Bishop Raymond Tapiwanashe Mupandasekwa
His Lordship, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Raymond Tapiwanashe Mupandasekwa — Bishop of Masvingo
Early life and formation
The Rt. Rev. Bishop Raymond Tapiwanashe Mupandasekwa was born on 28 April in Masvingo at Bondolfi Mission under Chief Mapanzure in Tamirepi Village, to Fabian and Rosewita Mupandasekwa. After completing his primary and secondary education, he entered Chishawasha Major Seminary in Harare in 1990, where he pursued philosophical studies.
Religious life and priesthood
In 1996, he joined the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorists), dedicating his life to religious service. He made his perpetual vows in 2001 and was ordained to the priesthood on 4 August 2001 in Hatcliffe, Harare.
Following his ordination, Bishop Mupandasekwa served the Church in several pastoral and leadership roles, including Parish Priest, Parish Vicar, Rector of Holy Trinity College, and Regional Superior of the Redemptorists in Zimbabwe. Through these roles he gained extensive experience in pastoral ministry, education, leadership, mentorship, and administration.
Episcopal ministry
On 7 April 2018, he was consecrated as the third Bishop of the Diocese of Chinhoyi. Later, on 15 September 2023, he was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Masvingo by Pope Francis. He was installed as the Bishop of Masvingo on 9 December 2023 at St Patrick’s Gokomere Mission.
At the national level, Bishop Mupandasekwa has also served within the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference, where he was Vice President and Chairperson of the Seminary Commission.
Responsible Authority
As Responsible Authority for diocesan institutions, he oversees the development and administration of Catholic educational and health institutions within the diocese. He has been a strong advocate for quality education and the integration of technology in schools, emphasising the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and digital skills required in the modern world.
The shepherd
Bishop Mupandasekwa is widely respected for his dedication to pastoral service, leadership, and spiritual formation. He is also known for his love of reading, particularly spiritual literature, and encourages continuous learning and personal growth among the faithful and the wider community.
Milestones
1990
Entered Chishawasha Major Seminary
1996
Joined the Redemptorists
2001
Perpetual vows
4 August 2001
Ordained priest in Hatcliffe, Harare
7 April 2018
Consecrated third Bishop of Chinhoyi
15 September 2023
Appointed Bishop of Masvingo by Pope Francis
9 December 2023
Installed at St Patrick’s Gokomere Mission
Bishop of Masvingo
At a glance
- Born 28 April at Bondolfi Mission, Masvingo
- Redemptorist (Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer)
- Ordained priest: 4 August 2001
- Consecrated Bishop of Chinhoyi: 7 April 2018
- Installed Bishop of Masvingo: 9 December 2023
- Apostolic Administrator of Chinhoyi