Irish Franciscan missionaries first went to Zimbabwe in 1958 and established the Order of Friars Minor in that noble land. Now that the number of the local friars has increased, the Custody of the Good Shepherd can be independent of its “Mother Province” and become an Autonomous Custody within the worldwide Order.

From 25 to 31 October, the Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor, Fr. Massimo Fusarelli , accompanied by the General Definitor Fr. Siphelele Gwanisheni made a significant fraternal visit to the Custody of the Good Shepherd in Zimbabwe, until now dependent on the Province of Ireland.

During this intense week, the two friars traversed the entire territory of the Custody, visiting all six Franciscan presences and meeting with each fraternity. These were days of profound dialogue with the brothers and attentive listening to their daily lives and mission, sharing the hopes and challenges of this young ecclesial entity now ready for autonomy.

The visit allowed the Minister General to gain firsthand knowledge of the Custody's pastoral projects and meet numerous lay people who actively collaborate with the Franciscan presence. Particularly significant was the meeting with the Poor Clare Sisters of Harare, a testament to the vitality of the Franciscan charism in Zimbabwe.

The solemn Eucharistic Celebration of All Saints on 1st November was held in the parish of St. Francis in Harare, presided over by the Archbishop of the city. The Minister General, the Minister Provincial of Ireland, the Minister Provincial of South Africa, the representative of the Minister of Mozambique, the Custos of the Capuchin Friars, other religious, and a large crowd of faithful participated. During the celebration, the declaration and canonical establishment of the Custody of the Good Shepherd in Zimbabwe as an autonomous entity of the Order of Friars Minor was proclaimed.

Fr. Massimo Fusarelli emphasized that this step represents a clear sign of ecclesial maturity and recognizes the place Zimbabwe now occupies within the Order. The new Autonomous Custody brings with it a distinctive voice, the fruit of an authentic missionary experience and a profound embodiment of the Franciscan charism in this African land.

The celebration was celebrated with great joy by the many faithful who came from the various communities where the friars are present and work. It was a living testimony to a Church on the move , capable of celebration and of looking to the future with hope.

In this Jubilee Year, the birth of the autonomous Custody of the Good Shepherd appears as a sign of evangelical vitality: pilgrims of hope in Zimbabwe with Saint Francis and Saint Clare , ready to continue the journey of Franciscan witness in the heart of Africa.