St Antony Mission, established in 1949, became one of the largest missions in Masvingo Diocese after the division of Gweru Diocese in 1999, with over 70 outstation parishes. The mission’s founding priests—Fr Josef Winter, Fr Alois Winiger, and others from Switzerland—played a pivotal role in spreading the Catholic faith across Zaka. Despite early resistance from Chief Ndanga in 1924, the mission was eventually founded through the efforts of Fr Alois Haene and Fr Edwin Baur, with the first Mass celebrated on 26 April 1949 using an empty petrol barrel as an altar. Over the years, St Antony worked with more than 18 priests, established multiple schools, and developed into a spiritual and educational hub with around 30 outstations celebrating Mass monthly.

The mission expanded rapidly in the 1950s, building classrooms, priests’ houses, a convent, boarding facilities, and a church officially opened in 1962. St Antony became a center of education and health, hosting a primary school, teacher training college (1957–1968), and Musiso Hospital, later adding a School of Nursing in 1983 and modern hostels in 1987. The mission also saw the arrival of various religious orders, including the Mary Ward Sisters and the Sisters of the Child Jesus, who contributed to education, catechism, and healthcare. St Antony produced notable clergy and professionals, including the first African priest, Mgr Kizito Mavima (1965), and the first local doctor, Dr Herbert Ascwanden.

Over time, St Antony continued to grow both spiritually and infrastructurally. Musiso High School was established in 1969 and has since expanded to A-Level. The mission has nurtured numerous priests, brothers, and sisters, serving as a beacon of faith and development in the community. Its recent major project, the construction of the Grotto beginning in 2010 under Fr Madusise, exemplifies collective community effort, with parishioners, institutions, and volunteers contributing resources and labor. Today, St Antony remains a cornerstone of faith, education, and service in Masvingo Diocese.