Salesian Sisters Celebrate Provincial’s 25 Years of Religious Life
By Sr. Tryness Mulubwa, FMA – Lusaka CNCS Hub The Salesian Sisters celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of religious life of their Provincial Superior during the Feast of Gratitude at City of Hope Mornese Spiritual Center in Lusaka. In his homily, Fr. Alfigio Tooner OFM said the provincial, Sr. Cecilia Motanya, had reached the milestone through God’s goodness and the collaboration of her fellow Sisters. He urged her not to relax but to continue maturing in faith like St. Paul. “Your life should be a testimony and a pillar of hope to your Sisters,” said Fr. Alfigio. Relating to the first reading from Philippians 4:10-15, he said Paul testified about maturing in service and learning to coexist with the people he worked with. “Sr. Cecelia also needs to testify that this is what I have learnt in my 25 years of religious life,” he added. He emphasized that many people had been called to the vocation but chose other paths, congratulating Sr. Cecilia for remaining steadfast. He further encouraged the Sisters not to take the event chronologically but as a celebration of visible and tangible steps made by Sr. Cecilia. After the homily, Fr. Alfigio blessed the crown of silver roses, which Sr. Ryszard Piejko, the first missionary pioneer of the congregation in Zambia, placed on Sr. Cecilia’s head. The act symbolized her being sent forth to continue her mission. “I cannot express how happy I am, never in my life did I think that a day like this shall come to pass,” Sr. Cecilia said. “I thank the Lord for his constant presence, his Love and faithfulness in my life,” she added. The Feast of Gratitude is observed annually in August by the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, a tradition handed down by their founders to thank God for His love and the gift of community.