Between 22 and 23 October, the assembly of the Claretian Missionaries in Zimbabwe took place, providing a space for encounter, discernment, and thanksgiving for the journey undertaken during the past six years.
The morning of 22 October was devoted to a spiritual retreat led by the Provincial Father, who offered a reflection material based on Psalm 22: “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.” The morning concluded with a moment of communal prayer, during which the fruits of the personal and fraternal experience lived during the retreat were shared.
In the afternoon, an appreciative review of the six years of mission in Zimbabwe was conducted, based on a foundational text prepared by the Coordinating Team, following the guidelines of the Life and Mission Plan designed at the beginning of the six-year period. This review allowed participants to recognise, with gratitude, God’s action in the growth of the communities and the missionary group.
Participants were divided into three working groups to complete the appreciative view of the document, and subsequently, three spiritual conversations were held, focusing on giving thanks for the past, identifying the main challenges of the present, and asking for the grace to walk together towards the future. The day concluded with the celebration of the Eucharist, in thanksgiving for the gift of vocation and the fruits of the journey over these six years of mission.
During the morning of 23 October, a formation session was held on the new Vademecum and the guidelines issued from Rome regarding safe environment protocols and the protection of minors and vulnerable adults in communities and apostolic platforms (schools and parishes).
The final part of the morning was devoted to planning for the coming year, including preparing the calendar and main activities. It was also agreed to begin preparations for the silver jubilee of the opening of the Zimbabwe mission, scheduled for January 2027. Discernment continued on various community matters and on projects for the strengthening and growth of the mission.
The assembly concluded with a final Eucharist, on the eve of Austin Sayira’s perpetual profession, scheduled for the following day, together with his family and the Claretian community.
