A Legacy of Faith
By Sr. Tryness Mulubwa Sr. Geraldine Reakes, a member of the Salesian Sisters (Daughters of Mary Help of Christians), embarked on a life-changing journey from the United Kingdom to Zambia in 1987. As a young sister, she was one of the first missionary sisters dedicated to bringing the Salesian charism and faith to Zambian communities, focusing on empowering and uplifting those in need. Her compassionate leadership and commitment led her to be elected as the first Provincial of Zambia after it separated from the Kenyan province, a role she embraced with humility and dedication. Upon completing her tenure as Provincial, Sr. Geraldine was called to continue her mission in Kenya. Even while serving abroad, she held Zambia close to her heart. This year, as she celebrated her 60th anniversary of religious life, Sr. Geraldine was asked where she wished to commemorate this milestone. Without hesitation, she chose Zambia, eager to witness the growth of the missions she had helped establish. In August 2024, Sr. Geraldine returned to Zambia and was overjoyed to see the progress both within the country and the Salesian mission communities. She visited all seven communities, marveling at the expansion of their outreach and the transformation of lives. Sr. Geraldine’s journey illustrates the power of faith and dedication across generations, showing that the seeds planted years ago have blossomed into thriving centers of hope and service for the people of Zambia. Her story stands as a testament of her lasting impact of commitment and love, inspiring the next generation of missionaries and all those touched by her legacy.
BISHOP LUNGU CALLS ON RELIGIOUS SISTERS TO RENEW THEIR COMMITMENT TO THEIR VOCATION
By Sr. Getrude Zimba Catholic Diocese of Chipata Bishop George Lungu has called upon religious sisters to reaffirm their commitment to their sacred vocation. Bishop Lungu was speaking during the silver jubilee celebration of Sr. Kennera Ngosa, Sr. Janet Zimba, Sr. Veronica E. Nyoni, and Sr. Brenda Mwanza, as well as the final vows of Sr. Catherine Mbewe and Sr. Melinda Mangule, and the first profession of novices Martha Phiri and Demetria Nyendwa from the Theresian Sisters of the Child Jesus at Chassa Parish in Sinda district. The celebration was held under the theme “Celebrating God’s Fidelity and Love”. Bishop Lungu highlighted the importance of dedication and perseverance in serving the Lord. The Bishop expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the sisters for their selfless sacrifice, noting that their decision to leave behind worldly possessions demonstrates a profound love for God. The sisters have shown great love and I am deeply grateful for their devotion. My desire is to see an increase in vocations within the Church, inspiring more young women to dedicate themselves to serving the Lord. Bishop Lungu. He urged the newly professed sisters, Sr. Demetria Melody Nyendwa and Martha Kondani Phiri, along with those who have made perpetual vows, to remain vigilant and focused on their spiritual journey. Religious life is not easy and it solely depends on God, it requires personal and communal prayer. Bishop Lungu. Bishop Lungu warned against complacency, reminding the sisters that the devil preys on the idle, and urged them to continue striving for spiritual growth and development. The Bishop also emphasized the importance of dialogue and communication within the congregation, advocating for open discussion between the professed Sisters and their Superiors to resolve disputes and foster a spirit of unity and cooperation. During the celebration, Bishop Lungu honored the Sisters who have served for 25 years, wishing them continued success and encouraging them to serve as exemplary role models for the newly professed. I hope you will continue to inspire others and you will eventually celebrate your golden jubilee in the years to come. Bishop Lungu.
FOREVER YOURS LORD
BY SR. TRYNESS MULUBWA Three Sisters from the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters) have pronounced their lifelong commitment to be Christ’s brides eternally until death, marking a significant milestone in their lives. The three Sisters, Sr. Hellen Kalesu, Sr. Fridah Longolongo, and Sr. Christine Mukonde, pledged to continue serving the Lord and working towards the salvation of young people, especially the underprivileged, aiming to guide them to become virtuous Christians and upright citizens. Mass was held at St. James Parish Chimese in Mansa and was celebrated by Rt. Rev. Patrick Chisanga OFM.CONV, Bishop of Mansa. In his inspiring homily, Bishop Chisanga reminded the Sisters that God’s love is unconditional, irrespective of the actions of the Sisters, quoting, “God says I knew you before you were born, meaning before you did anything good or bad.” He also encouraged the Sisters to trust and obey their Superiors’ decisions, even when they may not fully comprehend them, and to have faith in the Lord who called them to this vocation. Furthermore, Bishop Chisanga urged the Sisters to cultivate discernment in their lives, cautioning them about the devil’s ability to disguise himself in various forms, such as fellow Sisters, Priests, or modern gadgets. He also stressed the importance of constructive criticism among the Sisters and the need to adapt their communities to accommodate one another. Additionally, he advised parents to be mindful of the information they share with their daughters.
