Marian Appeal

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.

Here, we highlight the skills of Sister Zishiri — a nurse whose work is made possible through your love, supporting mothers like Yeukayi.

By supporting our Marian Appeal, you can walk in solidarity with mothers and babies at their most vulnerable moments — through practical support and prayer.

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In our Catholic faith, May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary — mother of Jesus and mother of all believers.

43847 - Sister Zishiri, Zimbabwe — Sister Zishiri

A light in the darkness

For many years, midwife 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.

Sister Zishiri says: "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."

Help nurses like Sister Zishiri

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.

By donating today, you can help more babies be born safely.

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.

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