Eucharist, administering the sacraments, preaching the Gospel and providing pastoral care to communities.

Following their ordination, the four newly ordained priests are expected to celebrate Thanksgiving Masses in their respective parishes on Sunday. The Machirika twins will celebrate their first Mass as priests at Holy Trinity Parish in Cowdray Park. Meanwhile, Fr. Bongani Ndlovu CMM will celebrate at Uganda Martyrs Parish in Luveve, while Fr. Dumisani Dube CMM will preside over a Thanksgiving Mass at St Bernard's Parish in Pumula. The celebrations mark the culmination of years of spiritual formation, philosophical and theological studies, and pastoral preparation required before ordination into the Catholic priesthood.

Among those attending the ceremony was Jacob Chikarakara, a member of the St Joseph Guild in Bulawayo, who described the event as one that would be remembered for generations.

"Today we witnessed history in our church and my family and I wish the twins and indeed the other two new priests a long and blessed journey in their chosen vocation. Our guild stands ready to support them as they go through their journey as priests," he said.

The Archdiocese of Bulawayo said the ordinations were a joyful celebration of faith and reflected the continued growth of priestly vocations within the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe. Church leaders also expressed hope that the historic ordination would encourage more young people to respond to God's call to religious life and service.

Catholic Church Zimbabwe