Harare, Zimbabwe. The Claretian Missionaries in Zimbabwe are celebrating its twenty years of presence in this part of the world. And they would like to share a video that they have prepared for this memorable occasion.
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On the 29th of January 2002, the three first Claretians landed at Harare Airport. After some time learning the language, they settled in Gwave Mission (Gokwe). After a few years, new missionaries arrived in Zimbabwe.
We took a new step forward. Missionaries from different countries arrived in Zimbabwe.
In 2005, we started a new project: The Mission of Zhomba (Gokwe).
We kept on growing. We opened a community in Ruwa, taking care of Saint Charles Lwanga Parish. We started to receive the first vocations.
Meanwhile, our mission is blessed with new Claretians from different areas of the world.
In 2012, we opened our seminary in Harare, Claret House, where the aspirants and postulants live and study.
To date, 20 years after our arrival, we are 9 Claretian Missionaries in Zimbabwe and 8 young men in different stages of their process to become Claretian priests.
Claretian Missionaries in Zimbabwe are called to live in intercultural communities following Jesus’ footsteps, preaching the joy of the Gospel.
We run parishes, schools. Following the example of Saint Anthony Mary Claret, we use all means available to preach the Gospel to everyone.
We are listeners and servants of the Word of God.
Twenty years full of missionary enthusiasm and fidelity to the spirit of Claret. Years in which we have felt the grace and love of God upon us.
We, the Claretians in Zimbabwe, rooted in Christ and audacious in mission, offer to the Lord our future, knowing that we are in the hands of God. In 2021, the first [local] Claretian priests arrived, hopefully others will come in the future.
This anniversary is a good opportunity to give thanks to the Lord for taking care of us. We give thanks also to our friends and benefactors who have helped to make this mission possible.
We are grateful to our superiors, who have always been so supportive of our mission.
In this anniversary, we remember the words of our Father Claret: “Fall in love with Jesus Christ and the neighbor, and you will do even greater things.” This could be our motto for the next twenty years.
