Sr. Yvette Renews Religious Vows at Chikuni Mission as Community Celebrates Welcome and Farewell
By Sr. Cleopatra Nakwenda,R.S.C, Monze CNCS Hub A Religious Sister of Charity has renewed her religious vows at Chikuni Mission in Monze District. Sr. Yvette Uwimpuhwe reaffirmed her commitment to the vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service of the poor during a Holy Mass held at the mission. The renewal, witnessed by fellow Religious Sisters of Charity, clergy and members of the local community, was an important stage in Sr. Yvette’s vocation journey, three years after her profession as a Sister of Charity. Sr. Yvette said she was grateful for her vocation, noting that her years in religious life had been a time of growth, fulfilment and renewed commitment to service. “My years as a Religious Sister of Charity have been filled with experiences that have brought growth, joy and inspiration, further strengthening my desire to serve the Lord,” she said. She added that challenges encountered along the way had contributed to her personal and spiritual development as part of her calling to share in Christ’s mission. Sr. Yvette attributed her perseverance to God’s guidance, strength and peace and thanked her fellow Sisters, family members, spiritual mentors and friends for their continued support, particularly through prayer and spiritual direction. “My vocation is an ongoing journey that requires a deliberate decision to serve God and His people,” she said. “The vows of chastity, poverty, obedience and service of the poor remain essential in that mission.” The Mass was presided over by Chikuni Parish priest and Rector of the Society of Jesus in Chikuni, Fr. Gregory Mulobela, SJ. In his homily, based on Isaiah 43:1–7 and John 15:9–17, Fr. Mulobela reflected on God’s initiative in calling individuals to His service. “These readings remind us that God chose us, we did not choose Him,” Fr. Mulobela said. “It is God’s love and grace that enable us to respond faithfully.” He encouraged Sr. Yvette to remain rooted in prayer and spiritual formation, noting that service to others, especially the poor, flows naturally from a life grounded in God. And during the same Mass, Sr. Cleopatra Nakwenda was formally welcomed to Chikuni Mission as she took up her new assignment. Fr. Mulobela wished Cleopatra God’s blessings as she began her new assignment. Meanwhile, the community also bid farewell to Sr. Francesca Mutelo, who is leaving for a new mission in Kabwe after serving in Chikuni for 11 years. Fr Mulobela thanked Sr. Francesca for her dedicated service to the people of Chikuni and prayed for God’s guidance as she begins her new mission.