Zambian Religious Renew Commitment On World Day of Consecrated Life
By CNCS Monze Hub Religious men and women serving in the Catholic Church have been urged to renew their daily commitment to God and humanity as the Church observes the World Day of Consecrated Life, a celebration highlighting the role of consecrated persons in society. Speaking during the celebration in Monze Diocese, former Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS) Chairperson, Sr. Justina Adogu of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary, said consecrated life is not a one-time event but a daily renewal of one’s “yes” to God. Sr. Adogu described religious women as “instruments” in God’s hands, saying they are used wherever God wishes, particularly in serving vulnerable communities. “We are not chosen because we are worthy, but because the Lord considers us instruments in His hands. Like pencils, He uses us to write wherever He desires,” she said. She noted that in the context of the Year of the Family, Religious women continue to play a vital role by living and working closely with families, offering spiritual and social support across communities in Monze Diocese. Meanwhile, Br. Moses Kashokela of the Christian Brothers, currently serving in Mazabuka, said the World Day of Consecrated Life was important not only for Religious men and women but for all people. He explained that the celebration recalls the Presentation of the Lord in the Church and serves as a reminder of the commitment believers made when they first said yes to God. “This day reminds us of the day that we said yes to the Lord. It is more or less like it is reminding us of our baptism. So this day is a reminder to all of us,” he said. Br. Kashokela encouraged young boys and men to consider Religious life despite modern challenges, including violence and technology distractions. “They need to come back to the Lord, because we cannot live without the Lord. So this day is a very, very important day for young ones,” he said. And Sr. Joyce Miyanda of the Religious Sisters of the Holy Spirit said the homily preached during the celebration challenged her to sit before God and present herself to Him, just as God presents her to the world, so that she may be strengthened to serve others. “By doing so, I am energised to be a Formator in the world. People who are wounded need me to be present and help them find consolation,” she said. The World Day of Consecrated Life is observed each year on 2 February by the Catholic Church to recognise and appreciate the contribution of Religious men and women to the life of the Church and society.
Golden Jubilee of the Daughters of the Redeemer: Radiating Christ’s Goodness
By Sr. Beatrice Mwansa DOR, Lusaka CNCS Hub In this Jubilee Year of Hope, the lives of Sister Rose Mary Nyondo and Sister Catherine Kaimfa, Daughters of the Redeemer, shine as a beautiful hymn of gratitude, a melody composed of faith, perseverance, and love. Marking 50 years of religious commitment, their story is one of prayer and purpose, of simple beginnings transformed by extraordinary grace. A Journey Rooted in Faith Their sacred journey began over five decades ago, in 1969, when four young Zambian women, Catherine Kaimfa, Catherine Mwiinga, Rose Mary Nyondo, and Rose Mary Ngoma heard and answered God’s call. They became the first members of the Daughters of the Redeemer, an indigenous congregation founded to bring Christ’s goodness and redemption to the world through service to the poor and marginalized. On 12 January 1975, their “Yes” to God was sealed at the then Cathedral of the Assumption in Roma, in a colorful celebration graced by Zambia’s first Republican President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, and presided over by the founding Archbishop, Emmanuel Milingo. It was the beginning of a legacy, a light that continues to shine brightly today. Sister Rose Nyondo: A Life of Vision and Vibrance Known for her radiant energy and joyful spirit, Sr. Rose Nyondo is a woman of many gifts, an educator, communicator, leader, and farmer, she has touched lives in every field she entered. Her distinguished career at the University of Zambia (UNZA) as a media lecturer from 1989 to 2022 left an indelible mark on generations of journalists and communicators. One of her former students, Mr. Chola Chifukushi, who went on to serve at ZANIS, described her as “a competent, patient, and soft-spoken lecturer who laid a solid foundation in broadcasting and ethics”. Mr. Chifukushi recalls that she joined the Mass Communication department at a critical time when they needed lecturers in Broadcasting. “Her coming to the department was a blessing because she already had a background in broadcasting and this gave us a lot of confidence. We excelled wherever we went and produced high-quality productions. For instance, I joined ZANIS, then ZANA at a time when it was not performing well. But we worked hard to raise the standards high and made a mark, thanks to the skills we got from Sr. Rose Nyondo”. Another of her former students, Mr. Eustace Nkandu, now Deputy Director-General of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), remembers her as “a mentor who saw potential in everyone and nurtured it with care and faith. As a co-worker, she offered me great opportunities to take up leadership roles and grow”. Beyond the classroom, Sr. Rose’s leadership extended to the heart of her congregation. As Superior General (1993–1996), she led