We came to Zimbabwe through the mediation of our Carmelite brothers who had been coming to Kenya for studies. It was from them that we came to know of how the Carmel is flourishing in Zimbabwe. I will mention but a few motivations that made us opt for a foundation in Zimbabwe, the first and the foremost is the existence of our Carmelite friars in Zimbabwe. This was a motivation because we knew that we will be spiritually taken care of. Our brothers will take the responsibility of chaplaincy, confessors, spiritual directors, and formation both initial and ongoing.
Another reason was that the Carmelite Order is flourishing in Zimbabwe. We thought that the Order will flourish more if it is whole. There was already the existence of the friars, Carmelite sisters, lay Carmelites and Confraternities but not Carmelite Nuns. Now that we are here, I suppose the body is complete and it can function better without much difficulty. It is also our desire and dream that the scent of Carmel should spread all over African Continent, this also was one of the motivation for building a foundation here in Zimbabwe.
The last but not the least of the motives is the joy of monastic life. We felt that it will be fare if we also create a place for some young Zimbabwean women to experience the joy of monastic life in a Carmelite way. It’s a gift that God gives on abandoning all for Him. We came to Zimbabwe on the beautiful feast of the presentation 2nd February 2015. It’s like love at the first sight! The moment my feet stepped on the ground on our arrival, I liked it. Zimbabwe is a beautiful country especially Mutare where we are.
I like the sight of the mountains all over the place and trees, it’s just so good. We have visited Mt Carmel Student House in Harare on our arrival, St Simon Stock Rusape, Prophet Elijah Priory – Nyazura, St Joseph’s Mission Sakubva, Kriste Mambo Novitiate House and School, Triashill – the oldest mission in the Diocese.