Zimbabwe’s Catholic Bishops Mourn 44 Killed in Ferry Disaster, Affirm Hope in Risen Christ

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa reportedly declared a state of disaster following the accident.

“At this painful moment, our hearts and prayers go first to the families who have lost their loved ones,” the ZCBC members said.

They added, “The sudden loss of a parent, spouse, child, relative or friend leaves a wound that words alone cannot heal.”

The Catholic Bishops also expressed their closeness to families awaiting news about relatives who had not been accounted for, saying, “May God sustain them during these agonizing moments of uncertainty.”

They commended the government agencies and emergency personnel taking part in the search and recovery operations, including the Department of Civil Protection, the Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub-Aqua Unit, the Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron, and local authorities.

Acknowledging the difficult conditions under which the responders were working, the ZCBC members called upon Catholics and all people of goodwill across Zimbabwe to unite in prayer and solidarity with those affected.

“In moments such as these, our Christian faith reminds us that death does not have the final word,” the Catholic Bishops said, and added, “Christ, who Himself passed through death and rose again, remains our hope even in the darkest moments of grief.”

Invoking the assurance found in the Book of Psalms, ZCBC members reminded the grieving nation that the Lord remains close to the broken-hearted and saves those whose spirits are crushed.

They prayed for the souls of those who had died, for consolation and courage for the bereaved, and for families still awaiting information about missing relatives.

“May the Lord receive into His eternal embrace all those who have lost their lives, comfort the bereaved, strengthen those involved in the continuing operations, and bring consolation to our grieving nation,” the Catholic Bishops said.