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.
Sister of Mercy Marks 25 Years of Religious Life in Lusaka
By Sr. Jacqueline Ngosa and Sr. Christine Musonda, SOM, Mansa CNCS Hub A Sister of Mercy celebrates a silver jubilee at Holy Spirit Parish in Lusaka, marking 25 years of religious life and service to the Church and the community. Sr.Getrude Nayame has marked 25 years of dedicated service to the Lord, serving the community with love, compassion and devotion in the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy. In his homily, the parish priest praised Sr. Getrude for her selfless service and dedication to God. He said Sr. Getrude’s example is a shining testimony to the power of God’s love and mercy, demonstrated through her lifelong commitment to serving others. “We are all grateful for her presence among us,” he said. During the celebration, the parish priest presented Sr. Getrude with a special gift from Pope Leo XIV in appreciation of her 25 years of dedicated service to the Lord. And the Superior General of the Sisters of Mercy, Sr. Delphine Kalisha, said she is grateful to God for the gift of Sr. Getrude to the congregation. “We give thanks to the Lord for the gift of Sr. Gertrude to our congregation,” she said. She said the 25 years of dedicated service are a testament to Sr. Getrude’s love for God and her commitment to the sisterhood. “We are grateful for her example and her dedication to serving others,” she said. The Superior General also thanked the people Sr. Getrude has served for allowing her to minister to them and for supporting her vocation. She further encouraged other Sisters, especially young Sisters, to look up to Sr. Getrude as an example of religious life. “We encourage our young Sisters to look up to Sr. Gertrude as a model of faith, hope and love. May her example inspire you to be faithful to your vocation and to serve others with joy and generosity,” she said. And the chaplain of the Sisters of Mercy Congregation, Fr. Chrispine Mwila, said Sr. Getrude is a true embodiment of the charism of the congregation. Fr. Mwila said her 25 years of service reflect her love for God and commitment to serving others. “We are grateful for her presence among us and pray that she will continue to be a source of inspiration to all,” he said. And Sr. Getrude expressed gratitude to God and to the people of God who have supported her throughout her journey. “I am grateful to God for calling me to this vocation and to the people of God who have walked with me, supporting me every step of the way,” she said. Meanwhile, a family representative Memory Nayame said the family is grateful to God for Sr. Getrude’s vocation and proud of her dedication to the Lord. Mrs. Nayame said Sr. Getrude’s commitment to serving others has been an inspiration to the entire family. She added that the family appreciates the support and love Sr. Getrude has received from the congregation and the people she has served. “We pray that God will continue to bless her and guide her as she continues to serve the Lord,”Mrs.Nayame said. And a parishioner, Mrs. Agnes Banda, said Sr. Getrude has been a role model and a true servant of God, adding that the parish is grateful for her presence.
