By Sr. Tryness Mulubwa, Lusaka CNCS Hub

The Poor Clares Sisters in the Archdiocese of Lusaka have opened their doors for the first time to the surrounding community and formation houses within Lusaka to witness the first profession of one of their Sisters.

During the ceremony, Fr. Nicodemus Chibwe, OFM Capuchin, encouraged the newly professed Sr. Namoyo Phiri of the Angels to faithfully observe the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, obedience and stability.

Fr. Chibwe said the vow of chastity would help Sr. Namoyo to love people unconditionally, especially the Sisters she will be living with.

“Chastity will help you to be immaculate like our mother St. Clare and our brother St. Francis,” he said.

Fr. Chibwe added that poverty would help her detach from the demands of the world.

“Detachment from material things is very important for any religious,” Fr. Chibwe said.

He said obedience meant listening to God through the superiors.

Fr. Chibwe added that the vow of stability will help Sr. Namoyo embrace the metaphysics of availability by being present and providing for her Sisters.

 “Do not be lazy,” he said.

Fr. Chibwe further encouraged Sr. Namoyo to keep her focus on Jesus Christ the crucified and not to be distracted by worldly things.

“Start your day with God and end it with God. You came to this monastery seeking God, so may God be your priority,” he said.

“Do not become familiar with sin. Have your daily confession.”

Fr. Chibwe thanked the parents of Sr. Namoyo for the precious gift they have offered to the Church by allowing their daughter to become a Sister.

“This gift you have given is not a loss, it is a bank account and God will bless you abundantly,” he said.

Fr. Chibwe further encouraged all parents present to generously offer their children to the Lord and remain committed to the life they have chosen to live.