By Sr. Beatrice Mwansa and Sr. Martha Chanda, Lusaka CNCS Hub
The Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, has urged religious men and women in Zambia to recommit themselves as “beacons of peace and hope” in a society where many people struggle with despair and uncertainty.
Speaking on Sunday at the Marian Shrine during the Jubilee celebration for consecrated men and women, held under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope on the Way of Peace,” Archbishop Perici emphasized the need for religious communities to remain agents of hope.
“Every Jubilee is a perfect moment to ask yourself if your activities truly bring hope to the people you serve,” he said.
“We live in a society that robs people of peace and hope. Yet, we are called to express our unique charisms and dedicate ourselves to those devastated by life.”
He described the Jubilee as a time for spiritual renewal and self-examination, urging religious men and women to “fix the things we have not done right in the past” and recommit to their vows.
“We are God’s vessels. Let us recommit ourselves to the promises we made,” Archbishop Perici added.
During the celebration, the Nuncio also conferred the papal blessing with plenary indulgence upon all those present at the Holy Mass.
And Rt. Rev. Bishop George Lungu, Director of Religious in Zambia, assured consecrated men and women of the love and support of the entire Church, especially the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB).
Bishop Lungu said the ZCCB remains committed to accompanying consecrated people “in a spirit of synodality,” ensuring they are always cherished, encouraged and supported as part of one family of God.
He acknowledged the challenges facing consecrated life today, such as vocations, perseverance, cultural change and material limitations but urged them not to be discouraged, calling these trials “opportunities to renew your yes to the Lord with greater trust.”
“As the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life reminds us, Consecrated Life is called to be a laboratory of communion, a place where the Gospel becomes tangible in fraternity and mission. Therefore, go forth from this Jubilee celebration with renewed zeal,” Bishop Lungu said.
He further encouraged consecrated people to be courageous witnesses of hope in a world wounded by conflict, corruption, division and indifference.
Bishop Lungu said Zambia needs their example of selfless service and their prophetic voice of truth.
Meanwhile, Sr. Petronella Bweupe of the Sisters of Mercy described the Pilgrimage of Consecrated Men and Women as a moment of both personal and collective encounter with the Lord.
She said it was a time to rekindle a flame of hope in the midst of adversities facing the country and the world.
“It was a journey together with the Church. It brought me a realization of the gift we are to the Church as consecrated men and women. This moment for me was one of renewal,” Sr. Petronella said.
She added that the pilgrimage was also a reminder of the prophetic voice held by consecrated men and women through their apostolates and their daily interactions with the people they serve.
“I came to realize that we cannot succeed in our apostolates in isolation. We can only succeed when we are in solidarity with the entire Church. For me, this was a walking together in all our lived experiences,” she said.
And Sr. Valeria Kabaso,Chairperson of the Zambia Association of Sisterhoods, thanked consecrated men and women for their dedication, service and commitment to living out the Gospel.
“You have been a shining example of hope and peace in our world and your journey will inspire us all to continue seeking God’s will in our lives,” Sr. Valeria said.
