Background Summary

The next mission evolved gradually, Fr. Kotzki, stationed in Kutama, had been working in this area and started Karereshi in Jan. 1949 (closed 1950-51 by the NED on grounds of distance; reopened in 1952). On 1.5.1949, Fr. Kotzki wrote to Bishop Chichester: “Since June last I have been there (Karereshi) times (Box 135/4) In the 1950s Catholics from Chilimanzi and Mhondoro had settled in Urungwe TTL and started three prayer centers Malawi, Four Wire, and Kweche. One of their leaders went with the catechist from Chinhoyi to see Fr. Kotzks in Kutama Other centers followed at St. Augustine and St. Gabriel Chitiki (ef Fr Zinkann), when Fr. Otto moved to Sinoia in 1959 he looked after this area. In his diary for 1959 he writes about his visits to Karoi, Miami, St. Nicolas, Kweche, Mzilawempi, Chitiki, and Zvipani Augustin: church in 1961) [Blox 205].

In 1960 Fr. Zinkann took over the Urungwe district from Fr. Otto. In 1961 a church of poles with a thatched roof (St. Mary’s) was constructed at Chanetsa and the church of St. Augustin got an iron roof and was blessed on 29.09.1962. Chitiki School started in 1963.

Since 1963 Fr. Zinkann lived in Karoi. Together with Fr. Thiel, who joined him in 1966, they planned the founding of the new mission in Urungwe. Fr. Thiel often stayed in Chanetsa, where he had in 1967 built a ‘Club-House’, where he said Mass. In 1968 a catechist’s house followed.

In 1968, Fr. Thiel settled down permanently in St. Boniface Because of the scarcity of water the mission could not expand very much. It became officially independent from Karoi on 5.10.1969 when the community house was opened.

In October 1969 Fr. Friedrich arrived and in December 1970 Bernh Diebold, Since the mission had no central school, they could devote themselves totally to the pastoral work. They were greatly helped by cathechists. At the beginning of 1971, there were 22 outstations, of which only 4 were linked to a school. On 13.8.1972 Karereshi Church, built by Diebold, was blessed. A chapel was also started in Zvarai. Fr. Abeler helped from Jan 1974 to 76, and again, after his tertianship from Sept 1977 to June 78. In Dec 1975 Fr. Muschalek arrived. He supervised the building of a convent. In January 1976 three LCBL Sisters arrived. They first lived in the catechist’s house. Then convent was blessed on 5.6.1977. In July 1978 the Fathers moved to Karoi and later the Sisters also had to leave the mission because of the war. In 1986 Fr. Ulbrich built a large parish hall. Fr Steffens started a carpentry training school in 1990.

Parish priests

Fr Thiel 1968-75, Zinkann Sept.1975-82. Ulbrich Oct 1982-86. Steffens 1987-2001, Hipler Nov.2001-Jan 2004, diocesan priests: D.Mwanza 2004-(06), Fr. Mushawasha Snr, Fr. Kaunga, Fr. Sandulani.

St. Boniface Mission Status

St. Boniface Mission Centers