ZCBCSoccom News Updates

30/07/2025

24/07/2025

*Recap of the Introduction*

We have been sharing snippets from the Introduction of the Synod’s Final Document. As a brief recap of what has been shared, it is important to highlight that the Introduction sets the tone for the entire synodal journey. It presents this journey as a deeply spiritual return to the Upper Room, where the disciples encountered the Risen Lord. Echoing Christ’s greeting, “Peace be with you,” it reminds us that the synodal path is not merely administrative, but is rooted in the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection. As participants gathered in conversation in the Spirit, they experienced His presence anew—marked by mercy, beauty, and unity.
The document underscores that the wounds of Christ are still visible today: in war, displacement, climate injustice, and marginalisation. These realities were not abstract; they were brought into the Assembly through the lived experiences of many delegates. In this context, the Church reaffirmed its prophetic role—to be a voice of peace, dialogue, and reconciliation, joining Pope Francis in rejecting hatred and violence.
Since the synodal process began in 2021, the People of God have journeyed together—from the grassroots to the global Church—listening, discerning, and participating in unprecedented ways. This has revealed the richness of our shared baptismal identity and confirmed that every baptised person is called to be a missionary disciple. Rooted in the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, the synod is a continuation of the Church’s path of renewal and holiness.
Despite moments of resistance and fatigue, the Assembly began with a penitential vigil, recognising the need for ongoing conversion. This call to repentance is integral to synodality. The Church must become a credible sign of mercy, accountability, and hope. Encouraging signs were found in families, parishes, movements, and local communities already living out this synodal spirit.
The Holy Father has entrusted key themes raised during the First Session to international Study Groups for deeper theological and pastoral reflection, ensuring this is not a moment but a movement. The implementation stage has now begun, and all the local Churches are called to sustain this journey of discernment, co-responsibility, and transformation.
Ultimately, the Introduction reminds us that synodality is both gift and task: a way of being Church together, rooted in the Gospel, and animated by the Holy Spirit.

*Introducing Part One: The Heart of Synodality*

We now begin Part One: The Heart of Synodality—a section that invites us to reflect deeply on the theological and spiritual foundations of the synodal journey. This part explores how synodality flows from the very nature of the Church as communion, rooted in the Trinity, and animated by the Holy Spirit.
It sheds light on how conversation in the Spirit, discernment, listening, and shared mission are not optional extras but essential dimensions of the Church’s identity. Here, the synodal path is shown not just as a structural reform but a spiritual conversion—a renewal of hearts, relationships, and communities in the image of Christ.
Let us open ourselves to what the Spirit is saying through this part of the document, and allow the heart of synodality to form the heart of our Church.

24/07/2025

24/07/2025

ZCBC Safeguarding Commission Trains Deans and Lay Leaders on Universal Guidelines Framework

