The Diocese of Mutare & The Carmelites in Zimbabwe - the Irish ...

Father Bernard Murphy, O.Carm., arrived in Harare on the 11 th of March 2011 and will be with the
brethren for some weeks. We hope that Bernard has a pleasant stay in Zimbabwe, he intends to visit
all the communities during his time in Zimbabwe.
Sister Petronella Cooymans (1928 – 2011). It was with great sadness that we heard of the death of
Sister Petronella Cooymans, Sister of Charity, Tilburg, The Netherlands. Sister Petronella came to
Zimbabwe during 1958 and during 1959 became the first Headmistress at Saint Joseph’s Primary
School. Sister continued ministry at Saint Joseph’s Mission, in the Primary and Secondary Schools, at
Zororai Old People’s Home (where a building is dedicated to her memory) and in the Parish until she
returned to The Netherlands during 1993. Sister also served at Kriste Mambo Secondary School for
some years. May the Lord reward Petronella for her loyal service, may her soul rest in peace. Our
sympathy to all the Sisters of Charity in The Netherlands. Over one hundred of the Faithful and
Mission Staff of Saint Joseph’s joined with Bishop Mutume, Fathers M. O’Regan, J. McGrath and
many of the Sisters for the celebration of the Eucharist for Sister Petronella on the 31 st March, 2011
at the Mission.
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