Religious Sisters of the Holy Spirit Celebrate the First Profession of Four Novices
By Sr. Violet Sinakaimbi, Monze Diocese The Congregation of the Religious Sisters of the Holy Spirit joyfully celebrated the first profession of four novices on December 7, 2024. The four newly professed sisters—Grace Phiri, Mary Moondwa, Mary Ngandu, and Constridah Kayuuna—took their vows in a beautiful Mass held at the Charles Lwanga College Chapel in Monze. The ceremony was presided over by Bishop Raphel Mweempwa of Monze Diocese and was attended by family members, friends, and fellow religious members, all of whom gathered to witness this significant occasion. In his homily, Fr. Gregory Mulobela, Rector of Chikuni Mission, expressed deep gratitude to the families of the new sisters for their unwavering support, enabling their daughters to answer the call to religious life. He encouraged the newly professed sisters to remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ, urging them to cultivate a strong prayer life—both personal and communal—as the cornerstone of their spiritual journey. Fr. Mulobela also underscored the importance of community life, noting that it would serve as a vital source of support as the sisters continue in their vocation. He urged the new religious women to embrace the challenges they encountered during their formation, seeing these experiences as opportunities to build resilience and deepen their trust in God’s guidance. This joyful occasion marks a significant step in the lives of the four new Sisters, as they take on a deeper commitment to the religious life and to serving God and His people. Congratulations to the newly professed Sisters: Grace Phiri, Mary Moondwa, Mary Ngandu, and Constridah Kayuuna!
Embracing the Advent Season: A Time of Anticipation and Reflection
By Sr. Martha Chanda As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, a sacred time of anticipation begins for the Catholic Church and many Christians worldwide: The Advent season. This cherished period marks the commencement of a new liturgical year and the anticipation of the birth of Christ in Bethlehem becomes visibly intense. But what exactly is Advent? Why is it significant? How can Christians fully embrace this spiritual journey? What is Advent? The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming.” It is a season steeped in tradition, rich meanings, and spiritual reflection. Spanning four Sundays leading up to Christmas, Advent invites Christians to prepare their hearts for Christ’s coming—not only celebrating His birth but also anticipating His return. Advent is not just a countdown to Christmas. It is a time to reflect on the humility of Jesus’ birth and to prepare for His ultimate return, when Heaven and Earth will be united. This sacred season calls believers to explore the mystery of God’s love—His gift of Himself to humanity—offering the opportunity to grow spiritually and share this gift with others. Advent Traditions and Practices Advent is a season of spiritual preparation marked by cherished customs and meaningful symbols. Among the most recognizable is the Advent wreath, which features four candles, each representing a core aspect of faith. Each week’s candle-lighting deepens reflection and connection to these virtues, fostering a sense of warmth, anticipation, and faith. Spiritual Significance Advent is a time to renew and strengthen spiritual lives. Many Christians observe the season through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity. Priests wear purple vestments, symbolizing penance and preparation, as the faithful seek to align their hearts with the coming of Christ. Through traditions like lighting candles, sharing acts of kindness, or meditating on Scripture, believers focus on how they can embody and share the love of Christ in their daily lives. An Invitation to All Whether you’re a lifelong believer or simply curious about Christian traditions, Advent offers a unique opportunity to reflect, prepare, and grow spiritually. By opening your heart to the essence of Advent, you can find deeper meaning in this sacred season—a time not only to celebrate but also to transform. Let the light of Advent guide your journey to Christmas, illuminating hope, peace, joy, and love in your heart and the world around you.
Empowering Girls Through Education: The Bakhita Partnership Project
The Bakhita Partnership Project for Education is changing lives by giving vulnerable girls a second chance at education. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many girls faced significant challenges, including dropping out of school due to financial hardships, early marriages, and unplanned pregnancies. This project steps in to provide support, covering school fees, materials, and personal needs while creating a safe, nurturing environment for learning and growth. Through this initiative, girls who once saw no future are now thriving academically and pursuing their dreams. From high school success to university enrollment, their stories are a testament to the power of education and resilience. Hear directly from the beneficiaries, project coordinators, and school leaders as they share their experiences and the profound impact of the Bakhita Partnership Project. 📽️ Click below to watch the video on YouTube and witness how this project is transforming lives. Watch Now on YouTube
Transforming Lives: Bauleni Special Needs Project Empowering Zambia’s Youths
Bauleni Special Needs Project is dedicated to providing quality education and life skills training to children with special needs in Lusaka and beyond. Founded by the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, the project emphasizes respect, compassion, and human dignity, inspired by the words of their founder. The project focuses on inclusive education for children with disabilities, offering tailored skills training in areas like agriculture, fashion design, and food production. With the support of various donors, the project has helped empower many youth, enabling them to live independently and pursue employment or small businesses. Watch the full story of how this initiative is transforming lives.
EMPOWERED TO SERVE: KALUNDU STUDY CENTRE CELEBRATES FORMATION AND LEADERSHIP GRADUATION OF 12 SISTERS ACROSS AFRICA
Kalundu Study Centre in Lusaka recently celebrated the graduation of twelve Sisters who successfully completed the Formation and Leadership course during its 44th annual ceremony. Mass was celebrated by Fr. Leonard Namuvumba, who reminded the sisters of their mission to serve with love, peace, and hope. Drawing inspiration from the graduation theme: “Transformed by Christ, Your Love, Lord, Impels Us to Go and Bear Witness,” Fr. Namuvumba encouraged the graduating sisters to carry this transformation forward as they leave the center and step into their new roles within their congregations and communities. Go and bear witness of his love, of his peace, and of his goodness. Fr. Namuvumba. He encouraged the Sisters that wherever they go, they should be signs of life, signs of God and signs of transformation. Fr. Namvumba pointed out to the Sisters that they were now “pilgrims of hope,” called to serve with greater peace, generosity, and dedication. Our payer for our Sisters who are graduating today is that your generosity, and your kindness will stand greatly to your Christ and to your credit in the sight of God. And the Gospel simply says the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. And so the Lord sends hope. Fr. Namvumba. Acknowledging the challenges the Sisters may encounter, Fr. Namuvumba urged the sisters to remain steadfast in their commitment. Be joyful in all situations and do not let your life become a procession to the grave. Fr. Namvumba. And Sr. Clare Moomba, guest of honor and the Regional Leader for the Religious Sisters of Charity commended Kalundu Study Centre for training Sisters and for offering ongoing formation and capacity building to religious women in various stages of formation and leadership. She said that for nearly half a century, the institution has continued to exert a lot of influence in religious congregations in Zambia and across Africa through commitment and hard work. I am pleased to say that Kalundu Study Centre is our source of pride because the institution has continued to grow from strength to strength despite the many challenges. It is in these many challenges that the institution works to discover opportunities for growth. Sr. Clare. She further encouraged the graduates to embody their training as ambassadors of hope, love, and transformative leadership. And the student leader for the graduating students Sr. Yvonne Mulenga, thanked Kalundu administration and staff for their dedication and support for creating a conducive environment for the students. We truly treasure the memories shared with profound gratitude. During various occasions, trips and circumstances in health, sickness, joys, and sorrows, you stood by us. When we encountered challenges like load shedding, water problems, and internet, you quickly came in and provided alternatives. Sr. Yvonne. She encouraged her fellow graduates that as they return to their communities they should embody the values they had embraced at Kalundu: leadership, resilience, humility, and a commitment to lifelong learning. The twelve Sisters who graduated at Kalundu Study Centre come from four different countries across Africa and these are: