By Quegas Mutale in Binga

Women of St. Anne Association held their first deanery congress post COVID 19 from 7 to 10 September 2023 at Tusimpe Pastoral Centre in Binga, Hwange Diocese.

The congress was held under the theme: ‘St Anne, women in a synodal Church.’

Fr. Albert Mudenda, the Spiritual Advisor of St. Anne and women in the diocese of Hwange, who is also the Parish Priest of Holy Cross Mission, Lusulu shared that the idea of the congress was important for women to meet as a deanery, especially after the creation of new missions in the diocese. Hence, the meeting was necessary for members to know each other and to share the Good News.

Binga Deanery consists of five missions which are All Souls, St. John Mary Vianney, St. Mark’s, Holy Cross and St. Padre Pio (yet to be decreed).

The congress was held in a synodal way by including legion of Mary, young adults and other women. Fr. Mudenda said the idea of bringing women from different guilds under one meeting was still new in the deanery but would go a long way in enhancing spiritual growth.

“What impressed me is that this congress has all age groups, the young members and the elderly. This shows synodality. St. Anne Association was perceived as a guild for the elderly women, but now I see a mixture of different age groups,” Fr. Mudenda said.

During the congress, Fr. Masimba Nyoni, Dean for Binga Deanery, delivered a lesson on self-reliance. Mrs. Letwin Mkondiwa shared a lesson titled ‘a committed woman in marriage’. A lesson on health was given by Miss Rona Munkuli, whilst Mrs. Danisa Mudimba facilitated on small businesses/ enterprises. Sr. Senzeni Muzamba touched on works of St. Anne as Fr. Pritchard Shoko presented on knowing the Holy Catholic Church.

Fr. Mudenda commended the hard work put into the success of the congress. He applauded St. Mark’s Mission, Nagangala for growing fast and for attending the congress in large numbers.

Women were encouraged to support the church with the needed resources and engage in pastoral responsibilities that give life to the church.

In an interview, Fr. Mudenda said the congress helped to pass the message about self-reliance and while it also facilitated the spreading of the knowledge about St. Anne association to the new members. 

Addressing the gathering, Fr. Joshua Del Barrio, the Judiciary Vicar of Hwange Diocese, reminded St. Anne women to take their motto of; “better hearts, better fields and better homes”, seriously in building the association as well as their homes.

In his homily, Fr. Masimba Nyoni, challenged St. Anne members to be considerate about each other and to support one another all the time despite the differences that they may have. His words were echoed by the Diocesan Chairperson of St. Anne, Mrs. Sipho Takawira, who called upon the association members to remain resolute in faith and to be women of hope who support each other through their words and actions.

Fr. Mudenda advised people to continue working together and not discriminate against each other.

During the congress, St. Anne women had social activities which included playing netball and other games.