“On February 17, 1826, Pope Leo XII approved the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate as a Congregation and its Constitutions and Rules.

The decision, which blessed our way of life and gave us a public role in the Church, was received with joy and gratitude.”

On Saturday the 18th of February the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Zimbabwe together with the Missionary Associates of Mary Immaculate, parishioners from our Missions and Parishes, the Archbishop of Bulawayo Alex Thomas SVD and fellow Religious and Priests in the Archdiocese gathered at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Khumalo for a twofold celebration: celebrating 198 years Anniversary of the Papal Approval of our Congregation and its Constitutions and Rules and 40 years (1983 – 2023) of Oblate presence in Zimbabwe.