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.”
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.
Sister of Mercy Marks 25 Years of Religious Life in Lusaka
By Sr. Jacqueline Ngosa and Sr. Christine Musonda, SOM, Mansa CNCS Hub A Sister of Mercy celebrates a silver jubilee at Holy Spirit Parish in Lusaka, marking 25 years of religious life and service to the Church and the community. Sr.Getrude Nayame has marked 25 years of dedicated service to the Lord, serving the community with love, compassion and devotion in the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy. In his homily, the parish priest praised Sr. Getrude for her selfless service and dedication to God. He said Sr. Getrude’s example is a shining testimony to the power of God’s love and mercy, demonstrated through her lifelong commitment to serving others. “We are all grateful for her presence among us,” he said. During the celebration, the parish priest presented Sr. Getrude with a special gift from Pope Leo XIV in appreciation of her 25 years of dedicated service to the Lord. And the Superior General of the Sisters of Mercy, Sr. Delphine Kalisha, said she is grateful to God for the gift of Sr. Getrude to the congregation. “We give thanks to the Lord for the gift of Sr. Gertrude to our congregation,” she said. She said the 25 years of dedicated service are a testament to Sr. Getrude’s love for God and her commitment to the sisterhood. “We are grateful for her example and her dedication to serving others,” she said. The Superior General also thanked the people Sr. Getrude has served for allowing her to minister to them and for supporting her vocation. She further encouraged other Sisters, especially young Sisters, to look up to Sr. Getrude as an example of religious life. “We encourage our young Sisters to look up to Sr. Gertrude as a model of faith, hope and love. May her example inspire you to be faithful to your vocation and to serve others with joy and generosity,” she said. And the chaplain of the Sisters of Mercy Congregation, Fr. Chrispine Mwila, said Sr. Getrude is a true embodiment of the charism of the congregation. Fr. Mwila said her 25 years of service reflect her love for God and commitment to serving others. “We are grateful for her presence among us and pray that she will continue to be a source of inspiration to all,” he said. And Sr. Getrude expressed gratitude to God and to the people of God who have supported her throughout her journey. “I am grateful to God for calling me to this vocation and to the people of God who have walked with me, supporting me every step of the way,” she said. Meanwhile, a family representative Memory Nayame said the family is grateful to God for Sr. Getrude’s vocation and proud of her dedication to the Lord. Mrs. Nayame said Sr. Getrude’s commitment to serving others has been an inspiration to the entire family. She added that the family appreciates the support and love Sr. Getrude has received from the congregation and the people she has served. “We pray that God will continue to bless her and guide her as she continues to serve the Lord,”Mrs.Nayame said. And a parishioner, Mrs. Agnes Banda, said Sr. Getrude has been a role model and a true servant of God, adding that the parish is grateful for her presence.
Archbishop Banda Praises Daughters of the Redeemer for Championing Social Justice
By Sr. Beatrice Mwansa, D.O.R — Lusaka CNCS Hub Archbishop of Lusaka, Dr. Alick Banda, has commended the Daughters of the Redeemer for their steadfast commitment to social justice and service to the poor. Speaking during the Golden Jubilee celebration of Sr. Rosemary Nyondo and Sr. Catherine Kaimfa at Mount Zion, Archbishop Banda hailed the congregation for its pioneering spirit in various fields, including public policy, governance, education and communications. “You carry the congregation’s institutional memory,” the Archbishop said, urging the sisters to ensure this legacy is passed on to younger members. He further challenged the Sisters to be attentive to the signs of the times and to discern new areas where the Church is calling them to serve. The archbishop prayed that the Holy Spirit may guide them in their mission and expressed gratitude for the congregation’s ongoing contribution to the evangelization work of the Archdiocese of Lusaka. And in his homily, Very Reverend Fr. Andrew Simpasa, Vicar General of the Archdiocese, congratulated the jubilarians for reaching a remarkable milestone of 50 years in religious life. “They have run this race for fifty years. It is not a small thing unless you experience God at a personal level. He is the Alpha and the Omega,” Fr. Simpasa said. He reminded the faithful that every person is created for a purpose and called to fulfill God’s mission. “If we live outside God’s purpose, we become restless,” he said. “The poor in spirit know their lives depend on God.” Turning to the two sisters, Fr. Simpasa added, “Sr. Catherine and Sr. Rosemary, as we celebrate your many years of service in the vineyard of God, you encourage all of us. Keep your eyes on Jesus.’’ Meanwhile, Superior General, Rev. Sr. Prisca Matenga, also paid tribute to the founding members, thanking them for their sacrifice, dedication and leadership. “We stand on your shoulders,” she said. “The congregation has grown in making the Redeemer known and loved in our schools, hospitals, parishes, formation houses and among the poor and vulnerable.” The celebration drew members of the congregation, families, clergy and friends. The Divine Mercy Parish Choir animated the liturgy with uplifting hymns that added to the joyous atmosphere. As the Daughters of the Redeemer marked five decades of faithful service, the event served as both a tribute to the pioneers and a call for renewal in the congregation’s mission of making Christ known and loved.
Hundreds of Consecrated Men and Women Celebrate National Pilgrimage in Lusaka
By Sr. Christabel Kazembe, (S.O.M), Lusaka CNCS Hub Hundreds of consecrated men and women from across Zambia gather for a national pilgrimage under the theme ‘’Pilgrims of Hope on the Way of Peace,’’ celebrating consecrated life with prayer, reflection and fellowship. The pilgrimage began at Chelstone Parish and concluded at the Marian Shrine in Lusaka, with participants praying, singing and reflecting together along the way. The event was led by Rt. Rev. Bishop George Lungu of Chipata Diocese, Director for Consecrated Life at the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), who accompanied the pilgrims throughout the journey. Bishop Lungu said his presence was a sign that Zambia’s bishops remain close to consecrated men and women in their mission. During his homily at the Marian Shrine, Bishop Lungu reflected on the life of Mary as a model of faith and perseverance and reminded participants that consecrated life, like Mary, carries Christ to the world. “Pilgrimage is not only a physical journey but also a spiritual reminder that our charisms are gifts of hope for the Church, particularly in the rural and remote parts of Zambia where God’s people most need encouragement,” he said. Meanwhile, Sr. Delphine Kalisha, Superior General of the Sisters of Mercy, described the Jubilee as a moment of reflection on how consecrated people are called to give hope in a world full of suffering and uncertainty. She noted that many families struggle without food and that political challenges and difficulties within the Church often make people feel there is no light at the end of the tunnel. “This has been a very good moment of reflection at a personal level, as well as for groups or congregations. Living in harmony and happiness can inspire hope in society,’’ Sr. Delphine said. She urged young religious to remain courageous and said the Church needed their presence to inspire future generations. “Without religious life in the Church there would be a very big gap,” Sr. Delphine said. “So have courage and have faith because hope goes with faith. Things may be difficult but there is that green light.”