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.”
Bishop Kasonde Commends Sisters’ Work in Solwezi Diocese
By Sr. Nasilele Simushi OP – Ndola CNCS Hub Bishop Charles J.S. Kasonde of the Catholic Diocese of Solwezi has commended the Sisters serving in the diocese for the impressive work they do in the church. He said this during the Mass of the exchange visit of the Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS) Sisters from the Archdiocese of Ndola to the Sisters in Solwezi. He said a diocese cannot fully respond to the various needs of the people of God without the involvement of Sisters, hence the need to have Sisters in dioceses. “Sisters you are a beacon for the Diocese,’’ said Bishop Kasonde. He also likened the Sisters to flowers that attract different insects for sap. Additionally, Friar Ferena Lambe OFM encouraged the Sisters to take time for recollection days, to reflect and contemplate on their lives to improve their well-being, during a presentation talk under the theme, “Wellness of the Consecrated Women.” “The world is on the move and everyone is busy, therefore, Sisters are not exempted from this reality. We suffer burnouts of various kinds and this affects our overall well-being,’’ he said. Friar Lambe urged the Sisters to take good care of themselves if they are to remain effective in their ministry. Meanwhile, Sr. Annie Kambafwile, a Franciscan Missionary Sister of Assisi and Solwezi ZAS chairperson, expressed gratitude to the Sisters for the collaboration shown between the two dioceses. She further thanked the Sisters for the initiative of this exchange visit, as it serves as a channel of learning from one another.
DAUGHTERS OF THE REDEEMER (DOR) TOAST DUAL CELEBRATIONS
The Daughters of the Redeemer (DOR) Sisters had a mutual celebration of the feast of “the Exaltation of the cross” as well as the Silver Jubilee for Sr. Martha Doreen Kaseba on Saturday 14 September in Mt. Zion. The Mass was celebrated by the Very Rev. Fr. Andrew Simpasa SJ, the Vicar General of Archdiocese of Lusaka. In his homily, Fr. Simpasa said that the feast of the cross reminded us of the love of God for humanity. He encouraged the Christians to continue trusting in the Lord Jesus who is the ultimate victor and always walks with us in all our trials. ”Whatever we go through in life, be it trials or temptations, God has the final say. We never walk alone. If we preserver in doing good works, we will see the light of day,” Fr. Simpasa said. The Vicar General emphasized that for Christians to be true disciples, they need to pick up their cross and follow the Lord. ”If we deny to carry our cross, we are not worthy to be his disciples. Jesus transformed the cross which was a symbol of terror and fear into a symbol of life,” he stated. He urged all to continue serving the Lord with love in their life. In giving the reflection of her life, Sr. Kaseba presented a symbol of the praying hands and a candle signifying the presence of God in her life who always listened to her prayers whenever she called upon him. She summarised her faith journey as one of surrender and gratitude to the Almighty God. Sr. Martha has served the Church as a lecturer at the Catholic University in Kalulushi and currently Heads Mpelembe Secondary School in Kitwe. And Sr. Prisca Matenga, Superior General, thanked Sr. Martha’s parents for allowing her to become a religious sister during her vote of thanks. She also acknowledged Sr. Martha’s giftedness to the Congregation and appreciated everyone who helped make the celebration colorful. Among those present were many Christians from Lusaka Archdiocese, Ndola Archdiocese and Kabwe diocese where Sr. Martha hails from. Others were the Daughters candidates, aspirants, Postulants and novices. The Daughters of the Redeemer celebrate the “Exaltation of the cross “as the feast day of the Congregation.