ZCCB Praises Religious for Their Service, Urges Them to Be Bearers of Hope
By Sr. Maria Kasongo (D.O.R), Lusaka CNCS Hub The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has commended the invaluable contribution of religious men and women across the country, describing them as a source of hope and strength for society. Speaking on behalf of the bishops during the Jubilee celebrations for the Consecrated, held under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope, walking in Peace.” at the Marian Shrine in Lusaka, Bishop George Lungu, Director for the Religious, hailed the commitment of the Religious Sisters, Brothers and Priests serving in various ministries. “Religious men and women do tremendous work all over the country,” Bishop Lungu said. “You are called to be hope for the hopeless, a voice for the voiceless and a source of strength for one another.” Drawing inspiration from Mary, the mother of Jesus, Bishop Lungu urged the consecrated to model their lives on her faithfulness. “Like Mary, may our lives be a constant ‘yes’ to God,” he said. The Bishop acknowledged the many challenges faced by religious communities in their diverse ministries but stressed that it is in such trials that resilience and strength are found. “We must not lose hope,” he reminded them. Bishop Lungu also encouraged the religious to be living witnesses of Christ’s love within their communities. “Let your actions be a testament to the love of Christ and let that love transform the world,” he said. Meanwhile, the Bishop expressed concern over growing despair among youth, which he said sometimes leads to tragic choices such as suicide. “The youth have a right to a bright future, yet many lose hope. We are called to encourage them and give them hope,” he added. The Jubilee celebrations brought together religious men and women from across Zambia to reflect on their vocation and renew their mission of service as pilgrims of hope committed to peace.
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.