Encounter of a faithful God on Kasamba Mountain
By Sr. Nasilele Simushi, Dominican Sister, Ndola ZAS Branch On May 31, 2025, the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I embarked on a pilgrimage to Kasamba Mountain, a site attributed to Mother Mary’s apparitions in Masaiti District, Copperbelt Province, Zambia. My journey began with a personal desire for spiritual renewal and a deeper connection with God. A Call to Obedience As we prepared to ascend the mountain, our guide instructed us to remove our shoes and socks and walk barefoot. Despite my initial hesitation, I chose to obey, asking God for the courage and strength to persevere. This act of obedience marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Endurance and Perseverance The walk was challenging, with rough terrain and sharp stones testing my resolve. Yet, with each step, I felt a mix of pain and comfort, a reflection of the spiritual journey I am on. My fellow pilgrims offered encouragement and support, and I drew strength from their presence. Walking with Jesus & Mary through the Rosary As we recited the Holy Rosary, I prayed for my intentions, trusting in God’s plan for me. Mother Mary and Jesus taught me to embrace every experience, whether joyful or sorrowful, and to trust in God’s goodness. Carrying the Cross When it was my turn to carry the cross, I felt a sense of passion and purpose, like Simon of Cyrene. I took on the weight of the cross, offering my pains and struggles to God. Unnoticeable Souvenir from the Mountain After the pilgrimage, I discovered a small piece of grass lodged in my toe, a reminder of the unexpected burdens we carry. This experience taught me that God is always present, guiding us through life’s challenges and revealing hidden truths. This profound spiritual experience attuned me to God’s ways, deepening my trust in His purpose for my journey. As we embark on various spiritual paths, I pray that the Lord guides and protects us, enveloping us in His loving care. May this Jubilee year of Hope ignite within us a fervent longing for a brighter future, and may we walk in faith, trusting in His divine plan. AMEN
Honouring Mary: A Mother’s Love Across Generations
By Sr. Tryness Mulubwa, Lusaka Mary, the Mother of God, has been honoured throughout the world from generation to generation, just as she proclaimed in her Magnificat: “All generations shall call me blessed.” Both Christians and even many non-Christians Venerate her. The month of May is specially dedicated to Mary, a time when the Church intensifies the prayer of the Holy Rosary and other Marian devotions. May is traditionally associated with spring, a season of rebirth and flourishing in nature. This symbolism beautifully resonates with Mary’s role as the Mother of Jesus, who brought new life and salvation to the world. In the Catholic Church, all are encouraged to cultivate a personal relationship with Mary through various devotions. Through her intercession, it is believed that our prayers are heard, as she is seen as a pathway to Christ, our Lord. In July 2006, Pope Benedict XVI described Mary as “the image and model of all mothers, of their great mission to be guardians of life, teachers of the art of living, and of the art of loving.” Pope Francis also spoke of her tender care, saying, “Never forget, young friends, the Virgin Mary is our mother, and with her help, we can remain faithful to Christ.” He emphasized that Marian devotion does not diminish our faith and love for Jesus Christ, the one true mediator between God and humankind. On the contrary, he explained that “entrustment to Our Lady is a privileged path, tested by numerous saints, for a more faithful following of the Lord.” The saints themselves saw Mary as a companion on the journey and encouraged the faithful to nurture love for her.Saint John Bosco once said, “Trust in Mary and see what miracles are.”Saint Francis of Assisi taught that “when we speak the name of Mary, heaven becomes more beautiful, the earth rejoices, demons are terrified, and vanish like dust in the wind.” Pope Benedict XVI beautifully expressed that “in contemplating the face of Christ and in Christ, the face of the Father, Mary Most Holy precedes, sustains, and accompanies us.” He further explained in his December 8, 2005, homily that “for this reason, she can be a mother of every consolation and every help, a mother whom anyone can dare to address in any kind of need, weakness, or even in sin, for she has understanding for everything and is for everyone the open power of creative goodness.” Mary’s complete union with God is the reason she is so close to humankind. Her presence is a constant reminder that through her intercession, we find comfort, strength, and the path to her Son, Jesus Christ.