Five Novices Make First Profession of Religious Vows in Monze Diocese
By Sr. Grace Phiri, Monze CNCS Hub Five Novices from the Congregation of the Religious Sisters of the Holy Spirit made their first profession of religious vows in Monze Diocese. The newly professed Sisters are Frontier Soteli, Ades Mudenda, Mutinta Veronica Chikomo, Minako Milambo, and Sisca Muchelemba. During the ceremony, Fr. Brian Chibuluma called on the Sisters to embrace courage, prayer, obedience and sacrifice as they prepare to serve a world “broken and in need of healing.” “Indeed, it has been a long walk, a long journey. One that we long to walk into today, a world divided politically, religiously, tribally and rationally,” Fr. Chibuluma said. “Yes, my dear Sisters, this is the world you are walking into,” he added. He reminded the Sisters that they are called to bring light and hope and to bear much fruit. “Like firefighters walking into collapsing buildings to save others, you too are walking into a collapsing world to help those who are broken and in need of saving,” he said. Further, Fr. Chibuluma emphasised the importance of remaining spiritually connected in order to bear fruit. “In the gospel, Jesus says, I am the vine and you are the branches. Without the vine, branches like us cannot bear fruit. You need to be attached to Christ in every moment and circumstance,” he said. He stated that the three ways for the Sisters to remain rooted and effective in their mission are prayer, obedience and sacrifice. “Prayer connects you to Christ. Obedience allows you to remain connected to the Spirit. And sacrifice calls for selfless service,” he added. Meanwhile, Sr. Rosalia Sakayombo, Holy Spirit Sisters Superior General, explained that the theme of the ceremony, “I chose you and appointed you to bear fruit,” is a reminder of the meaning of their religious life. “Before ever you thought of choosing our religious life, God had already seen you and loved you and called you. Your yes today is a re-echo of a love story that began long before we had even thought of it,” Sr. Rosalia said. She further emphasised that bearing fruit is about faithfulness rather than perfection. “So when God appoints you to go and bear fruit, He also appoints the point. He provides the grace and the strength needed for the harvest. My dear sisters, thank you for the example of today,” she said. Sr. Rosalia encouraged the Sisters to embrace joy in religious life and actively reach out to those in need. “Don’t be like a wheelbarrow waiting for someone to move it, be open to going to the people who need you,” she said. And Sr. Anna Hakaloba expressed happiness at seeing young people joining and responding positively to the growth of the congregation. Similarly, Sr. Lontia Siakalambwa described the event as a milestone for the congregation and thanked God for the growth of girls in formation houses over the past four years. Meanwhile, one of the parents of the newly professed Sister, Mr. Mwila Soteli, described the occasion as a memorable and moving experience. ‘’I feel honored to witness to such event, to see the ladies making their vows especially my daughter, ‘’ he added.
Archbishop Banda Praises Daughters of the Redeemer for Championing Social Justice
By Sr. Beatrice Mwansa, D.O.R — Lusaka CNCS Hub Archbishop of Lusaka, Dr. Alick Banda, has commended the Daughters of the Redeemer for their steadfast commitment to social justice and service to the poor. Speaking during the Golden Jubilee celebration of Sr. Rosemary Nyondo and Sr. Catherine Kaimfa at Mount Zion, Archbishop Banda hailed the congregation for its pioneering spirit in various fields, including public policy, governance, education and communications. “You carry the congregation’s institutional memory,” the Archbishop said, urging the sisters to ensure this legacy is passed on to younger members. He further challenged the Sisters to be attentive to the signs of the times and to discern new areas where the Church is calling them to serve. The archbishop prayed that the Holy Spirit may guide them in their mission and expressed gratitude for the congregation’s ongoing contribution to the evangelization work of the Archdiocese of Lusaka. And in his homily, Very Reverend Fr. Andrew Simpasa, Vicar General of the Archdiocese, congratulated the jubilarians for reaching a remarkable milestone of 50 years in religious life. “They have run this race for fifty years. It is not a small thing unless you experience God at a personal level. He is the Alpha and the Omega,” Fr. Simpasa said. He reminded the faithful that every person is created for a purpose and called to fulfill God’s mission. “If we live outside God’s purpose, we become restless,” he said. “The poor in spirit know their lives depend on God.” Turning to the two sisters, Fr. Simpasa added, “Sr. Catherine and Sr. Rosemary, as we celebrate your many years of service in the vineyard of God, you encourage all of us. Keep your eyes on Jesus.’’ Meanwhile, Superior General, Rev. Sr. Prisca Matenga, also paid tribute to the founding members, thanking them for their sacrifice, dedication and leadership. “We stand on your shoulders,” she said. “The congregation has grown in making the Redeemer known and loved in our schools, hospitals, parishes, formation houses and among the poor and vulnerable.” The celebration drew members of the congregation, families, clergy and friends. The Divine Mercy Parish Choir animated the liturgy with uplifting hymns that added to the joyous atmosphere. As the Daughters of the Redeemer marked five decades of faithful service, the event served as both a tribute to the pioneers and a call for renewal in the congregation’s mission of making Christ known and loved.
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.