Centenary Jubilee & History
From prehistory and the 16th-century introduction of Christianity to the 1924 foundation stone and 100 years of faith in Harare CBD.
Prehistory: Introduction of Christianity in Zimbabwe
Evangelisation efforts by Portuguese Jesuit missionaries led by Fr. Gonçalo da Silveira and Fr. Miguel (Prince Mapezeni), the first priest from Zimbabwe.
16th Century Mission
In December 1560, Portuguese Jesuit missionary Fr. Gonçalo da Silveira arrived at the court of King Chisamharu Negomo Mwenemutapa. He baptised the King and royal court, marking the earliest Christian presence in Zimbabwe before his martyrdom in March 1561.
First Christian mission in Monomotapa (1560–1561)
Fr. Miguel (Prince Mapezeni)
Prince Mapezeni, a royal descendant of the Great Munhumutapa Empire, converted to Catholicism under Portuguese missionaries and took the name Miguel (Michael). He joined the Dominican Order, completed his theological studies in Lisbon, Portugal, and served as a missionary in Goa, India, where he lived and was buried.
In 2024, his tomb in Goa was renovated following historical tracing efforts by Zimbabwean leaders and historians.
19th Century Revival
Following a period of decline after da Silveira's death, Catholic evangelisation resurfaced in 1879 with the creation of the Zambesi Mission. Jesuits from South Africa arrived in Bulawayo, establishing vital missions and schools across the region.
Empandeni Mission (1879) – First permanent Catholic mission
Early Settling
Arrival of the Pioneer Column, Dominican hospital and school, Chishawasha, Salisbury Chapel, First Chimurenga, railway, 1900 First Church, and St. Peter's Mbare.
Arrival of the Pioneer Column
The Pioneer Column arrives in Fort Salisbury (Harare) from Fort Victoria (Masvingo) with Five Dominican Sisters led by Mother Patrick Cosgrave. Fr. Peter Prestage SJ was their chaplain. Fr. Andrew Hartmann SJ was chaplain to the column.
Dominican Hospital Established
The Dominican Sisters establish their hospital.
School & Chishawasha Founded
The Sisters open their school and the Jesuits found Chishawasha.
Salisbury Chapel & Hartmann Hill
The Salisbury Chapel is founded from Chishawasha: a chapel for 40 on Dominican Convent property. Hartmann Hill is founded from Chishawasha. This later became the site of St. George's College.
First Chimurenga
First Chimurenga (Ndebele and Shona uprising)
Railway Reaches Salisbury
The railway reaches Salisbury
First Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The First church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was opened on the feast of Annunciation. It was a gothic church for 200 and was the "First edition" of the cathedral. Mother Patrick Cosgrave OP dies on 31 July. The First church of the Sacred Heart and First chapel was on what later became Convent property. After the Cathedral was built, the church was used as a dormitory for the Dominican Sisters and as a commercial classroom. As the property developed, the church came to stand in the middle of the then school playground and was demolished in the mid nineteen Fifties. The Dominican sisters were, from the beginning, important and well-loved members of the parish where they contributed their practical and technical skills. Including decorating the church. Convent grounds host special celebrations like Corpus Christi and Pentecost.
St. Peter's Mbare
St. Peter's Mbare is founded.
Architect & Master Craftsmen
The Jesuit architect and skilled brothers who built the Cathedral spires and interior.
Fr. Aloysius Leboeuf SJ
Fr. Aloysius Leboeuf SJ was a self-taught architect who planned and supervised the building of the First church in the town at the Dominican Convent grounds. He designed and supervised the building of the cathedral and made countless drawings, especially of details for the Cathedral. Each day he would begin with the Angelus and the bell would be rung and all the workers, Catholic or otherwise, heard him pray that no one would be injured that day and they bowed their heads in understanding. No one ever was injured even though the towers were so high.
Br. Matthias Schönbrod SJ
Died: 1967He was the foreman and clerk of works to Fr. Leboeuf for the building of the Cathedral. Some of his other work can be seen at St. George's College and Kutama.
Br. Patrick Mellon SJ
Died: 1956He was "eyes of Fr. Leboeuf" during the building of the cathedral and the quality of the interior owes much to him. His work can also be seen at Makumbi among other places.
Br. John Baptist Krechel SJ
Died: 1942He was the stone carver. Chishawasha was the main site of his work.
Br. John Göll SJ
Died: 1952He was the master carpenter. He did the Cathedral doors and benches, the extension to the choir loft and the frames for the stations of the cross. Br. John was proud to have travelled on the First train from Beira to Salisbury in 1899.
Br. John Ignatius Conway SJ
Died: 1960He was a carpenter born in Glasgow in 1900. He came to St. George's in 1924 where his work, particularly the chapel benches, can still be admired.