with foresight and courage, establishing new mission communities in Chinyingi (Zambezi West), Kabwe, and Kasempa areas where the Daughters of the Redeemer deepened their ministry among the marginalized. Her influence also reached the national media landscape, where she served as Chairperson of the Media Council of Zambia (MECOZ) and later as a ZNBC Board Member. Even after retirement, her zeal for service remains undimmed as she continues to lead as Director of the Communication Network for Catholic sisters (CNCS). And yet, amid all her leadership and achievements, Sr. Rose remains profoundly grounded, finding peace and joy in the soil of Chinyunyu farm, where she tends crops and livestock with the same dedication she offers to her faith. Sr Christine Singini, a Daughter of the Redeemer, describes her as a very humble and humane sister who has foresight and is result-oriented. “She is firm and wants things to be done. She does all this with respect for everyone, regardless of their position”. Among us her sisters, she is known as a lively, prayerful soul one with deep Faith and Trust in the Lord. “Sr Nyondo sees the will of God in everything”. Sister Catherine Kaimfa: The Quiet Heart of the Congregation If Sr. Nyondo is the voice that inspires, Sr. Kaimfa is the heart that is calm, nurturing, and deeply prayerful. She has been a gentle force in the life of the congregation. Her years of service as Congregational Vicaress and later as Novice Mistress were marked by deep spirituality, patience, and maternal care. Many sisters recall how she guided them with love and humility, forming not only their minds but also their hearts for consecrated life. Sr. Francesca Phiri, a member of the second group of the Daughters, expressed heartfelt gratitude for journeying alongside these founding members. “It is a great joy to live and work with the founding members. We talk about the humble beginnings, where we came from, and the grace that has carried us through. I pray that God continues to strengthen them and preserve their spirit of prayer that has sustained them all these years.” Sr Francesca encourages the young Daughters of the Redeemer to focus on the good that the Founder members have achieved “Let us emulate them and never lose sight of prayer or be discouraged with the difficulties we go through. It is possible to serve the Lord faithfully. Let us also remember the late Sr Rosemary Ngoma, who served faithfully as a broadcaster and Biblical lecturer in the seminary, to continue resting in the peace of Christ”. Reflecting on this milestone, Sr. Catherine humbly shares, “It is by the grace of God’s faithfulness, goodness, mercy, and protection that we celebrate 50 years of religious life. My heart is full of gratitude that God has shaped us into the women He desired us to be and we have found joy in working in His vineyard”. Twin Pillars of Hope Together, Sr. Rose and Sr. Catherine embody the congregation’s motto: “Radiating Christ’s goodness to the people.” Their shared life of friendship, prayer, and mission has inspired generations of sisters and lay faithful alike. Their golden jubilee is not merely a personal celebration; it is a testimony to God’s faithfulness, a story of perseverance and trust that continues to illuminate the path for future generations
Bishop Phiri Urges Religious to Serve as Instruments of Peace and Reconciliation
By Sr. Charity Lungu, Chipata CNCS Hub Chipata Diocese Auxiliary Bishop Gabriel Msipu Phiri has urged religious men and women to be instruments of peace and reconciliation while serving people with hope and vision, even in the face of challenges. Bishop Phiri emphasised that their mission must always align with the will of God and reflect His love and guidance. The Auxiliary Bishop encouraged the religious to remain steadfast in their calling, promoting reconciliation where there is division and peace where there is conflict. He further reminded them that their work is central to fostering unity, healing and hope within communities. Bishop Phiri also called on all believers to embrace dialogue, forgiveness and compassion as key elements of reconciliation, noting that lasting peace and community development are achieved when people work together guided by God’s will. Meanwhile, the Bishop has urged religious men and women to take advantage of social media as a tool to proclaim the Word of God. He warned that it must be used responsibly as it can also harm one’s reputation. Bishop Phiri emphasised that modern communication platforms offer great opportunities for spreading faith, hope and reconciliation, but misuse can lead to misunderstandings and damage the credibility of religious leaders. The Auxiliary Bishop encouraged the religious to embrace social media as a platform to inspire, educate and reach wider communities with positive messages while maintaining integrity and professionalism. He further called on all religious leaders to exercise caution online, emphasising that social media, when used wisely, can strengthen faith and unity, but careless use can damage reputations and undermine the trust of the communities they serve. Bishop Phiri made the remarks at St Anne’s Cathedral Parish in Chipata during a Jubilee Mass attended by religious men and women from the Association of Religious Men of Zambia and the Zambia Association of Sisters. The Mass brought together members of various congregations to celebrate their vocation and renew their commitment to service.
