FOREVER YOURS LORD
BY SR. TRYNESS MULUBWA Three Sisters from the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters) have pronounced their lifelong commitment to be Christ’s brides eternally until death, marking a significant milestone in their lives. The three Sisters, Sr. Hellen Kalesu, Sr. Fridah Longolongo, and Sr. Christine Mukonde, pledged to continue serving the Lord and working towards the salvation of young people, especially the underprivileged, aiming to guide them to become virtuous Christians and upright citizens. Mass was held at St. James Parish Chimese in Mansa and was celebrated by Rt. Rev. Patrick Chisanga OFM.CONV, Bishop of Mansa. In his inspiring homily, Bishop Chisanga reminded the Sisters that God’s love is unconditional, irrespective of the actions of the Sisters, quoting, “God says I knew you before you were born, meaning before you did anything good or bad.” He also encouraged the Sisters to trust and obey their Superiors’ decisions, even when they may not fully comprehend them, and to have faith in the Lord who called them to this vocation. Furthermore, Bishop Chisanga urged the Sisters to cultivate discernment in their lives, cautioning them about the devil’s ability to disguise himself in various forms, such as fellow Sisters, Priests, or modern gadgets. He also stressed the importance of constructive criticism among the Sisters and the need to adapt their communities to accommodate one another. Additionally, he advised parents to be mindful of the information they share with their daughters.
NOTHING IS TOO LITTLE TO SHARE
“When I have some time free from work, I walk to Shoprite to talk and listen to their stories… By Sr. Martha Chanda The streets of Mansa in Luapula Province are not exempt from the presence of street children. In the vicinity of Shoprite, one can observe numerous children wandering, often hungry and begging for food and money. Their plight plainly highlights the realities of hunger and poverty within our society. Sr. Patricia Mubanga Mulenga is a Religious Sister from the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy who has dedicated herself to the service of street children in Mansa. Inspired by her Congregation’s charism of compassion and the example given by the Founder Archbishop James Mwewa Spaita, who loved the homeless, coupled with her professional counselling skills, Sr. Patricia is able to interact with these children with competence and compassion. During her free time, she often walks to Shoprite to talk and listen to the children. She believes every child, regardless of their circumstances, is a child of God deserving of a better life. Sr. Patricia says she is inspired to lend a helping hand by the resilience of some of the children, who despite the numerous challenges on the streets are fending for their families. When I see them hungry and whenever I have something, I am compelled to give, not only food but in other ways as well. Sometimes my community and I go out of our way and share what we have from our table and sometimes from well-wishers. I find joy in cooking nice food for them to eat even if it is only one meal for a small group. The story of the five loaves and two fish in the bible always charges me on. Nothing is too little to share. Sr. Patricia. Sr. Patricia says she desires to establish a skills center were these children can be empowered with different practical skills rather than being on the streets. She is appealing to people of goodwill to partner with her in changing the lives of these children by empowering them with the needed skills, shelter and love.