Poor Clares in Lusaka Open Doors for First Public Profession
By Sr. Tryness Mulubwa, Lusaka CNCS Hub The Poor Clares Sisters in the Archdiocese of Lusaka have opened their doors for the first time to the surrounding community and formation houses within Lusaka to witness the first profession of one of their Sisters. During the ceremony, Fr. Nicodemus Chibwe, OFM Capuchin, encouraged the newly professed Sr. Namoyo Phiri of the Angels to faithfully observe the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, obedience and stability. Fr. Chibwe said the vow of chastity would help Sr. Namoyo to love people unconditionally, especially the Sisters she will be living with. “Chastity will help you to be immaculate like our mother St. Clare and our brother St. Francis,” he said. Fr. Chibwe added that poverty would help her detach from the demands of the world. “Detachment from material things is very important for any religious,” Fr. Chibwe said. He said obedience meant listening to God through the superiors. Fr. Chibwe added that the vow of stability will help Sr. Namoyo embrace the metaphysics of availability by being present and providing for her Sisters. “Do not be lazy,” he said. Fr. Chibwe further encouraged Sr. Namoyo to keep her focus on Jesus Christ the crucified and not to be distracted by worldly things. “Start your day with God and end it with God. You came to this monastery seeking God, so may God be your priority,” he said. “Do not become familiar with sin. Have your daily confession.” Fr. Chibwe thanked the parents of Sr. Namoyo for the precious gift they have offered to the Church by allowing their daughter to become a Sister. “This gift you have given is not a loss, it is a bank account and God will bless you abundantly,” he said. Fr. Chibwe further encouraged all parents present to generously offer their children to the Lord and remain committed to the life they have chosen to live.
Fr. Mwape Urges Religious Sisters to Serve Selflessly, Emulate Christ
By Sr. Beatrice Mwansa, Lusaka CNCS Hub A Catholic priest has urged religious Sisters to serve selflessly and follow Christ in total obedience, drawing inspiration from His life and sacrifice. Fr. Augustine Mwape, OFM Cap., made the appeal on Saturday during the first profession of vows by Sr. Florence Bwalya Lwando of the Daughters of the Redeemer congregation at Mount Zion. Fr. Mwape emphasized the transformative nature of religious vows, noting that by professing chastity, poverty, and obedience, the Sisters take on a new identity rooted in Christ. “Your life belongs to Christ,” he said. “You shall love Him more deeply, listen to His voice, and be ready to serve Him selflessly.” He urged the congregation to follow Jesus’ example, who gave Himself entirely for the redemption of humanity. “Jesus did not stand in the way of others. He was loyal to God and gave His life totally. There is no need to serve two masters,” Fr. Mwape said. He encouraged the Sisters to remain steadfast in their calling and assured them of God’s constant guidance and protection, likening it to the way He led the Israelites out of bondage. Fr. Mwape further called on the Sisters to be agents of change, faithful and committed to their vocation, with Christ as their constant inspiration. Meanwhile, Superior General of the Daughters of the Redeemer, Sr. Prisca Matenga, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Capuchin Fathers and all formators for their unwavering spiritual support and guidance offered to the formation house. Sr. Prisca also extended appreciation to the parents of Sr. Florence Bwalya Lwando for offering their daughter in service to God, acknowledging the significance of their sacrifice and support. She assured Sr. Florence of the congregation’s solidarity, promising that the sisters would stand by her, especially during times of difficulty and spiritual testing. The ceremony was characterized by moments of deep prayer, joyful celebration, and heartfelt thanksgiving as the congregation welcomed Sr. Florence into her new life of religious commitment with open arms and renewed hope.