Sister of Mercy Marks 25 Years of Religious Life in Lusaka
By Sr. Jacqueline Ngosa and Sr. Christine Musonda, SOM, Mansa CNCS Hub A Sister of Mercy celebrates a silver jubilee at Holy Spirit Parish in Lusaka, marking 25 years of religious life and service to the Church and the community. Sr.Getrude Nayame has marked 25 years of dedicated service to the Lord, serving the community with love, compassion and devotion in the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy. In his homily, the parish priest praised Sr. Getrude for her selfless service and dedication to God. He said Sr. Getrude’s example is a shining testimony to the power of God’s love and mercy, demonstrated through her lifelong commitment to serving others. “We are all grateful for her presence among us,” he said. During the celebration, the parish priest presented Sr. Getrude with a special gift from Pope Leo XIV in appreciation of her 25 years of dedicated service to the Lord. And the Superior General of the Sisters of Mercy, Sr. Delphine Kalisha, said she is grateful to God for the gift of Sr. Getrude to the congregation. “We give thanks to the Lord for the gift of Sr. Gertrude to our congregation,” she said. She said the 25 years of dedicated service are a testament to Sr. Getrude’s love for God and her commitment to the sisterhood. “We are grateful for her example and her dedication to serving others,” she said. The Superior General also thanked the people Sr. Getrude has served for allowing her to minister to them and for supporting her vocation. She further encouraged other Sisters, especially young Sisters, to look up to Sr. Getrude as an example of religious life. “We encourage our young Sisters to look up to Sr. Gertrude as a model of faith, hope and love. May her example inspire you to be faithful to your vocation and to serve others with joy and generosity,” she said. And the chaplain of the Sisters of Mercy Congregation, Fr. Chrispine Mwila, said Sr. Getrude is a true embodiment of the charism of the congregation. Fr. Mwila said her 25 years of service reflect her love for God and commitment to serving others. “We are grateful for her presence among us and pray that she will continue to be a source of inspiration to all,” he said. And Sr. Getrude expressed gratitude to God and to the people of God who have supported her throughout her journey. “I am grateful to God for calling me to this vocation and to the people of God who have walked with me, supporting me every step of the way,” she said. Meanwhile, a family representative Memory Nayame said the family is grateful to God for Sr. Getrude’s vocation and proud of her dedication to the Lord. Mrs. Nayame said Sr. Getrude’s commitment to serving others has been an inspiration to the entire family. She added that the family appreciates the support and love Sr. Getrude has received from the congregation and the people she has served. “We pray that God will continue to bless her and guide her as she continues to serve the Lord,”Mrs.Nayame said. And a parishioner, Mrs. Agnes Banda, said Sr. Getrude has been a role model and a true servant of God, adding that the parish is grateful for her presence.
Five Novices Make First Profession of Religious Vows in Monze Diocese
By Sr. Grace Phiri, Monze CNCS Hub Five Novices from the Congregation of the Religious Sisters of the Holy Spirit made their first profession of religious vows in Monze Diocese. The newly professed Sisters are Frontier Soteli, Ades Mudenda, Mutinta Veronica Chikomo, Minako Milambo, and Sisca Muchelemba. During the ceremony, Fr. Brian Chibuluma called on the Sisters to embrace courage, prayer, obedience and sacrifice as they prepare to serve a world “broken and in need of healing.” “Indeed, it has been a long walk, a long journey. One that we long to walk into today, a world divided politically, religiously, tribally and rationally,” Fr. Chibuluma said. “Yes, my dear Sisters, this is the world you are walking into,” he added. He reminded the Sisters that they are called to bring light and hope and to bear much fruit. “Like firefighters walking into collapsing buildings to save others, you too are