By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
As the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope unfolds, Zimbabwe’s Catholic faithful are making pilgrimages to Rome, seeking a deeper connection to their faith.
Since the Jubilee’s launch in December 2024, diocesan-led pilgrimages have seen an unprecedented number of Zimbabweans traveling to the Eternal City, with many describing the journey as spiritually transformative.
Organized with the support of the Italian embassy in Harare, the pilgrimages have offered Zimbabwean Catholics a unique opportunity to participate in sacred rites, such as attending Holy Mass with the Pope and passing through the Holy Doors of the four major Roman basilicas. For many, these moments have been life-changing.
Wendy Nago, a pilgrim from Bulawayo, expressed the profound impact of the experience, calling it “awesome and unique.” She highlighted the emotional significance of passing through the Holy Doors and attending Mass at the Vatican.
While the pilgrimage is costly, with many participants saving for months to cover expenses, the Diocese of Bulawayo has ensured that the focus remains on spiritual growth rather than tourism.
Father Limukani Ndlovu, Pastoral Vicar of the Archdiocese of Bulawayo, emphasized the importance of mobilizing the faithful and providing comprehensive support to ensure that no one is excluded from the journey.
As Zimbabweans embrace this spiritual venture, the experience is proving to be more than a religious trip—it is reshaping lives, fostering deeper faith, and promoting cross-cultural encounters that will leave lasting marks on participants.
