Zimpapers Logo

Tafadzwa Chibukwa, [email protected]

RESIDENTS of Mzilikazi and Makokoba suburbs yesterday woke up to an unusual atmosphere of cheer and joyful singing as a large crowd of congregants from five churches marched in unison for Palm Sunday.

The churches that came together were St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, St Columba’s Anglican Church, and the Methodist church, the Salvation Army as well as the Church of Christ.

Commencing from the Babourfields Car Park, the procession cut through Mzilikazi suburb passing by McDonald’s hall, and Lobengula Primary School before making a turn at Makokoba’s Efusini Shops. The procession reached its last point at St Patrick’s Parish in Makokoba.

The great march was a first of its kind.

Traditionally the churches would march separately for Palm Sunday, this time it was a different case as the churches came together and held one great march.

This was done in the spirit of synodality and fostering unity among churches.

Palm Sunday is an observance of Christianity that celebrates the significant event of Jesus’ triumphant arrival in Jerusalem, as described in the bible.

It was a moment when he was warmly welcomed by enthusiastic crowds who waved palm branches and laid them on the ground along his path.

In an interview with the Chronicle, Father Issels Ngwenya of the Anglican Church said coming together and marching as one was a great initiative that would go a long way in fostering unity among the churches.

He said holding one march would create a greater cheer for Jesus’ triumphant arrival in Jerusalem.

“Over the years we have held our marches separately at different times and different routes, but after considering we sat down as church leaders and came up with the idea of marching as one. We realised that if we are all marching for Palm Sunday, why can’t we just combine and hold one big celebration which will please the Lord?”

“If it is one God that we worship and pray to, why should we worship him differently or separately? What we have done here is great in the sense that it will go a long way in fostering good relations between us as churches and Christians,” said Fr Ngwenya.

Reverend Gladman Chauya of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe Bulawayo Circuit bore the same sentiments.

He urged all churches to continue with such initiatives for the greater good of society.

“What we have done today is a great example of what a model Christian society should be like, which is unity and peace. We hope such initiatives will be crafted so that our youth also learn from there and grow up in a unified community,” said Rev Chauya.

Speaking during the march, Major Tarwirei Mazuru of the Salvation Army Church applauded the great turnout of congregants from all churches regardless of the change in their traditional starting points of marching and time.

“I would like to applaud the turnout from all congregants of the churches that partook in the march. Considering that we started very early in the morning, while others were used to starting at a later time, as well as marching for a short distance, the turnout was great. I saw also that the elderly who cannot walk long distances were catered for and transport was readily made for them to also participate in the march from the buses, this shows how much we are committed to the Lord’s work as churches in the suburbs of Makokoba and Mzilikazi,” he said.

Alternatively, referred to as Passion Sunday, Palm Sunday serves as the commencement of Holy week, which holds great importance in the Christian calendar. This sacred week encompasses various events, including the re-enactment of Jesus’ crucifixion and death on Good Friday, as well as his resurrection on Easter.

Father Alex Ndlovu of the Roman Catholic Church said Palm Sunday is a great occasion that deserves its rightful and utmost respect hence the need for great numbers in singing and praising the Lord.

He said he felt blessed when all the congregations sang and danced in appreciation of the day.

“As a priest, it is very touching and encouraging seeing your congregation come together like that in praising the Lord. I could not help but keep on admiring the cheering, singing, and dancing as well as seeing the youth actively participating in church things which shows that the future is in the right hands,” said Fr Ndlovu.