Honoring Mary: A Mother’s Love Across Generations
By Sr. Tryness Mulubwa, Lusaka Mary, the Mother of God, has been honoured throughout the world from generation to generation, just as she proclaimed in her Magnificat: “All generations shall call me blessed.” Both Christians and even many non-Christians Venerate her. The month of May is specially dedicated to Mary, a time when the Church intensifies the prayer of the Holy Rosary and other Marian devotions. May is traditionally associated with spring, a season of rebirth and flourishing in nature. This symbolism beautifully resonates with Mary’s role as the Mother of Jesus, who brought new life and salvation to the world. In the Catholic Church, all are encouraged to cultivate a personal relationship with Mary through various devotions. Through her intercession, it is believed that our prayers are heard, as she is seen as a pathway to Christ, our Lord. In July 2006, Pope Benedict XVI described Mary as “the image and model of all mothers, of their great mission to be guardians of life, teachers of the art of living, and of the art of loving.” Pope Francis also spoke of her tender care, saying, “Never forget, young friends, the Virgin Mary is our mother, and with her help, we can remain faithful to Christ.” He emphasized that Marian devotion does not diminish our faith and love for Jesus Christ, the one true mediator between God and humankind. On the contrary, he explained that “entrustment to Our Lady is a privileged path, tested by numerous saints, for a more faithful following of the Lord.” The saints themselves saw Mary as a companion on the journey and encouraged the faithful to nurture love for her.Saint John Bosco once said, “Trust in Mary and see what miracles are.”Saint Francis of Assisi taught that “when we speak the name of Mary, heaven becomes more beautiful, the earth rejoices, demons are terrified, and vanish like dust in the wind.” Pope Benedict XVI beautifully expressed that “in contemplating the face of Christ and in Christ, the face of the Father, Mary Most Holy precedes, sustains, and accompanies us.” He further explained in his December 8, 2005, homily that “for this reason, she can be a mother of every consolation and every help, a mother whom anyone can dare to address in any kind of need, weakness, or even in sin, for she has understanding for everything and is for everyone the open power of creative goodness.” Mary’s complete union with God is the reason she is so close to humankind. Her presence is a constant reminder that through her intercession, we find comfort, strength, and the path to her Son, Jesus Christ.
Daughters of the Redeemer Receive Four New Novices
The Daughters of the Redeemer (DOR) have received four new novices into their congregation. Precious Mubanga, Harriet Phiri, Esnart Mwale, and Sarah Phiri were received as novices on Saturday, February 15, 2025, during a ceremony at Mt. Zion. Speaking when he delivered the homily, Reverend Fr. Peter Chileshe, OFM Cap, commended the four novices for answering God’s call. Fr. Chileshe reminded everyone that God’s grace builds on nature. The fact is that God works with what we have. He does not send anyone away because there is something each one has to give. Fr. Chileshe . Fr. Chileshe challenged all to introspect on what they have to offer to God every day. He referred to the Gospel of the feeding of the four thousand, where our Lord Jesus asked everyone to sit down and listen to Him. Our role as Christians is to stand in the gap, learn to sit down and listen from the Master, who is the God of multiplicity. Trials may come, but let us trust in God at all times. Fr. Chileshe. Speaking on behalf of the Superior General, Reverend Sr. Brenda Nachula congratulated the new novices. We, the Daughters, are very grateful to receive you, our novices. We wish you well in your formation journey. Sr. Nachula She reminded the sisters to remember that no one is too poor to receive or to give. We are all called to give of our talents and gifts. Sr. Nachula. She thanked everyone who came to witness the celebration, as well as Fr. Chileshe and the Capuchin Friars for their unwavering support.
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!
People of different faiths ask- What is lent in the Catholic Church?
Lent is a 40 days’ period set aside on the Church liturgical calendar where we are invited to spiritually prepare ourselves before we celebrate Easter or the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are to observe the three pillars of lent – which are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We are to intensify our prayer in reading the scriptures and meditating on the sufferings of Christ to help us get close to our creator and our Redeemer. Prayer will help us to come close to God and build a deeper relationship of a loving Father and a child. Fasting is a call not only to fast from food and drinks that we like but also to refrain from bad habits which we have developed such as alcohol abuse, smoking, gossiping, stealing etc. Fasting helps to intensify our petitions and heed to the call from God in the scriptures Acts 14:23; Joel 2: 12; Joel 1: 14; Ezra 8: 21 & 23. Almsgiving is a call to reach out to our brothers and sisters who are in need economically, but also they can be in need of morally, physical or spiritual support. The important aspect is to reach out to the suffering Jesus in our brothers or sisters in need. Math. 25: 35- 40; 2Corit 9: 6-7; 1Jn.3:17; 1Tim 6: 18; Prov 19: 17; Heb13:16; The aim of observing these three pillars of lent is to try to be perfect as our father in heaven is perfect and love our neighbor as we love ourselves. The season of lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday and this year Ash Wednesday is on the 14th February and Holy Saturday is on 30th March. On Ash Wednesday Christians are reminded that from dust we came and to dust we shall return and that we need to repent from our sins and believe in the gospel.