From 13 to 20 July 2025, the Redemptorist Region of Zimbabwe was blessed with the Canonical Visit of Fr Nicolas Ayouba, C.Ss.R., General Consultor, and Fr Paul Vinh, C.Ss.R., Secretary for Formation in the General Government. Their presence brought not only the spirit of the global Congregation but also a deep fraternal closeness, a joyful expression of the unity that bonds Redemptorists worldwide in mission, prayer, and brotherhood.
The visit was part of the global canonical visitation currently being carried out by the General Government, offering accompaniment, encouragement, and oversight to each Redemptorist unit. For the Region of Zimbabwe, this was a moment of deep reflection, mutual sharing, and spiritual renewal.
Eucharist and the Renewal of Vows
One of the highlights of the visit came on 15 July, when Fr Nicolas and Fr Paul presided over a special Eucharistic celebration at the Redemptorist formation house in Harare, together with the young brothers who were in their month-long solemn vows’ preparation programme. The Mass was a joyful and moving occasion, during which 13 brothers renewed their religious vows, reaffirming their commitment to the Redemptorist way of life. In his homily, Fr Nicolas Ayouba offered a powerful message to the brothers:
“The world needs joyful witnesses, men who live with open hands and hearts, rooted in love for Christ and the poor, and ready to be sent wherever the Redeemer calls. There is a contagious joy in those who give their lives entirely to the Gospel, embracing the Redemptorist mission to bring hope to the most abandoned, especially the poor.”
His words spoke directly to the heart of the Redemptorist vocation, a life of availability, community, and missionary witness lived joyfully and with total dedication.
Conversations, Community, and Communion
Beyond the liturgical celebration, the canonical visitation involved a series of conversations with the leadership of the Region, formators, and individual confrères. Fr Nicolas and Fr Paul engaged in open dialogue about the life, mission, and formation structures of the Region, offering both encouragement and insight. Fr Paul, in particular, emphasised the importance of ongoing formation, not only as preparation for vows but as a lifelong journey of discipleship and inner growth. He reminded the brothers:
“Formation is not a stage we pass through; it is a way of living. Every day, we renew our ‘yes’ to the Redeemer amid the world’s wounds and hopes.”
The visitors also took time to experience the life of the community, joining meals, sharing stories, and participating in community prayer, leaving behind not just official reports, but memories of brotherhood, laughter, and shared mission.
A Strengthened Family in Mission
For the Region of Zimbabwe, this visitation was not merely an administrative checkpoint but a moment of grace. It affirmed the Region’s missionary efforts, highlighted its vital role in the formation of young Redemptorists, and strengthened the sense of connection with the global Congregation. In a continent full of youth, potential, and complexity, the Canonical Visit served as a reminder that the Redemptorist mission in Africa remains alive, and the Region of Zimbabwe, though young, is firmly rooted in the tradition of Alphonsus and open to the Spirit’s lead.
And in that spirit of walking together, of shared vocation, shared mission, and shared joy, the Region of Zimbabwe continues its journey, echoing the words of our charism: With Him, there is Plentiful Redemption.
The Media Office,
Redemptorists Region of Zimbabwe
