Though
cloistered
and
largely
unseen,
the
Poor
Clare
Sisters
in
Zimbabwe
quietly
shape
the
lives
of
those
around
them
through
hours
of
contemplative
prayer.
By
Sr.
Mufaro
Chakuinga,
LCBL
Living
a
hidden
life
of
contemplative
prayer,
they
nonetheless
have
a
profound
impact
on
the
people
of
Zimbabwe.
A
ministry
of
prayer
The
Poor
Clare
Sisters
are
a
congregation
of
religious
women
founded
by
St.
Clare
in
1212.
In
Zimbabwe,
the
monastery
of
St.
Clare
was
established
in
1985
by
missionaries
from
Spain.
The
sisters
dedicate
themselves
to
perpetual
adoration,
praying
for
hours
on
their
knees
each
day.
They
receive
intentions
from
people
seeking
solace,
guidance,
and
healing
and
pray
tirelessly
for
their
needs.
This
prayer
ministry
has
become
a
lifeline
for
many,
offering
comfort
and
hope
in
times
of
distress.
The
Poor
Clare
Sisters’
contribution
to
Zimbabwean
society
is
multifaceted.
Through
prayer
and
spiritual
counsel,
they
help
many
deepen
their
relationship
with
God.
Their
prayers
offer
comfort
to
those
facing
challenges
like
unemployment,
human
trafficking,
and
substance
abuse.
The
Poor
Clares
intercede
on
behalf
of
those
in
need,
providing
a
sense
of
hope
and
reassurance.
Unsung
heroes
Though
the
Poor
Clare
Sisters
may
not
be
widely
recognized
due
to
their
cloistered
life,
their
service
speaks
volumes.
They
make
the
poor
‘rich’—not
with
money,
but
with
the
spiritual
wealth
of
prayer.
Their
selfless
devotion
to
prayer
and
contemplation
is
a
witness
to
the
power
of
faith
and
its
impact
on
society.
Sr.
Agnes
Mupunga,
former
Mother
Abbess
of
the
Poor
Clare
Sisters
in
Waterfalls,
Harare,
Zimbabwe,
highlighted
the
roots
of
their
receiving
prayer
intentions
from
various
residents.
“This
tradition
began
with
St.
Clare
herself,
who
prayed
over
the
sick
and
brought
healing
to
many,”
said
Sr.
Mupunga.
Despite
their
contemplative
lifestyle,
the
sisters
remain
engaged
with
the
world
through
prayer,
with
their
mission
centered
on
interceding
for
the
Church
and
the
global
community.
Their
doors
remain
open
to
all
who
seek
their
prayerful
support.
A
message
of
hope
In
a
world
filled
with
challenges
and
uncertainties,
the
Poor
Clare
Sisters
of
Waterfalls
offer
a
message
of
hope.
Their
dedication
to
prayer
and
contemplation
reminds
the
world
that
there
is
always
a
source
of
comfort
and
strength,
even
amid
turmoil.
Dominic
Anderson
Beharry,
a
parishioner
from
Uganda
Martyrs
Mufakose,
Harare,
shared
his
testimony
of
the
Poor
Clare
Sisters’
impact
on
his
life.
“My
late
wife
was
diagnosed
with
cancer
and
needed
USD
700
every
Tuesday
for
chemotherapy,
which
I
couldn’t
afford,”
he
said.
“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
remind
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
are
quietly
living
out
that
message.