By Fr. Johnston Mlambo

Harare, Zimbabwe – Following last month’s successful workshop for Vicars General and Pastoral Coordinators, the Safeguarding Commission of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) has convened a follow-up training session—this time targeting deans from all eight dioceses of the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe, along with selected lay safeguarding personnel.
The workshop, held in Harare, focused on deepening understanding of the Universal Guidelines Framework for Safeguarding, which outlines best practices for preventing and responding to abuse within the Church.
Sr. Theresa Nyadombo HLMC, ZCBC Safeguarding Coordinator, led the session and provided a comprehensive overview of the purpose and content of the guidelines.
In her presentation, she explained that the training aimed to equip Church leaders at the deanery level with practical knowledge to strengthen safeguarding structures in parishes, institutions, and communities.
Sr. Nyadombo outlined the ten universal safeguarding guidelines, illustrating each with real-life examples of abuse cases reported in Church environments.
Participants engaged in a case study discussion to better understand the complexities surrounding safeguarding interventions and responses.
The ten Universal Guidelines for Safeguarding are:
1. Committed Church Leadership and Culture – Embedding safeguarding into Church leadership, governance, and culture.
2. Safe Environment – Ensuring physical and digital spaces are secure and equipped with safeguards to prevent harm.
3. Partnering with Survivors, Families, and Communities – Prioritising accompaniment of abuse survivors and fostering community-wide safeguarding engagement.
4. Complaints and Allegation Management – Establishing accessible and responsive processes for reporting concerns.
5. Culturally Responsive Practices – Adapting safeguarding policies to reflect the cultural context of the local Church.
6. Clear Policies and Procedures – Providing documented guidance on how to maintain a safe Church environment.
7. People Management – Ensuring that Church personnel working with minors and vulnerable adults are vetted, trained, and supervised.
8. Ongoing Education and Formation – Promoting continuous learning and capacity building in safeguarding matters.
9. Informed and Empowered People – Educating children and vulnerable adults about their rights and involving them in decisions that affect them.
10. Continuous Improvement – Committing to regular review and enhancement of safeguarding systems.
Following Sr. Nyadombo’s presentation, Mrs Dorcas Mgugu, a member of the ZCBC Safeguarding Commission, delivered a session on the establishment and support of safeguarding structures within parishes and institutions.
Her presentation raised critical reflection among participants on how to practically implement safeguarding structures. The session included guided discussion questions such as:
• Who should facilitate the setting up of these structures?
• Do we need a selection criteria for who joins these structures—and who defines it?
• How do we ensure these structures are functional? What support mechanisms are necessary to sustain them?
The training is part of a phased national rollout by the ZCBC Safeguarding Commission. The process began with the bishops, followed by Vicars General and Pastoral Coordinators, and now involves deans and lay safeguarding representatives.
This initiative reflects the ZCBC’s commitment to promoting a consistent safeguarding culture throughout the Church in Zimbabwe—ensuring that every child and vulnerable adult is protected, respected, and supported in accordance with Gospel values and global best practices.

https://catholicchurchnewszimbabwe.blog/8874-2/

22/07/2025

22nd JULY 2025
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TUESDAY, SIXTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Feast of Mary Magdalene, Apostle to the Apostles

Sg 3:1-4/ 2 Cor 5:14-17; Ps 63:2-9; Jn 20:1-2,11-18
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MY HEART’S DESIRE IS YOU ALONE

The readings today focus on Mary Magdalene as a true disciple of Christ. One can identify the important elements of discipleship in her life: ardent seeking, pure motive, and devotion to the Lord’s Mother.

She did not abandon Jesus during His most shameful passion but remained with the beloved disciple John at the foot of the cross, standing with the afflicted Mother. Like John, she too welcomed Mary into her heart as her mother. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, she went with the other women to the tomb – so focused on her search that she scarcely noticed the angels – seeking “Him whom her soul loves.” With the bride in the Song of Songs, she asks, “Have you seen him whom my soul loves?” The watchmen in the first reading can be likened to the angels who ask her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” And scarcely had they spoken when she finds Him – her Master, “Rabbouni” – becoming the first recorded witness to the greatest historical event, the Resurrection.

Therefore, she can declare with the bride: “I sought him whom my heart loves, and I found him whom my soul loves.” Love was both the object and motivation of her search. She sought the Lord for His own sake, not for consolation, benefit, or glory; though, she would receive all these, as the Lord said, “Seek first the kingdom of heaven and all will be added...” This contrasts with Judas, who followed Jesus for ambition’s sake. Here we face a choice: Seeking Christ for ambition may grant us earthly authority and power, while seeking Christ for love's sake will certainly bring sufferings and trials in this life but everlasting joy in eternity.

Mary Magdalene helps us understand Mother Mary’s role in our personal lives. Devotion to Mary is not merely an individual preference but is absolutely necessary for our salvation, for she is the “Gate of Heaven” (Janua Caeli) through which the Bride (we, the Church) enters to meet the Bridegroom of our souls, Jesus Christ.

Response: For you my soul is thirsting, O Lord, my God.

