I joined the St Joseph Guild (Baba Josepha) at the age of 25, shortly after my wife became a member of the St Anne’s Guild (Mbuya St Anne). At the time, I was the youngest “Baba Josepha” in our parish of St Theresa. I remained an active member for 14 years, with my last attendance in 2010.
A Forward-Thinking Vision
At that time, the guild was largely made up of men aged 40 and above, with the majority in their fifties and sixties—many the same age as my own father. These elders were remarkably wise and visionary. Drawing inspiration from the story of the Magi in Matthew 2:1-12, they understood that for the guild to remain relevant and timeless, it needed to intentionally involve younger fathers.
They encouraged me to take up the role of parish guild secretary—a strategic move aimed at attracting the next generation. I still remember the chairperson generously giving me his own guild brown suit, which had become too small for him, when I was formally accepted.
Two senior teachers of the guild alternated weekly duties and asked me to shadow them for an hour before the Shona Mass. I continued this apprenticeship until one of them fell ill. By the age of 28, I had been groomed to become a Teacher of the Guild myself.
Looking back, I believe this forward-thinking approach—placing younger men at the forefront—was the real secret behind the success of the St Theresa parish guild. It was not only the quality of the teaching, but the visible presence of younger leadership that inspired others.
In the years that followed, many young fathers joined the Baba Josepha Guild. While some mature members remained, the overall face of the guild gradually changed.
In my first year as Teacher, we welcomed eight new young fathers, including two of my close friends and neighbours from our Catholic section.
Although work and family commitments sometimes affected attendance, our monthly meetings were better attended than before. My final class in 2009 had 19 students. Sadly, I was unable to witness their acceptance into the guild, as I moved on shortly afterwards. I have since lost touch with many of my friends, who have relocated, and I no longer know the current state of the guild.
The Importance of Youth Involvement
Involving younger people is essential for the continuity and growth of the St Joseph Guild. A strong foundation is what makes the difference.The Zimbabwean St Joseph Guild rests on a much stronger base than its counterpart in the UK. In Zimbabwe, the guild is built upon vibrant youth groups—St Agnes and St Alois, St Peter’s Guild, and the Holy Childhood—structures that actively foster vocations to priesthood, religious life, marriage, and family.
These groups form a natural pipeline: the same young men nurtured in faith are likely to progress into marriage or holy orders, sustaining the Church and the guild for generations. This foundation must be carefully nurtured, as it represents the future of the Church (Zimbabwe Chaplaincy). Here in the UK, we do have Zimbabwean Catholic youth, but maintaining engagement is far more challenging. Geographical distance between families creates a significant barrier to regular fellowship and formation.
On the other hand Children here are difficult to encourage to attend church as in Zimbabwe where I will just say "if you do not attend you will not eat Sadza". Therefore we do not have a reliable robust base here that we can nurture for the growth of Baba Josepha outside Zimbabwe.
That said, are we not sent?. Matthew 28:19: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Are there possibilities that a diasporian Baba Josepha can emerge? A diverse localised Baba Josepha which is inclusive to all in all parishes of the UK. Is this impossible???
Final Thought
The St Joseph Guild thrives when elders have the wisdom to empower the young. By investing in the next generation with vision, mentorship, and trust, we ensure that what was blessed at its founding continues to bear fruit for many years to come.
It is therefore important for us who are here to try and sell Josepha to our diverse Parishes and probably plant Josepha here forever. 😇.
