By Fr. Johnston Mlambo
The Pontifical Mission Society (PMS) in Zimbabwe is hosting its annual council meeting in Chinhoyi, a three-day event that commenced yesterday afternoon and is set to conclude tomorrow after lunch. The meeting brings together key stakeholders from dioceses across the country to discuss strategies and plans for missionary activities.
The meeting is attended by key groups involved in PMS projects, including:
- Diocesan PMS Directors,
- Missionary Childhood Coordinators,
- Missionary Childhood Spiritual Directors,
- Animators,
- Vocations Directors,
- Rectors of minor and/or major seminaries or their representatives,
- A representative from the Conference of Major Religious Superiors (CMRS).
Yesterday’s programme featured welcome remarks and the presentation of the meeting agenda. Diocesan reports were tabled, providing an overview of PMS activities at the local level. These were followed by the National Report, offering a broader perspective on the society’s progress and challenges. The day concluded with evening prayer, setting a reflective tone for the discussions ahead.
The second day began with morning prayer led by representatives from Mutare Diocese, followed by breakfast. The PMS National Office then delivered its presentation, focusing on key updates and objectives for the coming year.
Group discussions were held, with participants divided into the Pontifical Society of St. Peter the Apostle (POSPA) and Pontifical Society of the Missionary Childhood (POSI) groups. The discussions culminated in plenary sessions, where group deliberations were shared and synthesised.
As the day progresses, the agenda includes:
- Holy Mass celebrated by attendees, providing spiritual grounding for the discussions.
- A presentation by the Papal Nuncio to Zimbabwe, Archbishop Janusz Urbańczyk offering insights and guidance from the Vatican’s representative.
- An address by Archbishop Robert Christopher Ndlovu, the Bishop Chair of PMS, who will provide strategic direction for the society.
In the afternoon, participants will receive a presentation on communications, followed by a review of activities and work plans for PMS special days. The day will conclude with feedback sessions from the various groups.
The final day will focus on planning for the future, including:
- Discussions on the PMS 2025 Calendar, outlining key dates and activities for the coming year.
- A presentation on teamwork, aimed at strengthening collaboration across dioceses and enhancing the impact of PMS initiatives.
The annual council meeting is a mandatory event for PMS and serves as a critical platform for the Pontifical Mission Society to evaluate its activities, strengthen collaboration among dioceses, and chart a unified path forward in its mission of evangelisation and spiritual growth.
As the meeting progresses, the Church in Zimbabwe continues to reflect on its missionary calling, fostering unity and purpose among its leaders and collaborators.
Stay tuned for more updates as the meeting progresses. The Mass, presentations by the Papal Nuncio, and Archbishop Ndlovu will be livestreamed.