Br. William Biermann SJ
Died: 1926He was a member of the original 1892 trek and was associated with Fr. Leboeuf's work.
Foundation Stone, Relics & The Pipe Organ
The consecration cornerstone, 1st-century relics, and historic music.
Latin Foundation Stone
Monsignor Robert Brown SJ laid the foundation stone on June 28, 1924.
Historical artefacts indicating the date and purpose were sealed within a box inside the cornerstone.
Relics of St. Clement of Rome
Solemn opening on 2 August. The High Altar contains relics of St. Clement of Rome—third successor to St. Peter and author of an Epistle to the Corinthians (c96CE).
Casavant Pipe Organ (Canada)
Built in Quebec, Canada, by the Casavant Brothers and installed at the rear of the Cathedral in 1927.
Historic Consecration & Cathedral Milestones
Solemn Opening & Consecration Relics
Solemn opening on 2 August. The High Altar contains relics of St. Clement of Rome—third successor to St. Peter and author of an Epistle to the Corinthians (c96CE).
First Ordination
First Ordination - 10 June 1927. Fr. Kenneth Tasman SJ by Rt. Rev Arthur Hinsley.
Erection of the Stations of the Cross
Erection of the Stations of the Cross - canvas on zinc. Paintings by Charles Beyart of Bruges. Bro. Göll made the frames.
Catholic Club (Catholic Centre)
Catholic Club (Catholic Centre) was built by parishioners as a facility for church functions and recreational activities.
Memorial Crucifix
Memorial Crucifix at the main entrance is a memorial of a prominent parishioner A.G. Bagshaw.
1988 Papal Visit
St. Pope John Paul II visited the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in September 1988 during his pastoral tour, meeting with Archbishop Patrick Chakaipa, civic authorities, and parishioners.
Lineage of Archbishops
Shepherds of the Archdiocese of Harare from 1923 to the present Centenary.
Very Rev. Monsignor Robert Brown, SJ
Prefect Apostolic & Zambesi Mission Superior
Prefect Apostolic and Zambesi Mission Superior. Born in 1877 in Preston, he was installed as Mission Superior in 1923 until his resignation in 1930. His area of responsibility included Zambia. He laid the foundation stone on 28 June 1924.
The Most Rev. Aston Ignatius Chichester, SJ
First Archbishop of Salisbury
Installed as Vicar Apostolic in Salisbury in 1931. He held this position until 1955 when he was installed as the First Archbishop of Salisbury. He retired in 1956 and died at the steps of St. Peter's, Rome, while attending the Second Vatican Council.
The Most Rev. Francis Markall, SJ
Archbishop of Salisbury
He was born in 1905 and educated at St. Ignatius College, London. He was consecrated on 8 September 1956 and succeeded The Most Rev. Chichester, November of the same year. He died at Nazareth House on 8 August 1992.
The Most Reverend Patrick F. Chakaipa
First Indigenous Archbishop of Harare
He was born on 25 June 1932 in Mhondoro and trained for priesthood at Chishawasha Seminary (now National Seminary of Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More). He was appointed Episcopal Vicar of Mutoko/Murewa and Archdiocesan consultor in 1970; and consecrated Titular Bishop of Rucuma and Auxiliary Bishop of Salisbury in 1972. He was installed Archbishop of Harare (Salisbury) in 1976. He died in 2003.
The Most Reverend Robert C. Ndlovu
Metropolitan Archbishop of Harare
Most Reverend Robert Christopher Ndlovu was born on 25 December 1955. He was appointed Bishop of Hwange on 9 February 1999 followed by his installation the same year. Sekuru Ndlovu was later appointed Archbishop of Harare and was installed in that capacity on 21 August 2004.
Exterior Architecture Gallery
Explore the twin spires, stone masonry, main entrance portal, and sanctuary exterior.
Gothic Twin Spires & Front Facade
Full front elevation of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, highlighting the twin granite belfry towers, central gable cross, rose window, and Marian grotto.
1952 Memorial Crucifix & Entrance Portal
Dramatic low-angle view of the main Gothic entrance portal featuring the monumental stone A.G. Bagshawe Memorial Crucifix in the foreground.
Central Nave & High Altar Sanctuary
Interior perspective looking down the central aisle toward the High Altar, showing cluster columns, lancet windows, and exposed timber truss ceiling.
Main Aisle & Handcrafted Teak Pews
Red-carpeted main nave aisle framed by handcrafted timber pews leading to the crimson sanctuary arch.
Elevated Choir Loft View of the Sanctuary
Elevated perspective from the choir loft looking down the full length of the nave toward the High Altar and side aisle Stations of the Cross.