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Patrick Fani Chakaipa

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Patrick Chakaipa
Archbishop of Harare
ArchdioceseHarare
ProvinceHarare
Appointed31 May 1976
Installed31 May 1976
Term ended8 April 2003
PredecessorFrancis William Markall
SuccessorRobert Ndlovu
Previous post(s)Titular Bishop of Rucuma (1972–1973)
Auxiliary Bishop of Salisbury (1972)
Orders
Ordination15 August 1965
Consecration14 January 1973
by Francis William Markall
Personal details
Born
Patrick Fani Chakaipa

(1932-06-25)25 June 1932
Died8 April 2003(2003-04-08) (aged 70)
Harare, Zimbabwe
NationalityZimbabwean
DenominationRoman Catholic
Styles of
Patrick Fani Chakaipa
Reference styleThe Most Reverend
Spoken styleYour Grace
Religious styleArchbishop

The Most Reverend Patrick Fani Chakaipa (25 June 1932 – 8 April 2003) was the Archbishop of Harare from 1976 until his death in 2003.

Early life

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He was born in Chirundazi (Mhondoro) which is some 100 km south of Harare. He was of the Zezuru tribe. His early life must have included the typical life of a Zezuru boy which includes herding cattle goats or sheep as well as working on the fields. He attended secondary school education at St. Michael's Mission Mhondoro, which is a Roman Catholic school. He was well known for his strict discipline during school days and perseverance in difficult situations. He was good at football and was affectionately known by his first name Fani.

Episcopate

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He was the first African Roman Catholic bishop in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe. During his seminary years he was a keen writer and completed several books which were written in his Zezuru language. Some of the books included adventure and African culture folklore (Rudo Ibofu, Garandichauya, Karikoga Gumi Remiseve, Pfumo Reropa, Dzasukwa Mwana Asinahembe). He was very instrumental in keeping the Catholic faith among Mondoroans influencing quite a substantial number of young Zezuru Mhondoroans to join the priesthood. He officiated at the swearing ceremony of Zimbabwe's first black African leader Robert Gabriel Mugabe. He presided at the president's wedding to his second wife Grace Mugabe.

Burial

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After his death, he was buried at Chishawasha cemetery near Harare.

Catholic Church titles
Preceded by Archbishop of Harare
1976 - 2003
Succeeded by
Preceded by Titular Bishop of Rucuma
1972 - 1976
Succeeded by
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