ZCCB Praises Religious for Their Service, Urges Them to Be Bearers of Hope
By Sr. Maria Kasongo (D.O.R), Lusaka CNCS Hub The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has commended the invaluable contribution of religious men and women across the country, describing them as a source of hope and strength for society. Speaking on behalf of the bishops during the Jubilee celebrations for the Consecrated, held under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope, walking in Peace.” at the Marian Shrine in Lusaka, Bishop George Lungu, Director for the Religious, hailed the commitment of the Religious Sisters, Brothers and Priests serving in various ministries. “Religious men and women do tremendous work all over the country,” Bishop Lungu said. “You are called to be hope for the hopeless, a voice for the voiceless and a source of strength for one another.” Drawing inspiration from Mary, the mother of Jesus, Bishop Lungu urged the consecrated to model their lives on her faithfulness. “Like Mary, may our lives be a constant ‘yes’ to God,” he said. The Bishop acknowledged the many challenges faced by religious communities in their diverse ministries but stressed that it is in such trials that resilience and strength are found. “We must not lose hope,” he reminded them. Bishop Lungu also encouraged the religious to be living witnesses of Christ’s love within their communities. “Let your actions be a testament to the love of Christ and let that love transform the world,” he said. Meanwhile, the Bishop expressed concern over growing despair among youth, which he said sometimes leads to tragic choices such as suicide. “The youth have a right to a bright future, yet many lose hope. We are called to encourage them and give them hope,” he added. The Jubilee celebrations brought together religious men and women from across Zambia to reflect on their vocation and renew their mission of service as pilgrims of hope committed to peace.
Salesian Sisters Receive Eight New Aspirants
By Sr. Tryness Mulubwa, Lusaka ZAS Branch The Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco in the Zambian region have received eight aspirants into their congregation from various communities. The girls Agnes Mwansa, Bertha Chama, Delila Nsofwa, Faides Zulu, Ivy Chikungu, Joyce Mwape, Natasha Mumba and Sandra Chibwe were admitted to aspirancy by Sr. Ireen Kapisha the Vice Provincial during a prayer service. During the service, Sr. Ireen encouraged the girls, drawing from the Gospel of John 16:1–17. She said the aspirancy stage is a time for learning and prayer, urging them to remain open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. She further encouraged the aspirants to stay connected to Christ so that they may bear much fruit and be witnesses to the people they will serve.