Zambian Religious Renew Commitment On World Day of Consecrated Life
By CNCS Monze Hub Religious men and women serving in the Catholic Church have been urged to renew their daily commitment to God and humanity as the Church observes the World Day of Consecrated Life, a celebration highlighting the role of consecrated persons in society. Speaking during the celebration in Monze Diocese, former Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS) Chairperson, Sr. Justina Adogu of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary, said consecrated life is not a one-time event but a daily renewal of one’s “yes” to God. Sr. Adogu described religious women as “instruments” in God’s hands, saying they are used wherever God wishes, particularly in serving vulnerable communities. “We are not chosen because we are worthy, but because the Lord considers us instruments in His hands. Like pencils, He uses us to write wherever He desires,” she said. She noted that in the context of the Year of the Family, Religious women continue to play a vital role by living and working closely with families, offering spiritual and social support across communities in Monze Diocese. Meanwhile, Br. Moses Kashokela of the Christian Brothers, currently serving in Mazabuka, said the World Day of Consecrated Life was important not only for Religious men and women but for all people. He explained that the celebration recalls the Presentation of the Lord in the Church and serves as a reminder of the commitment believers made when they first said yes to God. “This day reminds us of the day that we said yes to the Lord. It is more or less like it is reminding us of our baptism. So this day is a reminder to all of us,” he said. Br. Kashokela encouraged young boys and men to consider Religious life despite modern challenges, including violence and technology distractions. “They need to come back to the Lord, because we cannot live without the Lord. So this day is a very, very important day for young ones,” he said. And Sr. Joyce Miyanda of the Religious Sisters of the Holy Spirit said the homily preached during the celebration challenged her to sit before God and present herself to Him, just as God presents her to the world, so that she may be strengthened to serve others. “By doing so, I am energised to be a Formator in the world. People who are wounded need me to be present and help them find consolation,” she said. The World Day of Consecrated Life is observed each year on 2 February by the Catholic Church to recognise and appreciate the contribution of Religious men and women to the life of the Church and society.
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.
Zambia Association of Sisterhoods Celebrates Feast of Consecrated Life Amid Jubilee Year of Hope
By Sr. Abigail Mwaka and Sr. Stella Nyirongo, Monze Diocese The Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS) in Monze Diocese celebrated the 2025 Feast of Consecrated Life with great enthusiasm and style. This feast, which falls annually on February 2nd, coincides with the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. This year’s celebration was particularly significant as it coincided with the Jubilee Year of Hope. During the Holy Mass, Bishop Raphael Mweempwa encouraged the Sisters to embrace hope by living harmoniously and fostering strong relationships within their communities. He further urged them to carry the message of hope wherever they go, serving as a light in their mission. Bishop Mweempwa also expressed deep gratitude for the contributions of consecrated men and women in the diocese, recognizing their work as a profound sign of hope. He highlighted that the presence of all who joined the celebration reflected the shared call to holiness. This joyous occasion served as a reminder of the unity and purpose that consecrated life brings to the Church and the world.
Religious Sisters of the Holy Spirit Celebrate the First Profession of Four Novices
By Sr. Violet Sinakaimbi, Monze Diocese Four novices from the Congregation of the Religious Sisters of the Holy Spirit made their first profession of vows during a Mass held at Charles Lwanga College Chapel on Saturday. The newly professed sisters are Grace Phiri, Mary Moondwa, Mary Ngandu, and Constridah Kayuuna. The ceremony was presided over by Bishop Raphael Mweempwa of Monze Diocese and attended by family members, friends, and fellow religious. In his homily, Fr. Gregory Mulobela, Rector of Chikuni Mission, encouraged the sisters to remain committed to Christ through a strong prayer life and deep community bonds. “This is best done through commitment to both personal and other forms of prayer,” he said. “Community life is very important, it will give you good support in your vocation.” Fr. Mulobela thanked the families of the newly professed sisters for their generosity in allowing the Sisters to pursue their vocation to religious life. He urged the newly professed Sisters to positively embrace the challenges they encountered during their formation, as they were meant to prepare them to survive in any situation without much difficulty.