Sr. Yvette Renews Religious Vows at Chikuni Mission as Community Celebrates Welcome and Farewell
By Sr. Cleopatra Nakwenda,R.S.C, Monze CNCS Hub A Religious Sister of Charity has renewed her religious vows at Chikuni Mission in Monze District. Sr. Yvette Uwimpuhwe reaffirmed her commitment to the vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service of the poor during a Holy Mass held at the mission. The renewal, witnessed by fellow Religious Sisters of Charity, clergy and members of the local community, was an important stage in Sr. Yvette’s vocation journey, three years after her profession as a Sister of Charity. Sr. Yvette said she was grateful for her vocation, noting that her years in religious life had been a time of growth, fulfilment and renewed commitment to service. “My years as a Religious Sister of Charity have been filled with experiences that have brought growth, joy and inspiration, further strengthening my desire to serve the Lord,” she said. She added that challenges encountered along the way had contributed to her personal and spiritual development as part of her calling to share in Christ’s mission. Sr. Yvette attributed her perseverance to God’s guidance, strength and peace and thanked her fellow Sisters, family members, spiritual mentors and friends for their continued support, particularly through prayer and spiritual direction. “My vocation is an ongoing journey that requires a deliberate decision to serve God and His people,” she said. “The vows of chastity, poverty, obedience and service of the poor remain essential in that mission.” The Mass was presided over by Chikuni Parish priest and Rector of the Society of Jesus in Chikuni, Fr. Gregory Mulobela, SJ. In his homily, based on Isaiah 43:1–7 and John 15:9–17, Fr. Mulobela reflected on God’s initiative in calling individuals to His service. “These readings remind us that God chose us, we did not choose Him,” Fr. Mulobela said. “It is God’s love and grace that enable us to respond faithfully.” He encouraged Sr. Yvette to remain rooted in prayer and spiritual formation, noting that service to others, especially the poor, flows naturally from a life grounded in God. And during the same Mass, Sr. Cleopatra Nakwenda was formally welcomed to Chikuni Mission as she took up her new assignment. Fr. Mulobela wished Cleopatra God’s blessings as she began her new assignment. Meanwhile, the community also bid farewell to Sr. Francesca Mutelo, who is leaving for a new mission in Kabwe after serving in Chikuni for 11 years. Fr Mulobela thanked Sr. Francesca for her dedicated service to the people of Chikuni and prayed for God’s guidance as she begins her new mission.
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.
Sisters of Mercy Bring Compassionate Care to St. Margaret Hospital Kasaba
By Sr. Christine Musonda, SOM, Mansa – CNCS Hub At St. Margaret Mission Hospital in Kasaba, the Sisters of Mercy continue to provide compassionate care and support to patients, families and the wider community, despite facing staffing and resource challenges in this rural area. Hospital Administrator Sr. Faustina Nsama said the Sisters’ work is guided by faith and a commitment to serving the vulnerable. “Every person is worthy of love, care and dignity. Our motivation comes from seeing patients recover,” she explained. The hospital faces ongoing challenges, including limited medical equipment, staffing shortages, and inadequate supplies. Currently, the hospital operates at 46% of its staffing capacity and lacks essential equipment such as X-ray machines and neonatal incubators. Patients often have to travel 170 kilometers for specialized services. Clinical Officer Thelma Wabupe highlighted the difficulties in maternity and intensive care. “Most of the babies who need intensive care are put in the general ward with their mothers. Some patients are forced to stay home because services are not available locally,” she said. Despite these constraints, those caring for patients continue to praise the Sisters’ dedication. “We are well received, patients are given medicines according to their illness, provided with food and the hospital is clean. Patients are also encouraged to take good care of themselves,” said bedside attendant Lilian Mwansa. The Sisters of Mercy uphold the vision of their founder Archbishop James Mwewa Spaita, bringing mercy and compassion to those in need. Through their ministry, they transform lives, offering hope, healing and spiritual support to patients and the broader community. Sr. Nsama emphasizes that faith and teamwork guide daily work. “We combine spiritual and physical care. Even in difficult circumstances, we strive to be resourceful and give the best service we can,” she said. St. Margaret Mission Hospital continues to be a beacon of love and compassion, ensuring patients receive care rooted in dignity, empathy and hope.
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.
Sisters of Child Jesus Open New Community in Mwase Parish
By Sr. Anisia NshekanaboCommunication Network for Catholic Sisters – Chipata Hub The Sisters of the Child Jesus have established a new community in Mwase Parish, under the Catholic Diocese of Chipata, in a move expected to strengthen pastoral programs and spiritual development in the area. The sisters were welcomed during a special Mass on July 20, 2025, led by Rev. Fr. Edward Chirwa, parish priest, and Rev. Fr. John Nyirenda, Dean of Lumezi Deanery, who represented the Bishop. Members of the Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS) Chipata and local parishioners were also present. Fr. Nyirenda said the sisters’ arrival would enhance existing pastoral and education programs and contribute to the spiritual growth of the parish. “Their presence will also provide opportunities for collaboration and mutual support between the sisters, the parishioners, and the wider community,” he said. Fr. Chirwa expressed excitement over the sisters’ arrival and encouraged parishioners to support them in their mission. “We are thrilled to have the sisters join our parish family,” he said.“Their expertise and dedication will undoubtedly enrich our community.” He urged all parishioners to welcome the sisters and assist them as they begin their new roles. The Catholic Diocese of Chipata described the development as a positive step for the parish and the broader community, and said it anticipates fruitful collaboration and long-term impact.