walking into a collapsing world to help those who are broken and in need of saving,” he said. Further, Fr. Chibuluma emphasised the importance of remaining spiritually connected in order to bear fruit. “In the gospel, Jesus says, I am the vine and you are the branches. Without the vine, branches like us cannot bear fruit. You need to be attached to Christ in every moment and circumstance,” he said. He stated that the three ways for the Sisters to remain rooted and effective in their mission are prayer, obedience and sacrifice. “Prayer connects you to Christ. Obedience allows you to remain connected to the Spirit. And sacrifice calls for selfless service,” he added. Meanwhile, Sr. Rosalia Sakayombo, Holy Spirit Sisters Superior General, explained that the theme of the ceremony, “I chose you and appointed you to bear fruit,” is a reminder of the meaning of their religious life. “Before ever you thought of choosing our religious life, God had already seen you and loved you and called you. Your yes today is a re-echo of a love story that began long before we had even thought of it,” Sr. Rosalia said. She further emphasised that bearing fruit is about faithfulness rather than perfection. “So when God appoints you to go and bear fruit, He also appoints the point. He provides the grace and the strength needed for the harvest. My dear sisters, thank you for the example of today,” she said. Sr. Rosalia encouraged the Sisters to embrace joy in religious life and actively reach out to those in need. “Don’t be like a wheelbarrow waiting for someone to move it, be open to going to the people who need you,” she said. And Sr. Anna Hakaloba expressed happiness at seeing young people joining and responding positively to the growth of the congregation. Similarly, Sr. Lontia Siakalambwa described the event as a milestone for the congregation and thanked God for the growth of girls in formation houses over the past four years. Meanwhile, one of the parents of the newly professed Sister, Mr. Mwila Soteli, described the occasion as a memorable and moving experience. ‘’I feel honored to witness to such event, to see the ladies making their vows especially my daughter, ‘’ he added.
ZCCB Praises Religious for Their Service, Urges Them to Be Bearers of Hope
By Sr. Maria Kasongo (D.O.R), Lusaka CNCS Hub The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has commended the invaluable contribution of religious men and women across the country, describing them as a source of hope and strength for society. Speaking on behalf of the bishops during the Jubilee celebrations for the Consecrated, held under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope, walking in Peace.” at the Marian Shrine in Lusaka, Bishop George Lungu, Director for the Religious, hailed the commitment of the Religious Sisters, Brothers and Priests serving in various ministries. “Religious men and women do tremendous work all over the country,” Bishop Lungu said. “You are called to be hope for the hopeless, a voice for the voiceless and a source of strength for one another.” Drawing inspiration from Mary, the mother of Jesus, Bishop Lungu urged the consecrated to model their lives on her faithfulness. “Like Mary, may our lives be a constant ‘yes’ to God,” he said. The Bishop acknowledged the many challenges faced by religious communities in their diverse ministries but stressed that it is in such trials that resilience and strength are found. “We must not lose hope,” he reminded them. Bishop Lungu also encouraged the religious to be living witnesses of Christ’s love within their communities. “Let your actions be a testament to the love of Christ and let that love transform the world,” he said. Meanwhile, the Bishop expressed concern over growing despair among youth, which he said sometimes leads to tragic choices such as suicide. “The youth have a right to a bright future, yet many lose hope. We are called to encourage them and give them hope,” he added. The Jubilee celebrations brought together religious men and women from across Zambia to reflect on their vocation and renew their mission of service as pilgrims of hope committed to peace.
