Archbishop Phiri Urges Consecrated Men and Women to Remain Faithful
By Ndola CNCS Hub Ndola Archbishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Benjamin Phiri, JCD, has urged consecrated men and women to remain faithful to their vows and continue being visible signs of hope in a world where human dignity is under threat. Speaking during the Day of Consecration at St. Peter and Paul Parish, Archbishop Phiri said consecrated persons were called to stand firm in their religious identity and resist the temptation to abandon their vocation. He said in a world where faith was tested and human dignity was often destroyed, consecrated persons were expected to be present in the midst of suffering as living signs of hope for God’s people. “Our efforts to do good must be able to stand the test of time. As consecrated persons, we are called not only to be signs of hope, but to truly live as that hope,” said Archbishop Phiri. “We should not be in a hurry to abandon our religious habits or identity, because the people we serve look up to us and feel inspired when we live holy lives and sincerely do God’s will.” The Archbishop said Religious men and women should not be quick to migrate from one Congregation to another, noting that every institute had its own challenges requiring humility, patience and perseverance. He added that consecrated persons were called to be slow to speak and ready to listen, with unity being vital for growth in Religious life. “All members of institutes of consecrated life are encouraged to hold firmly to what binds them together. When separated, they wither, when united, they are stronger, each one playing a unique and important role in the Church,” he said. Archbishop Phiri also encouraged young people in formation to make careful and prayerful decisions before joining Religious institutes and to avoid unnecessary changes that could hinder their growth and fulfillment. Meanwhile, Sr. Rosemary Kazembe, chairperson of the Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS) in the Archdiocese of Ndola, said the Day of Consecration was a moment every Religious person must wholeheartedly embrace as a renewal of their ‘yes’ to God. She said consecration began the day one responded to God’s call and should be reflected in service to the Church, especially to the marginalised and the communities they serve. And Fr. Matthews Kasongo, Minister Provincial of the Franciscan Fathers in Zambia and Malawi OFM.Conv described Religious Life as a special gift from God to serve humanity and the Church. “This is a special gift that God has given us to serve humanity, to serve the Church, for the salvation of all souls,” he said. And Friar Nathan Kaunda said Religious Life was beautiful and required discernment and faithfulness despite challenges. “We have to remain faithful despite the challenges that come, especially the external influences that society may bring to our life,” said Friar Kaunda. “For us, our duty is to remain focused and remain faithful to our call as consecrated people.”
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.”
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.
Women in Monze Diocese Celebrate WUCWO Day
By Sr. Annatollia F. Muzata PBVM, Monze Diocese More than a thousand members of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women gather at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Monze Diocese to celebrate the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO) Day under the theme, “Support, Accompany, Encourage Family.” In his homily, Rt. Rev. Raphael Mweempwa, Bishop of Monze Diocese, urged WUCWO to support and encourage women in times of difficulties, especially the aged and vulnerable. Bishop Mweempwa stated that women play a key role in families and the church. “Women are responsible for the family, for they are the ones in most cases who suffer for their families first,” he said. “Women are always first in carrying family problems and they are the first in supporting the church.” The bishop expressed gratitude for women’s role in the church and encouraged them to remain hopeful, reminding them that hope does not disappoint. The celebration began with women marching from Sacred Heart parish to Holy Trinity Cathedral. Religious women also took part, including representatives from the Presentation Sisters, Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary, Missionary Daughters of Calvary, Religious Sisters of the Holy Spirit, and Handmaid Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary working in Monze Diocese. Meanwhile, Sr. Junza Mwaangani from the Sisters of the Holy Spirit encouraged women to support, accompany, and encourage their families and each other by bringing hope as pilgrims of hope.