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:
A Reflection on All Souls’ Day
All Souls Day stirs a mix of emotions within us Catholics. It carries the energies of life and death, the past and the future, memories of love once shared, dreams and hopes once built, gratitude for time spent together, and the tender ache of plans once so carefully made for a future now changed. All these moments and emotions, woven together, create a bittersweet wholeness in our hearts and minds. In our sorrow, we find comfort knowing that only God will wipe away every tear and heal our pain. Our prayers and Mass offered for our loved ones bring the hope of their purification, helping them enter the fullness of God’s heavenly glory. This belief reassures us and gives purpose to our prayers for those who have gone before us. May we remember to light a candle today and pray for the continual repose of their souls. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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.