Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate
Celebrating four decades of missionary presence, from 1983 to 2023 — a journey of faith, perseverance, and grace in the heart of Southern Africa.
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Psalm 107:1
Our Story
Est. 1983
The Zimbabwe Mission was started in 1983, born from the vision of Fr. Paddy Hogan OMI, General Councillor for Africa, who explored the possibilities of sending missionaries to Zimbabwe following requests from Zimbabwean Bishops, especially Bishop Henry Karlen CMM.
The Diocese of Bulawayo was chosen as the first place for the Oblates to work, as it had been most cruelly ravaged by war — not only the war for independence, but even thereafter during the early 1980s. The Bulawayo Diocese was in most need of priests.
"The launching of the Mission to Zimbabwe was due to the enthusiasm and commitment of Fr. Bob de Sylva... he announced that he was going to start even if it meant going alone. And he did go alone."
— Fr Eddie Risi OMI
Fr. Bob de Sylva was joined by Fr. Paul Horrocks two months later. Bob was the vision of the Mission in those first years. The first missionaries came with a commitment to stay as long as possible — Paul Horrocks stayed 20 years, and Bob de Sylva 17 years.
Foundation years. Establishing small Christian communities, first pre-novitiate in 1992, and the arrival of pioneer missionaries.
Natal Province takes full responsibility. Growth in vocations, expansion of pre-novitiate, and first local vocations.
Youth 4 Life program, political challenges, establishment of capital fund, and purchase of Mission House for administration.
OMISA Province responsibility, new mission in Masvingo (2020), flourishing vocations, and 40th anniversary celebrations.
Journey Through Time
Fr. Bob de Sylva and Fr. Paul Horrocks arrive in Bulawayo. Official launch at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Kumalo.
Fr. Hugh Dalton OMI arrives to promote local vocations. Pre-novitiate programme established to strengthen recruitment.
Fr. Charles Rensburg OMI becomes the first Zimbabwean-born Oblate to be ordained priest, assigned to St. Luke's Mission.
Amalgamation of three South African provinces into OMISA (Oblates of Southern African Province), taking responsibility for Zimbabwe.
Maraire Mission opened in the Diocese of Masvingo. Fr. Charles Nabwenje and Fr. Karel Mec assigned as first pastors.
Ruby Jubilee celebrations across all Oblate parishes and missions. Official launch at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Kumalo.
In Pictures
A visual journey through four decades of faith, community, and missionary service across Zimbabwe.
Early Oblate community in Zimbabwe
Community worship and fellowship
Engaging young people in faith
Living the charism of St. Eugene
Pre-novitiate formation
Ruby Jubilee celebrations 2023
St. Luke's and St. Kizito Missions
Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate
Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate
The Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate (MAMI) is a movement within the Oblate Congregation globally. It is an Association of Catholic Lay people who voluntarily wish to share in the apostolic work and spirituality of the Oblate Priests and Brothers.
Since the Second Vatican Council [1962-1965], the Oblates have responded to requests by women and men who feel called to share in the Charism, the life and ministry of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
"The Charism of Saint Eugene de Mazenod is a gift of the Spirit to the Church, and it radiates throughout the world. Lay people recognize that they are called to share in the Charism according to their state of life."
— Rule 37a, Oblate Constitutions
Eucharistic devotion and spiritual reflection
Works of charity and mercy
Fraternity and solidarity
Supporting Oblate formation
MAMI Zimbabwe
Testimonies
The Zimbabwe Mission continues on an upward trajectory with hopes of impacting the lives of those it serves. It has emerged as a beacon of hope to those living in the peripheries of societies.
Bro. Daniel Mutemachani OMI
Zimbabwean Oblate Scholastic
Our Oblates have the most difficult parishes in Zimbabwe; they are in what was a war zone. Our men went into places that had been destroyed economically, spiritually, morally. The Oblates who are there are heroes.
Fr. Stanley Thebele OMI
Former Provincial of Transvaal
I am proud to be part of a family that has changed people's lives and continues to draw more people closer to God in many ways. The history of this mission defines every Oblate that worked in the mission.
Br. Tinashe Nyoni OMI
Zimbabwean Oblate Brother
The Oblates in Zimbabwe are on a mission to continue making the people of God be at home wherever they are working, both in the rural and urban areas. The home for Oblates is the Archdiocese of Bulawayo.
Br. Rodney Takudzwa Kamutingondo OMI
Zimbabwean Oblate Brother
The Oblates have shown me the true meaning of stewardship to the marginalized people. They have shown the spirit of generosity to the people, bearing in mind the tough situation of the country.
Br. Thulani K Ndlovu OMI
Zimbabwean Oblate Brother
God does not call the qualified but simply, He qualifies the called. I felt called to the priesthood at a young age and I began my Pre-novitiate in 2021 and progressed to the novitiate in 2023.
Br. Joseph Mthunzi OMI
Novice Brother
Present Day
Currently serving in six parishes across two dioceses, the Zimbabwe Mission continues to evangelize the poor in their many faces.
Administering sacraments, catechism, youth ministry, parish administration and care for the sick in six parishes across Bulawayo and Masvingo.
Youth conferences, congresses, retreats and seminars. Helping young people to be human, Christians and Saints through the Youth for Life program.
JPIC ministry addressing political, economic and social injustice. Care for the poor, justice seminars, environmental care, and advocacy.
Pre-novitiate at Mazenod House preparing candidates. Spiritual direction, teaching, and assisting seminarians and candidates of other congregations.
Bringing people to wholeness in Christ. Special services for prayers of healing, visiting the sick and elderly, and HIV/AIDS ministry.
Ministering in hospitals, homes for the sick and elderly, prisons and schools. Offering support, prayer, consolation, and spiritual guidance.
Fr. Aurelio Ayala OMI — Pastor
Fr. Pamidzai Mudzudza OMI — Pastor
Fr. Edmund Chiyaka OMI — Pastor
Fr. Lucky Mandava OMI — Priest in Charge
Fr. Phumulani Mlilo OMI — Priest in Charge
Fr. Charles Nabwenje OMI — Pastor
Act of Consecration
O Mary Immaculate, Mother of God, and our Mother, in gratitude for your protection, we your Missionary Oblates, consecrate to you our religious family. You have always presided over our missions, blessed our efforts and receive the glory of our success.
Today again we place ourselves under your protection, confident that you will help us obtain more workers in our master's vineyard; that you will grant us success in our undertakings and a lasting spirit of harmony in our religious family.
Amen.