By Dr. Albert Munyanyi
Masvingo – The Masvingo urban Catholic community was filled with profound joy on Sunday as they partook in the celebration of Holy Mass led by the Diocese’s newly installed bishop, Raymond Tapiwa Mupandasekwa. The first Mass to mark the Bishop’s entry into the diocese was held at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Masvingo’s Zimre Park suburb. The three urban parishes which include St. Theresa of Avilla, St. Don Bosco and Ss. Peter and Paul formed part of the congregation that attended the Bishop’s first mass. A good number of priests and religious joined the bishop in thanksgiving and prayer.
The Mass began with a tradition of knocking at the doors of the Cathedral by the new bishop symbolizing his humble entrance into the synagogue. This is the place where he would preside over liturgies, where the chair (cathedra) of his leadership is placed. As Bishop Mupandasekwa approached, the Cathedral doors remained closed. Accompanied by Priests, the Bishop stood before the grand entrance. He then knocked on the door with his crosier, a symbolic gesture of seeking entry into the Cathedral, and by extension, to behold spiritual oversight of the Diocese. In response to the Bishop’s knocking, the doors were opened by the Diocesan Chancellor, Fr. Peter Chagweda, and the he was warmly welcomed into the Cathedral amid great ululation.
Speaking to this reporter, after Holy Mass, Fr Chagweda clarified that this act symbolizes the Bishop’s official entrance into his new role and his acceptance by the local community.
“This ritual is known as the “ritus inceptionis” or “rite of entrance. In this ritual, the new Bishop stands at the closed doors of the Cathedral, which represent the “gates of the City of God. The doors symbolize the threshold of the Diocese and the responsibility that the Bishop is taking on as the shepherd of the local Church”, Fr. Chagweda clarified.
He explained that the knocking at the Cathedral doors is a powerful and symbolic moment that marks the beginning of the Bishop’s ministry in the Diocese, signifying his readiness to serve and lead the faithful.
The Cathedral Administrator, Fr. Cleopas Magundani, reiterated that it is a visible and public ritual that reflects the continuity of apostolic succession and the Bishop’s authority as the principal teacher, sanctifier, and shepherd of the local Church. “It represents his willingness to enter into the lives of his flock, to share in their joys and sorrows, and to lead them in their spiritual journey”, he said. Fr. Magundani added, “The response to the knocking is equally symbolic, signifying the acceptance of the Bishop by the people and the church.”
This rite underscored the Bishop’s role not only as a leader but also as a servant, seeking permission to shepherd God’s people. It holds within it the dual nature of authority and humility that underlies the episcopal ministry.
During his inspiring homily, Bishop Mupandasekwa implored the congregation to value justice and denounce all forms of corruption, both within and outside the Church. He emphasized the need for the Church to focus more on serving souls rather than pursuing material gains. The Bishop reflected on the righteous anger that God feels when places of worship are turned into places of commerce, drawing a parallel to Jesus cleansing the temple. Bishop Mupandasekwa also emphasized the importance of the Advent season, highlighting its significance as a time for personal enrichment and self-reflection. He urged individuals to seize this opportunity to recommit themselves to God, placing emphasis on cultivating their spiritual life and fostering a closer connection with divine wisdom. In his closing remarks, Bishop Mupandasekwa expressed his dedication to collaborative work. He made a solemn commitment to build upon the foundation laid by the previous Bishop, ensuring the continuity of their efforts and upholding the values and vision of the church.