The second week of November 2025 will long be remembered in the Redemptorist Region of Zimbabwe as a moment of abundant grace and renewed hope. In a region still young in its growth, the Church witnessed a milestone that had not been seen in more than a decade, the first time since 2013 that such a large group of confreres made their final profession and were ordained to the diaconate. It was a week of celebration of Final Professions, Diaconate Ordinations, and a Thanksgiving Mass on 8th, 9th and 13th of November 2025 in which vows were sealed, ministries begun, and the Redemptorist family celebrated God’s enduring faithfulness.
Saturday, 8 November – Final Profession of Vows (St Augustine Parish, Hatcliffe)
The celebrations opened on Saturday morning at St. Augustine Parish in Hatcliffe, where six Redemptorist brothers made a solemn profession of their lives to God, an unprecedented act in the history of the Zimbabwe Region. Brothers: Terrence Chigodora, Sylvester Kanjiwa, Elvis Tawanda Chirara, Noel Kudakwashe Makoni, Bothwell Chimhende, and Phillip Takudzwa Mandibaya professed vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience for life before Fr Richard Reid, C.Ss.R., the Provincial Superior.
Their “yes” echoed far beyond the walls of the church. As each brother knelt and spoke the words of profession, many were moved by the courage and freedom behind such a lifelong commitment. The celebration drew families, parishioners, and confreres together in a spirit of gratitude. The courtyard gathering that followed was filled with song, ululation, and heartfelt embraces, capturing the joy of a Region watching its mission grow before its eyes.
Sunday, 9 November – Diaconate Ordination (St Alphonsus Formation House, Harare)
The following day, Redemptorist Foundation Day, the celebrations continued at St Alphonsus House. Here, five of the newly professed brothers, Terrence Chigodora, Sylvester Kanjiwa, Elvis Chirara, Noel Makoni, and Bothwell Chimhende, were ordained deacons by Most Rev. Raymond Mupandasekwa, C.Ss.R., Bishop of Masvingo Diocese and Apostolic Administrator of Chinhoyi Diocese. It was the first time since 2013 that the Region had seen five deacons ordained together, marking a significant moment of growth and hope for the future.
As the bishop laid hands upon each brother and invoked the Holy Spirit, a profound stillness settled over the assembly. In his homily, Bishop Mupandasekwa reminded the new deacons that the diaconate is a ministry of humble service:
“You are called to serve, not to be served. Bring Christ’s mercy to the poor, His compassion to the suffering, and His word to all who hunger for hope.”
After the vesting in dalmatics, the congregation erupted in applause. Brother Phillip Mandibaya, whose vocation is to serve the Congregation as a brother, stood proudly with his companions, a quiet reminder that Redemptorist formation honours diverse paths of service within one shared mission.
In his closing remarks, Fr Reid expressed gratitude to families, formators, parish communities, and benefactors who have faithfully supported the young confreres. He noted that the weekend was not only a celebration of their personal milestones, but also a sign of God’s ongoing work in the life of the Region.
Thursday, 13 November – Thanksgiving Mass at St Alphonsus Formation House
The week’s graces culminated on 13 November when Fr Provincial Richard Reid, C.Ss.R., presided over a thanksgiving Mass at St Alphonsus Formation House. The celebration provided a quiet and prayerful moment to look back on the weekend’s events, six solemn professions, five ordinations, and the unity of a Region stepping confidently into its future.
In his reflection, Fr Reid spoke with warmth about the significance of the weekend. He highlighted how these commitments strengthen the mission of the Congregation and offer new energy for preaching the Gospel with zeal and compassion. The Mass ended with prayers for perseverance, joy, and fidelity for the newly professed and ordained.
As the community shared a simple meal afterwards, the atmosphere was filled with hope, joy and unmistakably a Redemptoristic scenery. The Region of Zimbabwe continues to grow in faith and in number, living out its call to proclaim the message of abundant redemption “ever anew.”
Ashleigh Mushore
RedComZW Youth Media Liaison
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