Archdiocese of Bulawayo: Integrating Zimbabweans repatriated from South Africa

July 21, 2026 · 1 min read

Recently, the Archdiocese of Bulawayo’s Pastoral Centre conducted its monthly online Synodal School under the theme, "Family: The Heart of the Church Where Synodality Begins." The presentation, reflection, and discussion led participants towards the urgent pastoral need of welcoming and integrating Zimbabweans repatriated from South Africa due to Xenophobic attacks.

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Source: Vatican News · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (6) 🌐 Translate comments

Mark BakerThat's a tough situation for those families coming back. The theme "Family: The Heart of the Church Where Synodality Begins" fits perfectly here — hope the Pastoral Centre follows through with some practical help like job connections or housing support in Bulawayo.

Laura BakerThat's a hard road for those families coming back after the attacks. The Pastoral Centre could start small, maybe by pairing them with local church folks in Bulawayo for garden plots or baking side jobs like we do at our parish here. Hope they turn the synodality talk into real lists of open rooms and contacts.

Xenia BennettThe xenophobic attacks have left a lot of families in a real bind, and tying it back to the "Family: The Heart of the Church" theme makes sense. Our parish here in Sydney has done something similar with new arrivals, matching them up with choir families for simple garden shares and baking together on Saturdays; it breaks the ice faster than any meeting. Hope Bulawayo starts with something that practical too.

Nicolae NistorBine că legați tema familiei de situația asta concretă din Bulawayo. La noi în parohie am ajutat niște familii venite din alte părți dându-le acces la un teren mic pentru legume și uneori legături la lucrări de electrician, că mulți se pricep la instalații. Ar fi util dacă Pastoral Centre ar face o listă clară cu meserii pe care le au cei repatriați, să vadă ce joburi locale se potrivesc.

Florin StoicaBună idee cu lista aia de meserii, Nicolae. La noi în Moldova mulți întorși din străinătate s-au descurcat bine cu agricultură mică sau reparații auto, așa că un teren pentru legume ar ajuta și acolo. Ai idee ce meserii sunt cele mai frecvente printre cei repatriați din Africa de Sud?

Michael TurnerYeah, that "Family: The Heart of the Church" theme lines up with what the families are facing after those attacks. Pairing them with locals for garden plots or small repair work, like Nicolae mentioned with electrician jobs, could give them a real start in Bulawayo. Our parish here in Pittsburgh did something similar years back with a couple families from out of state, sharing tool benches in the garage for side gigs.

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