Holy Childhood of Mansa Cathedral Participates in Caring for Mother Earth
By Sr. Mary Rita, Sisters of Mercy – Mansa CNCS Hub Holy Childhood children from Mansa Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary recently joined an art competition promoting care for Mother Earth, organized by Zeela Junior Art Gallery and Homestay under the direction of Mrs. Charity Salasini of Lusaka. The Luapula Province award-giving ceremony took place in Samfya, with musician Pontiano Kaice as Master of Ceremony. In Mansa, Rev. Fr. Boyd Kasenge, on behalf of the Cathedral administrator, presented certificates during Sunday Mass. Each participant also received two tree seedlings, one fruit and one ordinary and a local sweeping broom to encourage environmental responsibility and appreciation of creation. “This gesture is a great lesson to our children. They are learning to appreciate and preserve God’s creation at a tender age,” Fr. Kasenge said. He urged parents to ensure children plant and care for the trees until they bear fruit and use the broom as a reminder to keep their surroundings clean. Referring to the theme of the prize-giving ceremony, the Junior Art Diary, which carried the message “We Luapula Lwandi Impanga E Noko” (My Home My Heritage), Mrs. Salasini said, “Our role is to promote Nature, Culture and Art to the young generation.” Guided by Holy Childhood animators Lucy Chintu, Foster Chama and others, the children produced drawings of their surroundings, including rivers, flowers, a girl watering trees, Jesus drinking water and cupped hands symbolizing Mother Earth. The ceremony was also graced by Mama Chilufya Kapwepwe, daughter of the late veteran politician Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, who showcased traditional foods under the project Imiti Ikula E Mpanga (The growing trees is the future vegetation). She encouraged children to embrace local foods such as sorghum, millet and cassava, adding that other traditional crops like kalimwa maize, groundnuts, beans, honey, Mpika salt, okra, impwa and dried vegetables could support both nutrition and business if well managed. Other schools that participated included Mundubi Primary from Chifunabuli, Kabumbu Primary from Mwata Kazembe and Kasoma Lunga schools from both the Islands and Samfya. Each group presented artwork reflecting its local environment. Meanwhile, Mr. Paul Musanse, representing Chief Kasoma Bangweulu, thanked the organizers and participants, urging them to continue teaching children the values of appreciating both nature and culture.
Bishop Kasonde Commends Sisters’ Work in Solwezi Diocese
By Sr. Nasilele Simushi OP – Ndola CNCS Hub Bishop Charles J.S. Kasonde of the Catholic Diocese of Solwezi has commended the Sisters serving in the diocese for the impressive work they do in the church. He said this during the Mass of the exchange visit of the Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS) Sisters from the Archdiocese of Ndola to the Sisters in Solwezi. He said a diocese cannot fully respond to the various needs of the people of God without the involvement of Sisters, hence the need to have Sisters in dioceses. “Sisters you are a beacon for the Diocese,’’ said Bishop Kasonde. He also likened the Sisters to flowers that attract different insects for sap. Additionally, Friar Ferena Lambe OFM encouraged the Sisters to take time for recollection days, to reflect and contemplate on their lives to improve their well-being, during a presentation talk under the theme, “Wellness of the Consecrated Women.” “The world is on the move and everyone is busy, therefore, Sisters are not exempted from this reality. We suffer burnouts of various kinds and this affects our overall well-being,’’ he said. Friar Lambe urged the Sisters to take good care of themselves if they are to remain effective in their ministry. Meanwhile, Sr. Annie Kambafwile, a Franciscan Missionary Sister of Assisi and Solwezi ZAS chairperson, expressed gratitude to the Sisters for the collaboration shown between the two dioceses. She further thanked the Sisters for the initiative of this exchange visit, as it serves as a channel of learning from one another.