Zimbabwe Gears Up for National Congress for the Sacred Heart of Jesus Guild

Zimbabwe is preparing to host the National Congress for the Sacred Heart of Jesus guild in Chinhoyi Diocese from 27th to 30th June 2024. The event, set to take place at the Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), aims to invigorate the evangelization efforts of attendees.

The anticipated gathering is expected to draw around 4000 participants from the eight dioceses of Zimbabwe. Mr. Shadreck Dimingo, the National Chairperson of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Guild, expressed confidence in the preparations, highlighting that the congress is geared towards offering a transformative experience for all involved.

According to Mr. Dimingo, the congress serves as a platform for members of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Guild to connect through prayer and information sharing. It presents an opportunity for individuals to come together as a united family, sharing their challenges, gratitude, and petitioning to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

This year’s congress promises insightful discussions on various pertinent topics addressing contemporary challenges and innovative approaches to deepen the spirituality and devotion of members. Practical sessions have been scheduled to encourage ongoing reflection among participants within their dioceses and communities.

Notably, a procession is planned to take place in Chinhoyi, where attendees will evangelize and extend invitations to others to join in the devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Mr. Dimingo mentioned that the congress will also tackle specific challenges faced by guild members, such as low participation in parish activities and differing interpretations of the devotion.

The theme for the national congress, «Enlarge the space of your tent» from Isaiah 54:2, urges guild members to actively engage in evangelizing those on the fringes. Emphasizing the importance of Synodality, Mr. Dimingo stressed the need for the guild to adopt a more inclusive and participatory approach in spreading the message of the gospel.

Fr. Johane Maseko, the National Coordinator of the Zimbabwe Catholic Commission for the Laity (ZCCL), echoed the significance of the upcoming congress as a time for encounter, reflection, and communal journeying. He emphasized that the event plays a vital role in bolstering the Synodal efforts within the local church.