In our Catholic faith, May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary — mother of Jesus and mother of all believers.
We honour Mary’s faithful “yes” to God at the Annunciation, her care for her cousin Elizabeth at the Visitation, and her steadfast love for Jesus at the foot of the cross. Inspired by her compassion, we are called to love and walk with our neighbours.
In your latest Side by Side magazine, you read about the challenges faced at the Bungwe clinic by mothers such as Yeukayi. Here, we highlight the skills of Sister Zishiri — a nurse whose work is made possible through your love.
By supporting our Marian Appeal, you can walk in solidarity with mothers and babies at their most vulnerable moments — through practical support and prayer.
Sister Zishiri, Zimbabwe
A light in the darkness
For many years, Sister Zishiri has served mothers in rural Zimbabwe with extraordinary dedication.
Often, she worked alone at night with no electricity, running water or essential equipment. She recalls how she had to run home in the dark to find matches and then hold a candle in her mouth to help a woman in labour:
It was very difficult for me. But fortunately, I managed to deliver a life – a baby – almost in darkness. I think it's good because sometimes it's God who provides, who saves in darkness.
Safe childbirth requires skilled care, proper equipment and reliable facilities. When complications arise during home births, help can be impossible to reach. That is why women are encouraged to come to the clinic, where they can receive professional care before, during and after delivery.
Thanks to your donations, solar panels and clean water systems installed by CAFOD’s local partner have transformed the clinic.
Now, more than 250 babies have been born safely there.
Walking with mothers, inspired by Mary
Like Our Lady, every mother hopes for the same things: a safe birth, clean water, nourishing food, and a future for her child.
Your gift to the Marian Appeal today can help local experts like Sister Zishiri give life-saving care to mothers like Yeukayi.
Give today. Walk alongside mothers. Honour Mary.
