Sisters of Mercy Complete Five-Day Culinary Skills Workshop in Mansa
By Sr. Gladys Chama, SOM Mansa, CNCS Hub Thirteen novices and postulants from the Sisters of Mercy, together with their novice mistress, completed a five-day culinary workshop at Medium View Lodge in Mansa to strengthen community service. The workshop, held from 13 to 17 January 2026, also attracted staff from Medium View Lodge and Spaita Centre, as well as participants from Samfya and Namwandwe areas, bringing the total number of participants to 19. Participants were trained in pastry, including red velvet cake, meatballs, cheese macaroni and mini pizzas. Chef Given Bulanda, proprietor of Gilanda Foods Enterprise in Lusaka, said the training equipped participants with hands-on pastry skills to begin production immediately after four days of intensive learning. She added that the workshop emphasised kitchen and personal hygiene, menu and recipe development, ingredient functionality and practical tasting. “The skills gained during the training will strengthen the Sisters of Mercy’s ministry, improve meal preparation, support tuck shop management and enable the production of pastry items for visitors and external clients,” said Chef Given. And Sisters of Mercy Novice Mistress, Sr. Anastasia Kalingeme, said the training reflects the Congregation’s commitment to serving communities through practical skills. “The Sisters of Mercy will use these skills to serve food at soup kitchens, hospitals and during community events,” she said. Sr. Anastasia said the workshop came about after Mrs. Charity Makasa, owner of Medium View Lodge, invited Chef Given to train her staff and extended the opportunity to the Sisters of Mercy and the wider community through Radio Yangeni. She added that Chef Given encouraged participants to use natural ingredients and grow their own spices such as mint, rosemary and parsley to enhance flavour. The participants welcomed the training, with novice Blessings Nakamba saying it would help improve her cooking skills, while postulant Prisca Mwila said the skills acquired align with their mission of service. Meanwhile, Sr. Anastasia thanked Chef Given and Mrs. Makasa for their support and said the chef has been invited to conduct a follow-up session in April.
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.
Sisters of Mercy Bring Compassionate Care to St. Margaret Hospital Kasaba
By Sr. Christine Musonda, SOM, Mansa – CNCS Hub At St. Margaret Mission Hospital in Kasaba, the Sisters of Mercy continue to provide compassionate care and support to patients, families and the wider community, despite facing staffing and resource challenges in this rural area. Hospital Administrator Sr. Faustina Nsama said the Sisters’ work is guided by faith and a commitment to serving the vulnerable. “Every person is worthy of love, care and dignity. Our motivation comes from seeing patients recover,” she explained. The hospital faces ongoing challenges, including limited medical equipment, staffing shortages, and inadequate supplies. Currently, the hospital operates at 46% of its staffing capacity and lacks essential equipment such as X-ray machines and neonatal incubators. Patients often have to travel 170 kilometers for specialized services. Clinical Officer Thelma Wabupe highlighted the difficulties in maternity and intensive care. “Most of the babies who need intensive care are put in the general ward with their mothers. Some patients are forced to stay home because services are not available locally,” she said. Despite these constraints, those caring for patients continue to praise the Sisters’ dedication. “We are well received, patients are given medicines according to their illness, provided with food and the hospital is clean. Patients are also encouraged to take good care of themselves,” said bedside attendant Lilian Mwansa. The Sisters of Mercy uphold the vision of their founder Archbishop James Mwewa Spaita, bringing mercy and compassion to those in need. Through their ministry, they transform lives, offering hope, healing and spiritual support to patients and the broader community. Sr. Nsama emphasizes that faith and teamwork guide daily work. “We combine spiritual and physical care. Even in difficult circumstances, we strive to be resourceful and give the best service we can,” she said. St. Margaret Mission Hospital continues to be a beacon of love and compassion, ensuring patients receive care rooted in dignity, empathy and hope.
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.”
Nuncio Urges Consecrated Men and Women to Be Beacons of Hope
By Sr. Beatrice Mwansa and Sr. Martha Chanda, Lusaka CNCS Hub The Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, has urged religious men and women in Zambia to recommit themselves as “beacons of peace and hope” in a society where many people struggle with despair and uncertainty. Speaking on Sunday at the Marian Shrine during the Jubilee celebration for consecrated men and women, held under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope on the Way of Peace,” Archbishop Perici emphasized the need for religious communities to remain agents of hope. “Every Jubilee is a perfect moment to ask yourself if your activities truly bring hope to the people you serve,” he said. “We live in a society that robs people of peace and hope. Yet, we are called to express our unique charisms and dedicate ourselves to those devastated by life.” He described the Jubilee as a time for spiritual renewal and self-examination, urging religious men and women to “fix the things we have not done right in the past” and recommit to their vows. “We are God’s vessels. Let us recommit ourselves to the promises we made,” Archbishop Perici added. During the celebration, the Nuncio also conferred the papal blessing with plenary indulgence upon all those present at the Holy Mass. And Rt. Rev. Bishop George Lungu, Director of Religious in Zambia, assured consecrated men and women of the love and support of the entire Church, especially the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB). Bishop Lungu said the ZCCB remains committed to accompanying consecrated people “in a spirit of synodality,” ensuring they are always cherished, encouraged and supported as part of one family of God. He acknowledged the challenges facing consecrated life today, such as vocations, perseverance, cultural change and material limitations but urged them not to be discouraged, calling these trials “opportunities to renew your yes to the Lord with greater trust.” “As the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life reminds us, Consecrated Life is called to be a laboratory of communion, a place where the Gospel becomes tangible in fraternity and mission. Therefore, go forth from this Jubilee celebration with renewed zeal,” Bishop Lungu said. He further encouraged consecrated people to be courageous witnesses of hope in a world wounded by conflict, corruption, division and indifference. Bishop Lungu said Zambia needs their example of selfless service and their prophetic voice of truth. Meanwhile, Sr. Petronella Bweupe of the Sisters of Mercy described the Pilgrimage of Consecrated Men and Women as a moment of both personal and collective encounter with the Lord. She said it was a time to rekindle a flame of hope in the midst of adversities facing the country and the world. “It was a journey together with the Church. It brought me a realization of the gift we are to the Church as consecrated men and women. This moment for me was one of renewal,” Sr. Petronella said. She added that the pilgrimage was also a reminder of the prophetic voice held by consecrated men and women through their apostolates and their daily interactions with the people they serve. “I came to realize that we cannot succeed in our apostolates in isolation. We can only succeed when we are in solidarity with the entire Church. For me, this was a walking together in all our lived experiences,” she said. And Sr. Valeria Kabaso,Chairperson of the Zambia Association of Sisterhoods, thanked consecrated men and women for their dedication, service and commitment to living out the Gospel. “You have been a shining example of hope and peace in our world and your journey will inspire us all to continue seeking God’s will in our lives,” Sr. Valeria said.