Three Salesian Sisters Make First Profession in South Africa in 44 Years
By Sr. Tryness Mulubwa, CNCS Lusaka Hub Three young women from the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco in South Africa have made their first profession of vows, the first in 44 years, marking a significant milestone for the province. The three Sisters are Sr. Alphoncina Matseleng Nonyana from Lesotho, Sr. Octovia Mante Tamogale and Sr. Sylvia Kesebelwang Vedala, becoming the first South African sisters to profess vows in their province in decades. The profession took place on 5 August, the feast of the foundation of their institute, St. Mary Mazzarello, who established the congregation in 1872. The Eucharistic celebration was held at South Africa’s Carmelite Parish and was celebrated by Fr. Bongi Nkosi, a Salesian of Don Bosco and concelebrated by 15 priests from various congregations. Fr. Nkosi highlighted the historical significance of St. Mary Mazzarello Day, when 11 companions made their first profession in the presence of Don Bosco and the Bishop of Acqui. Referring to the Gospel of the rich young man, Fr. Nkosi invited the Sisters and all present to examine their hearts. ‘’While the young man in the Gospel followed the commandments, he struggled to let go of his possessions. The challenge for us is not only about surrendering material wealth but about surrendering everything to Christ,’’ he said. Addressing the newly professed Sisters, Fr. Nkosi reminded them that true discipleship involves identifying and letting go of anything, be it riches, relationships, or power, that hinders their relationship with God. He urged them to prioritize their relationship with Christ, to be fully present among the young and to lead them to God rather than to themselves. Fr. Nkosi further emphasized that the mission is to raise saints, as was done with Dominic Savio and Laura Vicuña and challenged them to believe that saints can also arise from Africa. He encouraged the Sisters that as they join their respective communities, these communities, though not perfect, will walk with them and support them in their journey of perseverance. Fr. Nkosi reminded all that the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience are not burdens but joyful responses to God’s call. ‘’Young people today need to see joyful religious, those who have surrendered not with sadness, but with freedom and joy,’’ he said. Fr. Nkosi thanked the three sisters for courageously responding to God’s call and expressed gratitude to their families and all those who accompanied them on their vocational journey.
LUSAKA – 22 Girls Receive Sacraments at Laura Girls Secondary School
By Sr. Tryness Mulubwa, ZAS Hub Twenty-two girls from Laura Girls Secondary School in Kasama have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Communion during a Mass held at the Laura Centre Formation House chapel. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Patrick Sebyera, a Missionary of Africa. During the homily, Fr. Patrick encouraged the girls to always be hospitable and loving towards one another. The girls who received the sacraments expressed their gratitude to the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco for their accompaniment during the period of preparation. “I am happy and I feel so strong spiritually,” Justina Chilame said. Vannesa Nachiwala said that her relationship with God has moved to another level. This is the second time such an event has taken place at the school.
MAZZARELLO SKILLS TRAINING CENTRE: STITCH AND SUSTAIN
By Sr. Godelieve Ruvugo Kayobera Mazzarello Skills Training Centre has obtained the TEVETA Fund to train 40 students in Tailoring. Mazzarello Skills Training Centre Administrator Sr. Godelieve Ruvugo Kayobera says in accordance with the 8th National Development Plan and17 Sustainable Development Goals, TEVETA has committed itself to reach out to as many students as possible in skills training and developing, which contributes to the development of Zambian citizens. She adds that the funds help students to overcome the challenges of paying school fees and buying sewing materials. Sr. Godelieve explains that the skill training Centre was established in response to the problems of poverty and lack of education of the young girls in Mansa. In light of the problems of poverty and lack of education, the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco opened Mazzarello Skills Training Centre in 2005, in order to empower with skills all those who needed to be trained so that they could become self-reliant and provide for the needs of their families. Sr. Godelieve She adds that reaching out to the poor and abandoned young girls is in according with their charism of education and evangelization of young people, especially those who are poor and abandoned. The Salesian Sisters became aware of the number of girls and women who needed a space for training because they dropped out from schools after they failed to pass Grade 7 or Grade 9 exams. Some of them who are married or single mothers bring their children to Don Bosco community school expressed their need of going back to school and finding means to raise up their children. Sr. Godelieve She says for the past years, Mazzarello Skills Training Centre has offered skills of sewing, typing, cooking even carpentry, for short term and long term. She adds that the mission of the institution is based on the awareness that “Education is the key to success. Mazzarello Skills Training Centre is committed to empowering the students with skills in fashion design and textile technology so that they overcome poverty and gender inequalities as well as participate to the development of the country through income generating activities. We are certain that our students once empowered with skills, vested as good Christians and honest citizens they will be able to promote activities for sustainable development. Sr. Godelieve The Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco officially called Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) came to Zambia in 1984. They have established their presence in Lusaka, Mazabuka, Mansa, Luwingu and Kasama.