Golden Jubilee of the Daughters of the Redeemer: Radiating Christ’s Goodness
By Sr. Beatrice Mwansa DOR, Lusaka CNCS Hub In this Jubilee Year of Hope, the lives of Sister Rose Mary Nyondo and Sister Catherine Kaimfa, Daughters of the Redeemer, shine as a beautiful hymn of gratitude, a melody composed of faith, perseverance, and love. Marking 50 years of religious commitment, their story is one of prayer and purpose, of simple beginnings transformed by extraordinary grace. A Journey Rooted in Faith Their sacred journey began over five decades ago, in 1969, when four young Zambian women, Catherine Kaimfa, Catherine Mwiinga, Rose Mary Nyondo, and Rose Mary Ngoma heard and answered God’s call. They became the first members of the Daughters of the Redeemer, an indigenous congregation founded to bring Christ’s goodness and redemption to the world through service to the poor and marginalized. On 12 January 1975, their “Yes” to God was sealed at the then Cathedral of the Assumption in Roma, in a colorful celebration graced by Zambia’s first Republican President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, and presided over by the founding Archbishop, Emmanuel Milingo. It was the beginning of a legacy, a light that continues to shine brightly today. Sister Rose Nyondo: A Life of Vision and Vibrance Known for her radiant energy and joyful spirit, Sr. Rose Nyondo is a woman of many gifts, an educator, communicator, leader, and farmer, she has touched lives in every field she entered. Her distinguished career at the University of Zambia (UNZA) as a media lecturer from 1989 to 2022 left an indelible mark on generations of journalists and communicators. One of her former students, Mr. Chola Chifukushi, who went on to serve at ZANIS, described her as “a competent, patient, and soft-spoken lecturer who laid a solid foundation in broadcasting and ethics”. Mr. Chifukushi recalls that she joined the Mass Communication department at a critical time when they needed lecturers in Broadcasting. “Her coming to the department was a blessing because she already had a background in broadcasting and this gave us a lot of confidence. We excelled wherever we went and produced high-quality productions. For instance, I joined ZANIS, then ZANA at a time when it was not performing well. But we worked hard to raise the standards high and made a mark, thanks to the skills we got from Sr. Rose Nyondo”. Another of her former students, Mr. Eustace Nkandu, now Deputy Director-General of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), remembers her as “a mentor who saw potential in everyone and nurtured it with care and faith. As a co-worker, she offered me great opportunities to take up leadership roles and grow”. Beyond the classroom, Sr. Rose’s leadership extended to the heart of her congregation. As Superior General (1993–1996), she led with foresight and courage, establishing new mission communities in Chinyingi (Zambezi West), Kabwe, and Kasempa areas where the Daughters of the Redeemer deepened their ministry among the marginalized. Her influence also reached the national media landscape, where she served as Chairperson of the Media Council of Zambia (MECOZ) and later as a ZNBC Board Member. Even after retirement, her zeal for service remains undimmed as she continues to lead as Director of the Communication Network for Catholic sisters (CNCS). And yet, amid all her leadership and achievements, Sr. Rose remains profoundly grounded, finding peace and joy in the soil of Chinyunyu farm, where she tends crops and livestock with the same dedication she offers to her faith. Sr Christine Singini, a Daughter of the Redeemer, describes her as a very humble and humane sister who has foresight and is result-oriented. “She is firm and wants things to be done. She does all this with respect for everyone, regardless of their position”. Among us her sisters, she is known as a lively, prayerful soul one with deep Faith and Trust in the Lord. “Sr Nyondo sees the will of God in everything”. Sister Catherine Kaimfa: The Quiet Heart of the Congregation If Sr. Nyondo is the voice that inspires, Sr. Kaimfa is the heart that is calm, nurturing, and deeply prayerful. She has been a gentle force in the life of the congregation. Her years of service as Congregational Vicaress and later as Novice Mistress were marked by deep spirituality, patience, and maternal care. Many sisters recall how she guided them with love and humility, forming not only their minds but also their hearts for consecrated life. Sr. Francesca Phiri, a member of the second group of the Daughters, expressed heartfelt gratitude for journeying alongside these founding members. “It is a great joy to live and work with the founding members. We talk about the humble beginnings, where we came from, and the grace that has carried us through. I pray that God continues to strengthen them and preserve their spirit of prayer that has sustained them all these years.” Sr Francesca encourages the young Daughters of the Redeemer to focus on the good that the Founder members have achieved “Let us emulate them and never lose sight of prayer or be discouraged with the difficulties we go through. It is possible to serve the Lord faithfully. Let us also remember the late Sr Rosemary Ngoma, who served faithfully as a broadcaster and Biblical lecturer in the seminary, to continue resting in the peace of Christ”. Reflecting on this milestone, Sr. Catherine humbly shares, “It is by the grace of God’s faithfulness, goodness, mercy, and protection that we celebrate 50 years of religious life. My heart is full of gratitude that God has shaped us into the women He desired us to be and we have found joy in working in His vineyard”. Twin Pillars of Hope Together, Sr. Rose and Sr. Catherine embody the congregation’s motto: “Radiating Christ’s goodness to the people.” Their shared life of friendship, prayer, and mission has inspired generations of sisters and lay faithful alike. Their golden jubilee is not merely a personal celebration; it is a testimony to God’s faithfulness, a story of perseverance and trust that continues to illuminate the path for future generations
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.
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.