By Sr. Rosemary Agada, RSC, Lusaka CNCS Hub

‘’The Sisters are too strict.’’ It is a comment I have heard many times over the years. For some, it comes from memories of school; for others, from encounters in Church or the community. Yet as I have reflected on these perceptions and observed the lives of Religious Sisters more closely, I have come to realise that what many describe as strictness often springs from something much deeper: love expressed through responsibility, discipline and service.

As a Religious Sister, I have witnessed countless acts of kindness that rarely receive attention. I have seen Sisters rise before dawn for prayer, care for the sick with compassion, comfort the grieving, educate young people and quietly support those in need without expecting recognition. While moments of correction are often remembered, the countless acts of love behind them frequently go unnoticed.

This made me ask a simple question: Are Religious Sisters truly strict, or have we misunderstood the kind of love they offer?

Former pupil Mrs. Misozi Zulu Sikawe believes many people see only one side of Religious Sisters. She explained that Sisters are often expected to be gentle and patient at all times, yet they remain human beings who experience fatigue, disappointment and emotion like everyone else.

‘’When a Religious Sister corrects someone,’’ she observed, ‘’the intention is usually rooted in love rather than condemnation.’’

She believes that explaining the purpose of discipline more clearly, especially to children, can help them understand that correction is intended to build character rather than punish.

Mrs. Sikawe also reflected on her own education under Religious Sisters. Looking back, she credits much of her personal growth to the discipline, faith and values they instilled in her.

Another educator, Mrs. Angela Mashilipa, described Religious Sisters as women of discipline, dedication and integrity. Having worked alongside them, she said they consistently promote accountability, respect and excellence while treating people with fairness and dignity.

‘’Their discipline is not meant to intimidate,’’ she said. ‘’It is meant to form character.’’

Former pupil Mrs. Jennipher Mwewa shared a similar experience. As a student, she sometimes found the Sisters’ discipline difficult to understand. With time, however, she recognised that their correction came from genuine concern for the wellbeing of every child.

She recalled how the Sisters cared for sick pupils, supported struggling students and encouraged everyone to live responsibly and respectfully.

‘’The greatest lesson they taught us,’’ she reflected, ‘’was not only academic excellence but how to live with integrity, compassion and faith.’’

Listening to these different experiences reminded me that discipline and love are not opposites. Genuine love sometimes requires courage to correct, challenge and guide. It seeks not simply to make people comfortable but to help them become better human beings.

This does not mean Religious Sisters are perfect. Like everyone else, they have limitations and moments of weakness. Yet behind the firm voice that many remember often lies a life of sacrifice, prayer and quiet service.

Perhaps, then, the question is not whether Religious Sisters are strict, but whether we have truly understood the love that motivates their discipline.

When we look beyond the firmness, we discover women who have freely dedicated their lives to God and to the service of others. Their influence is found not only in the rules they uphold but in the countless lives they shape every day through faith, compassion and unwavering commitment.