20/07/2025

Rockwood Spiritual Centre Fast Becoming a Shrine

By Fr. Johnston Z. Mlambo

The Rockwood Spiritual, Pastoral and Formation Centre of the Archdiocese of Harare is fast becoming a sacred space where individuals, families, and groups retreat to for quiet moments of prayer and deep encounters with God.

Three years ago, in an interview with SOCCOM, the centre’s administrator, Sr. Illumina Katsukunya, shared her dream of seeing Rockwood develop into a shrine — a sanctuary where people could come and pour out their hearts to God.

“We hope to create a quiet and serene place where individuals can come on any day and simply be in the presence of God,” she said then.

Today, three years later, that vision is steadily taking shape.

Behind the chapel, a large cross has been erected on the rocks, serving as a powerful symbol of faith. On the south-eastern side of the chapel, a beautiful open-air altar has been constructed, featuring an image of Divine Mercy. This outdoor space accommodates larger congregations that cannot fit into the chapel, offering all attendees a clear view of the altar during Mass.

To the west of the chapel, a decorative wall adorned with various religious images has been built. These illustrations serve as visual meditations on key Gospel scenes. One panel depicts the parable of the merciful father welcoming back his prodigal son, while another captures the moment Jesus kneels and writes in the sand before the woman caught in adultery — scenes that point powerfully to the theme of God’s mercy.

On one of the rocks behind the chapel, a painting of the Divine Mercy image adds to the spiritual atmosphere of the place.

When this writer visited Rockwood on 15 June, two women were seen on top of the rocks, praying fervently and tearfully — clearly overwhelmed by the burdens they had brought before God. Judging by their style of prayer, they may not have been Catholic, and yet, they were drawn to Rockwood by a deep conviction that their prayers would be heard there. Their presence is testament to the centre’s growing spiritual reputation.

Sr. Illumina confirmed this growing appeal.

“Judging from the increasing number of people coming here, I can confidently say the place is slowly becoming a shrine,” she told SOCCOM.

She recounted numerous instances where visitors have had profound spiritual experiences. One woman, she said, came to pray at the rocks and later shared her feelings of release and peace:

“She said, ‘Sister, when I came here, I felt my hands were heavy, like I was carrying a load. But now I feel light, like something has been lifted.’”

In another remarkable encounter, a Nigerian Pentecostal pastor attending a conference at Rockwood claimed to have seen a mysterious woman walking near the grotto.

“He asked me, ‘What’s that?’ pointing to the statue at the grotto. He didn’t know who the woman depicted was. I explained that it was the Blessed Virgin Mary. He said, ‘The woman I saw looked just like her — she was wearing a blue garment. Could she be the one I saw?’ I simply replied, ‘I don’t know.’”

The pastor, moved by what he experienced, donated US$40 to support the development of the centre, calling it a “holy place.”

“All the developments you see here,” Sr. Illumina explained, “are donations from people grateful for answered prayers or spiritual experiences they have had here.”

A record book at the centre contains numerous heartfelt testimonials from visitors. One woman, Ms. Olivia Tsungo, wrote:

“I am very impressed and feel truly blessed. I felt like I had a dialogue with Christ Himself. I will encourage friends and family to visit. Sisters, may you be blessed.”

Another visitor, Mai Nicky Gundidza, noted:

“I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. The place is blessed. Keep up the excellent work and beautiful landscaping.”

And Mrs. Mutamangira wrote:

“Serene place where you can empty all your burdens to God in quietness. Very uplifting spiritually. Thank you, Lord Jesus.”

These and many more testimonials confirm the deep spiritual resonance the place holds for its visitors.

Looking to the future, Sr. Illumina shared her hope that if resources permit, the Church might acquire the stand adjacent to the current property. That space, she said, could be used for conferences and workshops, while the existing grounds would be reserved exclusively for prayer — a dedicated prayer garden.

For anyone seeking to spend time alone with God, as the Psalmist beautifully expressed, “with none but thee, my Lord,” Rockwood Spiritual Centre is becoming a true haven — a place where heaven touches earth, and hearts are lifted.