Harare: In the heart of a world often fractured by strife, misunderstanding, and injustice, the cloistered Poor Clare Sisters of Zimbabwe quietly weave a tapestry of comfort and profound spiritual influence through their unwavering commitment to contemplative prayer. Though largely unseen, their dedication to a hidden life reverberates through the lives of countless individuals, shaping their realities in unforeseen ways.
Rooted in the ancient tradition established by St. Clare in 1212, the St. Clare Monastery in Zimbabwe, founded by Spanish missionaries in 1985, operates as a profound ministry of intercession. Day after day, the sisters engage in perpetual adoration, kneeling for hours, channeling their devotion into ceaseless prayers. They serve as conduits for hope, diligently accepting intentions from those yearning for solace, spiritual guidance, and healing. This tireless dedication has forged a lifeline for many, extending comfort in moments of profound distress.
The Poor Clare Sisters' contribution to Zimbabwean society, while understated, is remarkably expansive. Through their consistent prayer and gentle spiritual counsel, they shepherd many towards a deeper connection with the divine. Their intercessory prayers provide a balm for souls grappling with contemporary scourges such as unemployment, the horrors of human trafficking, and the grip of substance abuse, instilling a vital sense of hope and reassurance.
As unsung heroes, their cloistered existence does not diminish their monumental service; instead, it magnifies it. They enrich the impoverished, not with material wealth, but with the boundless spiritual riches of prayer. Their selfless surrender to a life of prayer and contemplation stands as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of faith and its transformative ripple effect on society. Sister Agnes Mupunga, former Mother Abbess of the Waterfalls community, illuminates the historical depth of this tradition: "This practice of receiving prayer intentions began with St. Clare herself, who brought healing to many through her prayers for the sick." Despite their seclusion, their mission remains deeply tethered to the world, ceaselessly interceding for the universal Church and the global community, with their doors perpetually open to all who seek their powerful, prayerful embrace.
In an era saturated with challenges and uncertainty, the Poor Clare Sisters of Waterfalls extend a poignant message of unyielding hope. Their steadfast commitment to prayer and profound contemplation serves as a powerful reminder that amidst all turmoil, an inexhaustible wellspring of comfort and strength always remains accessible.
Dominic Anderson Beharry, a parishioner from Uganda Martyrs Mufakose, Harare, offers a moving personal testament to their impact: "My late wife was diagnosed with cancer and needed USD 700 every Tuesday for chemotherapy, which I couldn't afford. I visited the Poor Clare Sisters who prayed with and comforted me. It is still a mystery that from then on, my wife never missed a session of chemotherapy."
As Pope Leo XIV so aptly reminded us: "Our world, wounded by war, violence, and injustice, needs to hear the Gospel message of God's love." The Poor Clare Sisters in Waterfalls, through their quiet, fervent lives, are living embodiments of that very message.