Fellow writers and academics have honoured the late Jesuit priest, poet, and author, Fr
Ignatius Zvarechase SJ, for his immense contributions in preserving traditions thorugh his
book.
The prolific writer was praised, awash with words, at a memorial symposium held at and
organised by Arrupe Jesuit university in Harare.
Family members, members of the laity and academia also attended the symposium with
notable authours such as Aaron Chiundura Moyo, Chirkure Chirikure, Dr Ignatius
Mabasa and Dr Dominic Tomuseni SJ praising the late for his works.
Ignatius Zvarevashe, Mhazi a lion that refused to be placed in a game park as he was
described, passed on in December 2019 and his works mostly included novels and poems
in Shona, as well as theological books.
Likened to the prophet not well received in his own area, Fr Zvarevashe made significant
contributions in the education system through his books which were used a set texts for
high schools.
Fellow writers said Zvarevashe’s publications were not only for entertainment purposes
but were another way of spreading the gospel to the people.
In his presentation, Fr Dominic Tomuseni SJ, said the black-and-white relationship in the
church, in the Society of Jesus, and the continent at large was something that probably
was at the heart of some of the controversies in his life.
“Zvarevashe argued that they (white missionaries) had no moral authority to criticize
political leaders who hold on power because they do the same thing and he categorically
demanded that they should resign and allow local people to step on,” said
At one point he was summoned and reprimanded several times by his Provincial and he
was forced to write an apology and admit that he was angry when he wrote the article.
He said Zvarevashe would always justify his deeds even when forced to retract or offer
apologies as he thought that everyone was equally important, whether white or black, he
believed that no one was superior to others.
One of the congregants said his impression of Zvarevashe’s short investigation of the
Catholic Church was that he conveyed the stories in a way that will appeal to the readers
of his devotional works, grounded in the experience.
Some of his publications include Kurauone, Dzinza ravagovera vaChirumhanzu
Namutasa, Gwararenhamo, Tsumo, Chimbo namadimikira, Authentic inculturation, and
reconciliation: a Catholic perspective, Marwadzo nembiri yaJesu Kristo, Gonawapotera,
and Gwararenhamo among others.
Fr. Zvarevashe’s memorial conference was held at Arrupe Jesuit University to honor his
memory, appreciate his life and gifts to humanity, and his contribution to art and culture
in Zimbabwe and the mental emancipation of Africa.
Renowned author, Aaron Chiundura Moyo applauded the Catholic church for standing
firm with their priests who lived in two worlds, the Christian life and African Traditional
Religion through their publications although they do not practice the tradition.
He said Catholic authors like the late Archbishop Patrick Chakaipa, Fr Emmanuel
Ribeiro, and Fr Ignatius Zvarevashe SJ contributed richly to the arts industry through
their publications yet delivering tirelessly in the Catholic church.
He said they were heroes in both worlds that they existed in.
Among the guest and presenters were Mr. Aaron Chiundura Moyo, Dr. Ignatius Mabasa,
Chirikure Chirikure, Rev. Dr. Dominic Tomuseni SJ, and the Papal Nuncio to Zimbabwe,
His Grace Paolo Rudelli.
English