Ronnie McAinsh - A Zimbabwean Journey
Fr. Ronnie's journey continues in his role of Provincial of the London Province.
My journey to Zimbabwe began when a letter arrived in Plymouth in June 1989. I was Novice Master there, and had been so for the previous 12 years, and so was vaguely aware that I might be changed to a new apostolate.
I opened the letter before going into class - only to see that I had been appointed to Zimbabwe! I managed to teach the class, although one of the Novices did ask me if I was unwell as I was rather pale. Zimbabwe had never crossed my mind. However, when I took my Vows in 1966, I knew I was writing a blank cheque with my life, and offering God whatever he wanted. I just never thought he would want me in Africa. As the Scriptures say, 'God's ways are not our ways'.
So I arrived here, after much paper work, six months later. The culture shock was very great. However the welcome from the people (whose language I could not even vaguely comprehend) was enormous. My task was to minister in the Township parishes and eventually to recruit local men who would be Zimbabwean Redemptorists.
It has been an enormous adventure. I have lived and worked with Zimbabweans for the past 17 years, and indeed at this time I am the only non Zimbabwean Redemptorist in our Region. We now have a wonderful group of young priests and Brothers from all over Zimbabwe - and in addition we have 27 in training for Redemptorist life and ministry. I have to say that I have not regretted one single moment of my time here.
Of course it has not been easy. Being thousands of miles from family, friends, confreres with whom I trained, and living in a different culture is a great challenge. Working among those who are disadvantaged, who are physically and spiritually hungry has also presented me with a new vision of Redemptorist life. Our young Redemptorists themselves have been my greatest inspiration. They are not saints. (well, that is my opinion!) However, they are striving to be saints, men who live by the Word of God and preach it to the most abandoned and the poor.
Each morning we begin our day with prayer together at 6.15. This is followed byMass at 6.45. Then there is the round of visits to the sick and dying, funerals, wedding, Masses with the various groups, as well as working with our trainee Redemptorists. In the evening we gather again at 6.15 for another 30 minutes of prayer together. Then we have supper and some recreation time together. Some Evenings there is youth work in the townships. At other times work in our own Redemptorist community. Some evenings we may visit or help out at St. Gerard's community, which consists of four young Zimbabwean Redemptorists who are engaged in the ministry of preaching and publications in another area of the Town.
To begin to list all that is done would take more space than this page. Let me just say that there is never a dull moment. In the midst of power cuts, lack of fuel and general shortages, I find a refreshing cheerfulness among our brethren. Perhaps it is the simplicity of the life itself. To celebrate a liturgy with them - to hear 30 voices raised in song, accompanied by the drums and the hoshos (shakers) is an experience that always lifts the spirit.
When St. Alphonsus founded the Redemptorists in 1732, Zimbabwe did not exist as a country. However, he longed to bring the Word of God to Africa. Now the Redemptorists are active in many African counties, and Jesus is being proclaimed in a vital and exciting and fresh way. It has been my privilege to be part of this plan of God for the Redemptorists in Africa. Let's pray that the dream continues, and that many more young men dedicate themselves to the service of God and His Church by joining us to preach missions, retreats, do parish work and publications in the spirit of our Founder.
