INTRODUCTION OF THE CANA YEAR
We introduced the CANA year to national and fraternity leaders during a gathering at Holy Trinity Parish Kuwadzana in Harare. Ten couples participated, coming from different parishes within the Archdiocese of Harare and from Mutare Diocese.
The gathering was intentionally small because it was primarily aimed at fraternity leaders and National Team members.
The day included morning prayer, the morning office, and an introduction and presentation on the CANA year. Couples were also given time for personal prayer and couple time, during which they were invited to discern and choose from the four dimensions of the CANA year. The day concluded with Holy Mass celebrated by a Spiritan father from the parish.
A question-and-answer session provided an opportunity for participants to share their reflections and concerns. The proposal to expand the entryways into CANA was very well received. We affirmed that there are several avenues through which couples can be welcomed into the CANA Fraternity.
CANA RETREAT
A significant decision had to be made regarding whether to proceed with the scheduled retreat or use the time for diocesan visits, given the low number of couples registered. After prayer and discernment, and considering that some couples had already paid and made preparations to attend, it was decided that the retreat should proceed.
The retreat was held at the Nyazura Carmelite Community of Prophet Elijah in Mutare Diocese, which serves as a novitiate for the Carmelite Friars.
Two couples participated in the retreat. One couple was attending for the first time, while the other was participating for the second time.
The retreat was a blessed and fruitful experience. The daily reviews indicated a deep openness among the participants to enter into the retreat experience and to deepen their relationship with Christ.
A highlight in the retreat was the way of the cross and the reconciliation evening. Individuals were able to receive confession and also reconcile with one another. The atmosphere was very serene.
One of the couples requested to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. This became a deeply moving and significant experience for them.
The hospitality of the Carmelite Friars was exceptional. We were warmly welcomed, and the brothers generously provided excellent meals throughout the retreat.
At the conclusion of the retreat, the Carmelite Friars requested an opportunity to learn more about CANA. We therefore spent an evening with the novice friars and the priest responsible for the novitiate, sharing about the CANA mission and the Chemin Neuf Community.
The brothers were particularly impressed by the depth of silence maintained by the retreatants and by the willingness of couples to set aside an entire week for a retreat. The silence and recollection of the retreatants became, in itself, a powerful witness to the brothers
CONCLUSION AND HOPE
The visit to Zimbabwe was an important and encouraging step for the renewal of CANA ministry in the country.
Although CANA currently faces challenges—including limited participation, pressure on couples due to work and family commitments, inactive fraternities and leadership gaps—there are clear signs of hope.
The introduction of the CANA year, the opening of expanded entryways into CANA, the positive experience of the retreat, and the successful installation of new national leaders all provide a foundation for renewed growth.
With prayer, accompaniment, renewed leadership and a renewed focus on fraternity life, there is genuine hope that CANA in Zimbabwe will regain momentum and continue to grow in service to couples, families and the Church.
Joseph and Serah
