By CNCS Monze Hub
Religious men and women serving in the Catholic Church have been urged to renew their daily commitment to God and humanity as the Church observes the World Day of Consecrated Life, a celebration highlighting the role of consecrated persons in society.
Speaking during the celebration in Monze Diocese, former Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS) Chairperson, Sr. Justina Adogu of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary, said consecrated life is not a one-time event but a daily renewal of one’s “yes” to God.
Sr. Adogu described religious women as “instruments” in God’s hands, saying they are used wherever God wishes, particularly in serving vulnerable communities.
“We are not chosen because we are worthy, but because the Lord considers us instruments in His hands. Like pencils, He uses us to write wherever He desires,” she said.
She noted that in the context of the Year of the Family, Religious women continue to play a vital role by living and working closely with families, offering spiritual and social support across communities in Monze Diocese.
Meanwhile, Br. Moses Kashokela of the Christian Brothers, currently serving in Mazabuka, said the World Day of Consecrated Life was important not only for Religious men and women but for all people.
He explained that the celebration recalls the Presentation of the Lord in the Church and serves as a reminder of the commitment believers made when they first said yes to God.
“This day reminds us of the day that we said yes to the Lord. It is more or less like it is reminding us of our baptism. So this day is a reminder to all of us,” he said.
Br. Kashokela encouraged young boys and men to consider Religious life despite modern challenges, including violence and technology distractions.
“They need to come back to the Lord, because we cannot live without the Lord. So this day is a very, very important day for young ones,” he said.
And Sr. Joyce Miyanda of the Religious Sisters of the Holy Spirit said the homily preached during the celebration challenged her to sit before God and present herself to Him, just as God presents her to the world, so that she may be strengthened to serve others.
“By doing so, I am energised to be a Formator in the world. People who are wounded need me to be present and help them find consolation,” she said.
The World Day of Consecrated Life is observed each year on 2 February by the Catholic Church to recognise and appreciate the contribution of Religious men and women to the life of the Church and society.
