The Redemptorists Region of Zimbabwe hosted a successful and inspiring Men’s Symposium at St. Alphonsus House, the Redemptorist student house in Harare, Zimbabwe, on 13th December 2025, bringing together Catholic men, parishioners, and members of the wider community including non-Catholics for a day of reflection, formation, and fraternity.
Organized by Friends of the Redemptorists and coordinated through the Secretary General for Partnership in Mission for Africa and Madagascar, Br. Kenneth Temba, C.Ss.R., the symposium formed part of the Redemptorists’ broader pastoral commitment to accompany the local Church and the wider society in a spirit of collaboration and shared mission.
The programme addressed themes central to the contemporary vocation of men, including Catholic men as pillars of faith, their health and fitness, farming, and real estate reflecting the Church’s holistic understanding of human development, where spiritual growth is inseparable from physical well-being, responsible stewardship, and social engagement.
The day began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by the Rev. Fr. Noel Sottima, C.Ss.R., COREAM Coordinator. In his address, Fr. Noel reflected on the theme of “The Restructuring Process of the Redemptorists in Africa and Madagascar,” offering insight into the Congregation’s ongoing efforts toward renewal, collaboration, and mission effectiveness in response to emerging pastoral realities across the continent.
Messages of goodwill and solidarity were received from Rev. Fr. Richard Reid, C.Ss.R, Fr. Kenneth Macharaga, C.Ss.R, and Lady Judith Agu, LSM, President of the Commission for Partnership in Mission for Africa and Madagascar affirming the importance of such initiatives in strengthening partnership between religious and lay collaborators in the Church’s mission.
Throughout the symposium, participants were invited to reflect on the role of men as leaders in faith, family, and society. Sessions on men’s health and fitness emphasized the Christian responsibility of caring for the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, while discussions on agriculture and real estate addressed sustainable livelihoods, economic empowerment, and ethical stewardship as expressions of lived faith.
Beyond the formal presentations, the gathering provided time for shared meals and social interaction, fostering fraternity and offering a meaningful platform for networking, dialogue, and mutual support among men from diverse backgrounds. This fraternal exchange highlighted the importance of community and relationship in nurturing mature Christian discipleship.
The Men’s Symposium stands as a tangible expression of the Redemptorists’ mission to form men who are spiritually grounded, socially responsible, and actively engaged in both Church and society. It also underscored the value of inclusive platforms that extend beyond parish boundaries, strengthening collaboration with the wider community and promoting integral human development.
As the Church continues her mission in Zimbabwe and throughout Africa and Madagascar, initiatives such as this symposium play a vital role in forming men of faith who are equipped to respond to the challenges of our time with conviction, compassion, and hope.
Taku Muzonzini
Redemptorist Lay Partner
St. Gerald’s Parish, Harare
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