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
Learning for Humanity’s Mission Yields Positive Results in Zambia’s Rural Health Centres
By Sr. Beatrice Mwansa DOR, Lusaka CNCS Hub The Learning for Humanity learning paths courses offered by Medicines for Humanity have yielded positive results through the Catholic sisters’ work in rural communities of Zambia. Learning for Humanity Program Coordinator, Esther Rodriguez, highlighted the incredible work of the sisters in Zambia within the Learning for Humanity project framework, applauding their dedication and the positive impact they are making in their communities. She shared these insights during a discussion with Sr. Elizabeth Muleya, the Zambia Association of Sisterhood (ZAS) Secretary General. “The sisters’ dedication is truly inspiring, and we are grateful for the opportunity to highlight their efforts, she said. In Samfya’s Kansanka area, Sr. Judith Mwango identified a significant problem and addressed it through early prevention, detection, and treatment of malnutrition by screening children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and providing appropriate treatment and care through community intervention. The project achieved a high recovery rate, with 8 out of 10 children enrolled in treatment fully recovering and showing improved nutritional status, while two children are still undergoing treatment for malnutrition. Additionally, other children showed significant weight gain. Sr. Judith collaborated with 45 caregivers, who reported improved knowledge of Severe Malnutrition management and prevention. The caregivers’ testimonies reflected the positive impact of the project on individuals and the community, highlighting the importance of education and support in fighting malnutrition. “Before the program, I didn’t understand how to feed my child properly, but now I feel empowered and see my baby grow stronger daily. Thank you for showing me the way, “one caregiver testified. Another caregiver said, “I used to think that any food was good enough for my child. Now I know how vital it is to provide balanced meals for my family. I am grateful for the education I have received”. Sr. Judith also engaged one of the traditional leaders who affirmed, “This project has brought our community together. We are now aware of the importance of nutrition, and I commit myself to supporting you in raising awareness in my village.” Meanwhile, ZAS Secretary General Sr. Elizabeth Muleya commended the Learning for Humanity program for providing the Sisters in health with the knowledge and skills to manage their institutions better. “They do not keep their skills to themselves but use them to improve the health centers they are serving,” she said. She has urged Sisters to carry on taking these beneficial courses to foster sustainable development. Ms. Esther requested ZAS to continue sharing the Learning for Humanity program with their stakeholders in different forums and the Sister’s network in other countries as well. “Please don’t hesitate to pass on the information of the program along to key stakeholders and anyone who may be interested in learning more about this initiative. We hope it serves as a source of encouragement and inspiration for others seeking to strengthen educational opportunities for sisters and frontline health workers worldwide,” Esther said. “Connecting with others who share this vision would allow us to expand our reach and continue serving in meaningful ways,” she reiterated. Other projects highlighted also included an anti-malaria campaign, sensitization on adolescent health, and Nutrition in the Chibombo District. In Mumbezhi and Manyinga of the North Western province and Mpunde Mission in Kapirimposhi, the Sisters prevented neonatal mortality by training community-based volunteers and sensitizing the community on the importance of facility delivery to reduce the neonatal mortality rate. The same project was done at Maamba General Hospital, in Sinazongwe District through therapeutic communication among the mothers. Medicines for Humanity has partnered with the Zambia Association of Sisterhood (ZAS) in training catholic Sisters and frontline health workers to save the lives of children and their mothers by enhancing their knowledge, skills, and capacity to strengthen health systems and empower communities. Since 2021, 339 Catholic Sisters from Zambia have participated in the Learning for Humanity program, with a total of 669 course enrollments plus 30 staff members. The various courses include Health Care Management, Leadership, Project Management, Economic Strengthening Activities, Pharmacy Management, Community Health Workers Program Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maternal and Child Health Communication, Improving Nutritional Outcomes, Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH), Advocacy- turning passion into action, Proposal Writing and Grant Management, and Mentorship.
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.