SR. PRISCILLA MWANZA (DOR) HAILED
The Daughters of the Redeemer gathered in Mt. Zion on Thursday, 3 October,2024 put to rest Sr. Priscilla Mwanza who passed on Monday, 30 September,2024, at the Cancer Disease Hospital in Lusaka. Speaking when he delivered his homily, Very Reverend Fr. Andrew Simpasa SJ Vicar General for Lusaka Archdiocese urged all Christians to be energized with the spirit of our Lord Jesus and be at the service of God and others. This fragile life of ours must be disposed at the service of others. Let our Lord Jesus Christ be at the center of our lives so that we use our talents for the service of God and the gospel. Fr. Simpasa. He encouraged the Christians to put their trust in Jesus who is the resurrection and the life. “The mystery is that Jesus is the owner of time and space. Whoever believes in Jesus Christ has eternal life. Fr. Simpasa. And when giving their tributes, Sr. Odilia Chilombo one of the companions in formation described Sr. Priscilla as prayerful, dependable, respectful and a light hearted friend who valued the opinions and boundaries of others. You stood firm in your Faith through community prayer, Charismatic prayers and devotion to Our lady of Kibeho. You showed us that the best stories are told through raw, unfiltered realities. No matter the circumstances, you gave yourself fully and whole heartedly. Sr. Odilia. Dr. Gracilia Mukumba, a Charismatic member honoured Sr. Priscilla as a companion in the work of evangelisation in the Parish missions and a mentor who helped the group to grow spiritually. Dr. also appreciated the Daughters of the Redeemer for pouring their love and care to Sr. Priscilla when she was being nursed. In addition, Reverend Fr. Steve Likucha, a representative from Malawi praised Sr. Priscilla for her motherly heart and example of total commitment to the church in her apostolate when she served in Zomba Diocese in Malawi. She interacted very well with everybody and was ever present for the church and Jesus’ mission. She was very loving, supportive and generous to all of us at the Bishops’ office. Fr. Steve. Fr. Leonard Namuhumba, the Secretary for Education of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), described Sr. Priscilla during the vigil mass as a Sister who did small simple acts with love and commitment. Sr. Priscilla Mwanza was born on 4th April, 1958 and was put to rest at the Flower Garden of Jesus the Redeemer burial site in Mt. Zion.
DAUGHTERS OF THE REDEEMER (DOR) TOAST DUAL CELEBRATIONS
The Daughters of the Redeemer (DOR) sisters had a mutual celebration of the feast of “the Exaltation of the cross” as well as the Silver Jubilee for Sr. Martha Doreen Kaseba on Saturday 14 September in Mt. Zion. The Mass was celebrated by the Very Rev. Fr. Andrew Simpasa SJ, the Vicar General of Archdiocese of Lusaka. In his homily, Fr. Simpasa said that the feast of the cross reminded us of the love of God for humanity. He encouraged the Christians to continue trusting in the Lord Jesus who is the ultimate victor and always walks with us in all our trials. Whatever we go through in life, be it trials or temptations, God has the final say. We never walk alone. If we preserver in doing good works, we will see the light of day. Fr. Simpasa. Fr. Simpasa reiterated that for Christians to be true disciples, they need to pick up their cross and follow the Lord. If we deny to carry our cross, we are not worthy to be his disciples. Jesus transformed the cross which was a symbol of terror and fear into a symbol of life. Fr. Simpasa. He urged all to continue serving the Lord with love in their life. In giving the reflection of her life, Sr. Kaseba presented a symbol of the praying hands and a candle signifying the presence of God in her life who always listened to her prayers whenever she called upon him. She summarised her faith journey as one of surrender and gratitude to the Almighty God. Sr. Martha has served the Church as a lecturer at the Catholic University in Kalulushi and currently Heads Mpelembe Secondary School in Kitwe. In her vote of thanks, the Superior General, Rev Sr. Prisca Matenga thanked the parents of Sr. Martha for allowing her to become a religious sister. She also recognized Sr. Martha’s giftedness to the Congregation and appreciated all who took part in making the celebration very colourful. Among those present were many Christians from Lusaka Archdiocese, Ndola Archdiocese and Kabwe diocese where Sr. Martha hails from. Others were the Daughters candidates, aspirants, Postulants and novices. The Daughters of the Redeemer celebrate the “Exaltation of the cross “as the feast day of the Congregation.