ZHOMBA COMMUNITY
The Zhomba community, situated in the northern region of Gokwe, was established in 2002. It stands as one of the peripheral areas where three Claretian Missionaries diligently minister: Fr. Joaquin Bejar Alvarado, Fr. Nyasha Choga, and Fr. Kudzai Innocent Tonganai. Fr. Joaquin, serving as the Coordinator of the Mission in Zimbabwe, holds the office of Superior of the community and acts as the Local Responsible Authority for St. Claret, Chiutsi Primary School. Fr. Nyasha fulfills his duties as the parish priest and vicar of the community, while Fr. Kudzai serves as the interim econome.
The mission, known as St. Anthony Mary Claret Mission (or Zhomba), encompasses twelve pastoral centers. The Claretian Missionaries entrusted with this mission dedicate themselves to the spiritual and pastoral care of Christian communities in both Shona and Tonga languages. Initially, the community faced numerous challenges, such as a lack of permanent infrastructure and limited access to resources. However, over the years, it has grown into a vibrant mission, achieving significant milestones. Key achievements include the establishment of St. Claret, Chiutsi Primary School, which has become a pillar of educational development in the region. The mission has also expanded its reach to twelve centers, ensuring that even the most remote communities receive spiritual support and care. Milestones such as the celebration of the sacrament of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion by a large number of people have marked the growth of the faith community. Central to our mission is an unwavering commitment to faith, service, evangelization, and holistic pastoral care. We are steadfast in our dedication to spreading the gospel and nurturing the spiritual growth of the local populace. Our ministry revolves around the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the administration of the sacraments, and providing spiritual direction to the faithful. The daily rhythm of our lives is harmoniously balanced between prayer, pastoral engagement, and service to the community.
Beyond pastoral ministry, we work collaboratively at St. Claret, Chiutsi Primary School. Each Wednesday at 8:00 a.m., we celebrate the Holy Eucharist with the junior students, followed by a service for the infants, animated by one of the priests from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. In partnership with the Catholic ethos team, we are committed to instilling Catholic doctrines and values. Our educational mission emphasizes quality instruction, aiming to enhance literacy, promote skill acquisition, and foster the holistic development of both children and adults in the community.
Our collective life is imbued with a profound commitment to faith and service. The priests endeavor to lead by example, walking alongside the Christian faithful on their spiritual pilgrimage. They offer unwavering spiritual support and comprehensive religious education to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, thereby cultivating an environment of hope and belonging.
Furthermore, the mission animates Small Christian Communities and various guilds, such as the St. Joseph’s Guild, St. Anne’s Guild, the Catholic Youth Association, and the Missionary Childhood Association, guiding their spiritual journeys and nurturing their sense of purpose. We also facilitate monthly meetings with the Lay Claretians to inculcate the charism of our founder, St. Anthony Mary Claret, thereby strengthening their identity and mission within the Church.
However, the mission faces several challenges that affect pastoral and social development. These include limited availability of educational resources, the emergence of mushroom churches, poor road networks, and limited access to reliable transportation. Despite these adversities, the Zhomba community remains resolute in its mission, guided by a vision of holistic development and growth.
In the pastoral field, the mission aims to strengthen its formation programs for the lay leaders and increase participation in Small Christian Communities. This will ensure that each center within our mission is equipped and empowered to grow in faith and witness.
GRANADA COMMUNITY – FORMATION GROUP
Today, we would like to introduce you to the formation group of the Granada community. We call it a “group” because this community is made up of three dimensions: ministerial, formative, and assistential.
Our group, as its name suggests, has as its primary mission the formation of missionary students who are preparing to fully embrace the congregational project, either through perpetual profession (in the case of brothers) or ordination (in the case of priests).
Currently, the group consists of two formators and four students from the Province: two from Spain and two from Zimbabwe. Soon, three more missionary students will join us: two from Nigeria and one from India, further enriching our community with their presence and cultural diversity.
- Fr. Félix Jesús Martínez, CMF. Prefect of Spirituality and Formation of the Province and the main formator of the students. His mission includes the care and promotion of Spirituality and Initial and Ongoing Formation throughout the province and among its missionaries, with particular attention to those in initial formation.
- Fr. Álvaro Rodríguez Jover, CMF. A member of the formation team, he collaborates in the formation of students and also serves as vicar in the Parish of the Holy Spirit.
- Br. Francisco Javier Campos. Recently arrived from the Novitiate, which he completed in Córdoba (Argentina), he has joined the community to continue his Theology studies. He is currently in his second year.
- Br. George Chidyamatondo. Originally from Zimbabwe, he is currently focused on learning Spanish, which will allow him to further his Theology studies in the coming academic year.
- Br. Xavier Moyo. Also from Zimbabwe, he shares with George the dedication to studying Spanish, preparing himself for theological formation.
- Br. Samuel Abelaira. He is in his fourth year of Theology, deepening his understanding of all aspects of Claretian missionary life.
The Granada community is a place of welcome and formation, and we are pleased to share with you that, on our vocational and formative journey, we are inspired by getting to know the missionary experience of the members of the Province. For this reason, we encourage you to visit us and share with us, as well as allowing us to learn about your communities, enabling us to become more closely acquainted with the mission we will fully embrace in the future.
We ask for your prayers for us, just as we pray for each of you in our communities.
