The Daughters of the Redeemer have laid to rest Sr. Priscilla Mwanza at Mt. Zion following her passing at the Cancer Disease Hospital in Lusaka on Monday, 30 September 2024.
Speaking in his homily during the burial Mass, Very Reverend Fr. Andrew Simpasa SJ, Vicar General of the Lusaka Archdiocese, urged all Christians to be energized by the spirit of our Lord Jesus and dedicate their lives to 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 said.
He encouraged 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,” the Vicar General stated.
During the tributes, Sr. Odilia Chilombo, a companion in formation, described Sr. Priscilla as prayerful, dependable, respectful, and a light-hearted friend who valued 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, Sr. Odilia said.
”No matter the circumstances, you gave yourself fully and whole heartedly.”
And 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. Mukumba 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 said.
Meanwhile, 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.
