Zambia Association of Sisterhoods Celebrates Feast of Consecrated Life Amid Jubilee Year of Hope
By Sr. Abigail Mwaka and Sr. Stella Nyirongo, Monze Diocese The Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS) in Monze Diocese celebrated the 2025 Feast of Consecrated Life with great enthusiasm and style. This feast, which falls annually on February 2nd, coincides with the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. This year’s celebration was particularly significant as it coincided with the Jubilee Year of Hope. During the Holy Mass, Bishop Raphael Mweempwa encouraged the Sisters to embrace hope by living harmoniously and fostering strong relationships within their communities. He further urged them to carry the message of hope wherever they go, serving as a light in their mission. Bishop Mweempwa also expressed deep gratitude for the contributions of consecrated men and women in the diocese, recognizing their work as a profound sign of hope. He highlighted that the presence of all who joined the celebration reflected the shared call to holiness. This joyous occasion served as a reminder of the unity and purpose that consecrated life brings to the Church and the world.
Emerging Farmers Initiative: Empowering Youths Through Sustainable Agriculture
In the southern part of Zambia, the Sisters of the Holy Spirit have embarked on a mission to transform lives through the Emerging Farmers Initiative. Situated in Mazabuka and operating under the James Corboy Secondary School Production Unit, this Eco-friendly, integrated agricultural project empowers young people with hands-on skills to turn farming into a sustainable business. Recognizing the challenges of youth unemployment and the limitations of traditional academic paths, the initiative provides practical training in poultry farming, piggery, aquaculture, gardening, and feed production. It opens doors for students to explore agribusiness, regardless of their academic performance, creating new opportunities for self-reliance and entrepreneurship. Beyond skills development, the program emphasizes Eco-friendly farming practices, utilizing natural solutions for crop maintenance and disease treatment. This approach not only protects the environment but also inspires innovation among participants. Despite its success, the project faces challenges, including high operational costs and reliance on an unstable power grid. Yet, with the support of donors and the resilience of the sisters, it continues to thrive, providing hope and opportunities to many. This initiative is more than just a training program—it’s a lifeline for the community and a beacon of sustainable development. Discover the journey of hope and transformation below!
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!
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:
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.