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.
EMPOWERED TO SERVE: KALUNDU STUDY CENTRE CELEBRATES FORMATION AND LEADERSHIP GRADUATION OF 12 SISTERS ACROSS AFRICA
Kalundu Study Centre in Lusaka recently celebrated the graduation of twelve Sisters who successfully completed the Formation and Leadership course during its 44th annual ceremony. Mass was celebrated by Fr. Leonard Namuvumba, who reminded the sisters of their mission to serve with love, peace, and hope. Drawing inspiration from the graduation theme: “Transformed by Christ, Your Love, Lord, Impels Us to Go and Bear Witness,” Fr. Namuvumba encouraged the graduating sisters to carry this transformation forward as they leave the center and step into their new roles within their congregations and communities. ”Go and bear witness of his love, of his peace, and of his goodness,” Fr. Namuvumba said. He encouraged the Sisters that wherever they go, they should be signs of life, signs of God and signs of transformation. Fr. Namvumba pointed out to the Sisters that they were now “pilgrims of hope,” called to serve with greater peace, generosity, and dedication. ”Our payer for our Sisters who are graduating today is that your generosity, and your kindness will stand greatly to your Christ and to your credit in the sight of God. And the Gospel simply says the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. And so the Lord sends hope,” he said. Acknowledging the challenges the Sisters may encounter, Fr. Namuvumba urged the sisters to remain steadfast in their commitment. ”Be joyful in all situations and do not let your life become a procession to the grave,” he said. And Sr. Clare Moomba, guest of honor and the Regional Leader for the Religious Sisters of Charity commended Kalundu Study Centre for training Sisters and for offering ongoing formation and capacity building to religious women in various stages of formation and leadership. She said that for nearly half a century, the institution has continued to exert a lot of influence in religious congregations in Zambia and across Africa through commitment and hard work. ”I am pleased to say that Kalundu Study Centre is our source of pride because the institution has continued to grow from strength to strength despite the many challenges. It is in these many challenges that the institution works to discover opportunities for growth.” Sr. Clare said. She further encouraged the graduates to embody their training as ambassadors of hope, love, and transformative leadership. Meanwhile, the student leader for the graduating students Sr. Yvonne Mulenga, thanked Kalundu administration and staff for their dedication and support for creating a conducive environment for the students. ”We truly treasure the memories shared with profound gratitude. During various occasions, trips and circumstances in health, sickness, joys, and sorrows, you stood by us. When we encountered challenges like load shedding, water problems, and internet, you quickly came in and provided alternatives,” she said. The student leader encouraged her fellow graduates that as they return to their communities they should embody the values they had embraced at Kalundu: leadership, resilience, humility, and a commitment to lifelong learning. The twelve Sisters who graduated at Kalundu Study Centre come from four different countries across Africa and these are: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.