By Sr. Beatrice Mwansa DOR, Lusaka CNCS Hub
In this Jubilee Year of Hope, the lives of Sister Rose Mary Nyondo and Sister Catherine Kaimfa, Daughters of the Redeemer, shine as a beautiful hymn of gratitude, a melody composed of faith, perseverance, and love. Marking 50 years of religious commitment, their story is one of prayer and purpose, of simple beginnings transformed by extraordinary grace.
A Journey Rooted in Faith
Their sacred journey began over five decades ago, in 1969, when four young Zambian women, Catherine Kaimfa, Catherine Mwiinga, Rose Mary Nyondo, and Rose Mary Ngoma heard and answered God’s call. They became the first members of the Daughters of the Redeemer, an indigenous congregation founded to bring Christ’s goodness and redemption to the world through service to the poor and marginalized.
On 12 January 1975, their “Yes” to God was sealed at the then Cathedral of the Assumption in Roma, in a colorful celebration graced by Zambia’s first Republican President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, and presided over by the founding Archbishop, Emmanuel Milingo. It was the beginning of a legacy, a light that continues to shine brightly today.
Sister Rose Nyondo: A Life of Vision and Vibrance
Known for her radiant energy and joyful spirit, Sr. Rose Nyondo is a woman of many gifts, an educator, communicator, leader, and farmer, she has touched lives in every field she entered.
Her distinguished career at the University of Zambia (UNZA) as a media lecturer from 1989 to 2022 left an indelible mark on generations of journalists and communicators.
One of her former students, Mr. Chola Chifukushi, who went on to serve at ZANIS, described her as “a competent, patient, and soft-spoken lecturer who laid a solid foundation in broadcasting and ethics”. Mr. Chifukushi recalls that she joined the Mass Communication department at a critical time when they needed lecturers in Broadcasting.
“Her coming to the department was a blessing because she already had a background in broadcasting and this gave us a lot of confidence. We excelled wherever we went and produced high-quality productions. For instance, I joined ZANIS, then ZANA at a time when it was not performing well. But we worked hard to raise the standards high and made a mark, thanks to the skills we got from Sr. Rose Nyondo”.
Another of her former students, Mr. Eustace Nkandu, now Deputy Director-General of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), remembers her as “a mentor who saw potential in everyone and nurtured it with care and faith. As a co-worker, she offered me great opportunities to take up leadership roles and grow”.
Beyond the classroom, Sr. Rose’s leadership extended to the heart of her congregation. As Superior General (1993–1996), she led with foresight and courage, establishing new mission communities in Chinyingi (Zambezi West), Kabwe, and Kasempa areas where the Daughters of the Redeemer deepened their ministry among the marginalized.
Her influence also reached the national media landscape, where she served as Chairperson of the Media Council of Zambia (MECOZ) and later as a ZNBC Board Member. Even after retirement, her zeal for service remains undimmed as she continues to lead as Director of the Communication Network for Catholic sisters (CNCS).
And yet, amid all her leadership and achievements, Sr. Rose remains profoundly grounded, finding peace and joy in the soil of Chinyunyu farm, where she tends crops and livestock with the same dedication she offers to her faith.
Sr Christine Singini, a Daughter of the Redeemer, describes her as a very humble and humane sister who has foresight and is result-oriented.
“She is firm and wants things to be done. She does all this with respect for everyone, regardless of their position”. Among us her sisters, she is known as a lively, prayerful soul one with deep Faith and Trust in the Lord. “Sr Nyondo sees the will of God in everything”.
Sister Catherine Kaimfa: The Quiet Heart of the Congregation
If Sr. Nyondo is the voice that inspires, Sr. Kaimfa is the heart that is calm, nurturing, and deeply prayerful. She has been a gentle force in the life of the congregation.
Her years of service as Congregational Vicaress and later as Novice Mistress were marked by deep spirituality, patience, and maternal care. Many sisters recall how she guided them with love and humility, forming not only their minds but also their hearts for consecrated life.
Sr. Francesca Phiri, a member of the second group of the Daughters, expressed heartfelt gratitude for journeying alongside these founding members.
“It is a great joy to live and work with the founding members. We talk about the humble beginnings, where we came from, and the grace that has carried us through. I pray that God continues to strengthen them and preserve their spirit of prayer that has sustained them all these years.”
Sr Francesca encourages the young Daughters of the Redeemer to focus on the good that the Founder members have achieved
“Let us emulate them and never lose sight of prayer or be discouraged with the difficulties we go through. It is possible to serve the Lord faithfully. Let us also remember the late Sr Rosemary Ngoma, who served faithfully as a broadcaster and Biblical lecturer in the seminary, to continue resting in the peace of Christ”.
Reflecting on this milestone, Sr. Catherine humbly shares, “It is by the grace of God’s faithfulness, goodness, mercy, and protection that we celebrate 50 years of religious life. My heart is full of gratitude that God has shaped us into the women He desired us to be and we have found joy in working in His vineyard”.
Twin Pillars of Hope
Together, Sr. Rose and Sr. Catherine embody the congregation’s motto: “Radiating Christ’s goodness to the people.” Their shared life of friendship, prayer, and mission has inspired generations of sisters and lay faithful alike.
Their golden jubilee is not merely a personal celebration; it is a testimony to God’s faithfulness, a story of perseverance and trust that continues to illuminate the path for future generations of consecrated women in Zambia.
On 1st November, the congregation, family, and friends came together in thanksgiving, lighting golden candles as songs of gratitude rose to heaven. The story of Sisters Rose Nyondo and Catherine Kaimfa will be remembered not merely as a commemoration but as a living witness and a radiant example of what it means to give one’s whole life to God in love, service and joy.
Through them, the Daughters of the Redeemer continue to proclaim the redeeming love of Christ, a love that heals, transforms, and brings light to a world in need of hope.
