By Br. Alfonce Kugwa/Sr. Cynthia Mgwena
The Conference of Major Religious Superiors in Zimbabwe had their annual general meeting at Wadzanai Training Centre from 9 -11 January 2019 and took time to discuss leadership and stewardship in the church. The meeting also aimed at improving collaboration and cooperation between the organisation and the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC). The meeting was attended by religious superiors of different Catholic religious orders and congregations working in Zimbabwe.
The Major Religious Superiors in Zimbabwe endeavour to provide a holistic and integrative formation that responds to changing times. They thrive to empower formators with the knowledge and skills in human, spiritual, intellectual, social and pastoral competence required from initial to on-going formation in accordance with the teachings of the church.
Bishop Raymond Mupandasekwa of the Chinhoyi Diocese, who was part of the meeting, noted that the theme “Leadership and Stewardship” which guided the superiors in their meeting was timely, prophetic and consistent with the vision of Pope Francis.
“The pilgrim church is missionary by nature and charity of the poor and evangelization is one of the fundamental missions of the church, and the consecrated are a perfect model of Christianity, hence the church expects them to be the salt and light of the earth that is to give life to the church in Zimbabwe”, noted Bishop Mupandasekwa.
Bishop Mupandasekwa also stated that there was need to be aware that each generation has a task to accomplish, thus the religious need to adapt to the needs of the contemporary world in light of scripture and the early intent of their founders.
One of the participants at the annual general meeting, Sr. Veronica Matsikinye LCBL said the meeting sought to find ways of cooperation and collaboration in mission in conjunction with the ZCBC.
“We do not live in isolation and we need to learn from each other and there is need to collaborate for the betterment of the local church,” said Sr. Matsikinye.
A new executive committee was elected which comprises with Fr. Chiedza Chimhanda SJ (president), Sr.Rudo Matsika OP (vice president), Br.Abel Muteveri, Fr.Herbet Banda OFM.Cap, Fr.Vitalis Benza O Carm, Sr.Ellen Maseve LCM, Sr.Elizabeth Boroma SND, and Sr. Emilia Zivavose CMFC as executive members.