St. Michael’s Mupandawana Mission was officially established on 9 July 2022 by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Michael Dixon Bhasera. The mission is situated in Gutu, approximately 100 meters from the Gutu District Office, and serves as an offshoot of St. Nicholas Mukaro Mission. Currently, St. Michael’s Mupandawana Mission has 13 outstations under its pastoral care, marking a significant expansion of the Catholic presence in the area.

The journey toward establishing the mission began in 1981 when Holy Innocents Outstation was opened by priests from St. Nicholas Mukaro Mission. Between 1997 and 2000, Fr. Callisto Matibini, then Priest-in-Charge of St. Nicholas Mukaro Mission, purchased two new stands at Mupandawana from the local council to address overcrowding at Holy Innocents. One of these stands would later become the site for the priests’ residence at St. Michael’s Mupandawana Mission. From 2001 to 2022, pastoral outreach intensified through the establishment of St. Kizito Minor Seminary at Mukaro, with priests such as Fr. Michael Kupfuwa, Fr. Andrew Foto, and Fr. Alois Mutoda leading evangelization efforts in the Maregedze area. Fr. Mutoda successfully oversaw the construction of the priests’ house and became the first Priest-in-Charge of the new mission.

In gratitude, the mission acknowledges the tireless efforts of all priests who served under St. Nicholas Mukaro Mission for their missionary zeal and commitment. Special thanks are extended to Bishop Bhasera for his pastoral vision and responsiveness to the needs of the faithful. Deep appreciation also goes to the parishioners of Holy Innocents, whose determination and advocacy made the establishment of St. Michael’s Mupandawana Mission possible. Among the key families who championed this cause were the families of Mr. Michael Mukute, the late Mr. Ignatius Chisweto, Vice President Dr. Simon V. Muzenda, Mr. Crispen Mudhenge, and Mr. Casian Mabhugu. Their faith and dedication remain an enduring legacy to the mission’s foundation.