Harare: The Catholic Church in Zimbabwe is witnessing an alarming decline in priestly vocations, with seminary enrollments falling to their lowest levels in decades. Chishawasha Major Seminary, once a vibrant hub for theological formation, currently houses just 95 seminarians from all eight dioceses a sharp contrast to the booming numbers of the 1990s. This year, less than 30 new candidates applied for philosophy studies, with only 20 accepted. This marks the first time in decades that enrollment has dipped below 100.
The Church, which designates July as a month of prayer and promotion for vocations, is battling a host of societal challenges. Fr. Bernard Mukwewa, Rector of Chishawasha Seminary, points to the collapse of traditional family structures as a major contributor. “When the domestic church the family breaks down due to poverty, migration, and social instability, vocations also suffer,” he noted. Rising drug abuse, economic distress, and youth disillusionment are compounding the crisis, while child-headed and single-parent households are becoming more common.
The situation is not confined to Chishawasha. The closure of St. Augustine Major Seminary in Bulawayo in 2016 was a stark indication of the ongoing decline. Bishop Rudolf Nyandoro of Gweru confirmed that his own diocese is feeling the pinch, citing the lure of illegal mining, substance abuse, and lack of employment as reasons why young men are turning away from religious life. Furthermore, the requirement of an Advanced Level certificate for seminary admission has restricted the pool of eligible candidates.
To combat the trend, the Church is adopting grassroots strategies. Vocational campaigns are being conducted in schools and parishes, “come-and-see” retreats are being organized, and diocesan offices are intensifying their engagement with youth. Bishop Nyandoro is also visiting priests’ families to strengthen ties and encourage parental support for vocations. He has urged missionary congregations to send clergy to Zimbabwe as aging local priests begin to retire.
Yet, sustaining those already in ministry remains a challenge. Many clergy and religious are leaving their vocations, prompting concern from Church leaders about the waste of years of formation. Campaign teams are now working not just to promote vocations but also to support and retain existing ministers.
Some Catholics attribute the shortage to shifting cultural values. “Young people today focus more on what they can receive than what they can offer,” one parishioner lamented. Others blame the declining moral witness of some clergy, arguing that without strong examples, youth are less inspired to pursue religious life.
Despite the grim outlook, hope endures. The Church in Zimbabwe continues to believe that prayer, active faith, and community involvement can rekindle the call to serve. “God’s call is still alive,” said Bishop Nyandoro. “We must not lose heart. The Lord sees the needs of His Church.”