Bishop Kasonde Commends Sisters’ Work in Solwezi Diocese
By Sr. Nasilele Simushi OP – Ndola CNCS Hub Bishop Charles J.S. Kasonde of the Catholic Diocese of Solwezi has commended the Sisters serving in the diocese for the impressive work they do in the church. He said this during the Mass of the exchange visit of the Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS) Sisters from the Archdiocese of Ndola to the Sisters in Solwezi. He said a diocese cannot fully respond to the various needs of the people of God without the involvement of Sisters, hence the need to have Sisters in dioceses. “Sisters you are a beacon for the Diocese,’’ said Bishop Kasonde. He also likened the Sisters to flowers that attract different insects for sap. Additionally, Friar Ferena Lambe OFM encouraged the Sisters to take time for recollection days, to reflect and contemplate on their lives to improve their well-being, during a presentation talk under the theme, “Wellness of the Consecrated Women.” “The world is on the move and everyone is busy, therefore, Sisters are not exempted from this reality. We suffer burnouts of various kinds and this affects our overall well-being,’’ he said. Friar Lambe urged the Sisters to take good care of themselves if they are to remain effective in their ministry. Meanwhile, Sr. Annie Kambafwile, a Franciscan Missionary Sister of Assisi and Solwezi ZAS chairperson, expressed gratitude to the Sisters for the collaboration shown between the two dioceses. She further thanked the Sisters for the initiative of this exchange visit, as it serves as a channel of learning from one another.
Three Salesian Sisters Make First Profession in South Africa in 44 Years
By Sr. Tryness Mulubwa, CNCS Lusaka Hub Three young women from the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco in South Africa have made their first profession of vows, the first in 44 years, marking a significant milestone for the province. The three Sisters are Sr. Alphoncina Matseleng Nonyana from Lesotho, Sr. Octovia Mante Tamogale and Sr. Sylvia Kesebelwang Vedala, becoming the first South African sisters to profess vows in their province in decades. The profession took place on 5 August, the feast of the foundation of their institute, St. Mary Mazzarello, who established the congregation in 1872. The Eucharistic celebration was held at South Africa’s Carmelite Parish and was celebrated by Fr. Bongi Nkosi, a Salesian of Don Bosco and concelebrated by 15 priests from various congregations. Fr. Nkosi highlighted the historical significance of St. Mary Mazzarello Day, when 11 companions made their first profession in the presence of Don Bosco and the Bishop of Acqui. Referring to the Gospel of the rich young man, Fr. Nkosi invited the Sisters and all present to examine their hearts. ‘’While the young man in the Gospel followed the commandments, he struggled to let go of his possessions. The challenge for us is not only about surrendering material wealth but about surrendering everything to Christ,’’ he said. Addressing the newly professed Sisters, Fr. Nkosi reminded them that true discipleship involves identifying and letting go of anything, be it riches, relationships, or power, that hinders their relationship with God. He urged them to prioritize their relationship with Christ, to be fully present among the young and to lead them to God rather than to themselves. Fr. Nkosi further emphasized that the mission is to raise saints, as was done with Dominic Savio and Laura Vicuña and challenged them to believe that saints can also arise from Africa. He encouraged the Sisters that as they join their respective communities, these communities, though not perfect, will walk with them and support them in their journey of perseverance. Fr. Nkosi reminded all that the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience are not burdens but joyful responses to God’s call. ‘’Young people today need to see joyful religious, those who have surrendered not with sadness, but with freedom and joy,’’ he said. Fr. Nkosi thanked the three sisters for courageously responding to God’s call and expressed gratitude to their families and all those who accompanied them on their vocational journey.