The Eagle and the Cross

Africa, and especially Zimbabwe, is full of both promise and tragedy. Travelling from the crucible of the once-civilised world, itself plunged into the evil and insanity of Hitler's mesmerising dreams, a dedicated and devout Catholic missionary makes his way through an era of change, touching countless lives. Father Odilo Weeger CMM has been one of Zimbabwe's outstanding personalities. His life spanned nearly a century of local and world history. He was well-known across a wide range of communities and his fascinating story is full of historical and human interest. He had a sincere love for people and he showed his concern and interest among the thousands of people from all religions whom he visited in hospitals or socialised and corresponded with. Countless others heard him in radio discussions or met him in the course of his duties and community involvements. From the terrible Nazi period in Europe, to Southern Africa, and through 'guerilla' wars that led to Zimbabwe's Independence, this novel wades into some of Africa's unresolved struggles with injustice. Many characters of note appear in his life story and the martyrdoms of several Missionaries are accurately recorded from painful evidence that he diligently gathered.