Hundreds of Consecrated Men and Women Celebrate National Pilgrimage in Lusaka
By Sr. Christabel Kazembe, (S.O.M), Lusaka CNCS Hub Hundreds of consecrated men and women from across Zambia gather for a national pilgrimage under the theme ‘’Pilgrims of Hope on the Way of Peace,’’ celebrating consecrated life with prayer, reflection and fellowship. The pilgrimage began at Chelstone Parish and concluded at the Marian Shrine in Lusaka, with participants praying, singing and reflecting together along the way. The event was led by Rt. Rev. Bishop George Lungu of Chipata Diocese, Director for Consecrated Life at the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), who accompanied the pilgrims throughout the journey. Bishop Lungu said his presence was a sign that Zambia’s bishops remain close to consecrated men and women in their mission. During his homily at the Marian Shrine, Bishop Lungu reflected on the life of Mary as a model of faith and perseverance and reminded participants that consecrated life, like Mary, carries Christ to the world. “Pilgrimage is not only a physical journey but also a spiritual reminder that our charisms are gifts of hope for the Church, particularly in the rural and remote parts of Zambia where God’s people most need encouragement,” he said. Meanwhile, Sr. Delphine Kalisha, Superior General of the Sisters of Mercy, described the Jubilee as a moment of reflection on how consecrated people are called to give hope in a world full of suffering and uncertainty. She noted that many families struggle without food and that political challenges and difficulties within the Church often make people feel there is no light at the end of the tunnel. “This has been a very good moment of reflection at a personal level, as well as for groups or congregations. Living in harmony and happiness can inspire hope in society,’’ Sr. Delphine said. She urged young religious to remain courageous and said the Church needed their presence to inspire future generations. “Without religious life in the Church there would be a very big gap,” Sr. Delphine said. “So have courage and have faith because hope goes with faith. Things may be difficult but there is that green light.”
Nuncio Urges Consecrated Men and Women to Be Beacons of Hope
By Sr. Beatrice Mwansa and Sr. Martha Chanda, Lusaka CNCS Hub The Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, has urged religious men and women in Zambia to recommit themselves as “beacons of peace and hope” in a society where many people struggle with despair and uncertainty. Speaking on Sunday at the Marian Shrine during the Jubilee celebration for consecrated men and women, held under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope on the Way of Peace,” Archbishop Perici emphasized the need for religious communities to remain agents of hope. “Every Jubilee is a perfect moment to ask yourself if your activities truly bring hope to the people you serve,” he said. “We live in a society that robs people of peace and hope. Yet, we are called to express our unique charisms and dedicate ourselves to those devastated by life.” He described the Jubilee as a time for spiritual renewal and self-examination, urging religious men and women to “fix the things we have not done right in the past” and recommit to their vows. “We are God’s vessels. Let us recommit ourselves to the promises we made,” Archbishop Perici added. During the celebration, the Nuncio also conferred the papal blessing with plenary indulgence upon all those present at the Holy Mass. And Rt. Rev. Bishop George Lungu, Director of Religious in Zambia, assured consecrated men and women of the love and support of the entire Church, especially the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB). Bishop Lungu said the ZCCB remains committed to accompanying consecrated people “in a spirit of synodality,” ensuring they are always cherished, encouraged and supported as part of one family of God. He acknowledged the challenges facing consecrated life today, such as vocations, perseverance, cultural change and material limitations but urged them not to be discouraged, calling these trials “opportunities to renew your yes to the Lord with greater trust.” “As the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life reminds us, Consecrated Life is called to be a laboratory of communion, a place where the Gospel becomes tangible in fraternity and mission. Therefore, go forth from this Jubilee celebration with renewed zeal,” Bishop Lungu said. He further encouraged consecrated people to be courageous witnesses of hope in a world wounded by conflict, corruption, division and indifference. Bishop Lungu said Zambia needs their example of selfless service and their prophetic voice of truth. Meanwhile, Sr. Petronella Bweupe of the Sisters of Mercy described the Pilgrimage of Consecrated Men and Women as a moment of both personal and collective encounter with the Lord. She said it was a time to rekindle a flame of hope in the midst of adversities facing the country and the world. “It was a journey together with the Church. It brought me a realization of the gift we are to the Church as consecrated men and women. This moment for me was one of renewal,” Sr. Petronella said. She added that the pilgrimage was also a reminder of the prophetic voice held by consecrated men and women through their apostolates and their daily interactions with the people they serve. “I came to realize that we cannot succeed in our apostolates in isolation. We can only succeed when we are in solidarity with the entire Church. For me, this was a walking together in all our lived experiences,” she said. And Sr. Valeria Kabaso,Chairperson of the Zambia Association of Sisterhoods, thanked consecrated men and women for their dedication, service and commitment to living out the Gospel. “You have been a shining example of hope and peace in our world and your journey will inspire us all to continue seeking God’s will in our lives,” Sr. Valeria said.