Fr. Mwape Urges Religious Sisters to Serve Selflessly, Emulate Christ
By Sr. Beatrice Mwansa, Lusaka CNCS Hub A Catholic priest has urged religious Sisters to serve selflessly and follow Christ in total obedience, drawing inspiration from His life and sacrifice. Fr. Augustine Mwape, OFM Cap., made the appeal on Saturday during the first profession of vows by Sr. Florence Bwalya Lwando of the Daughters of the Redeemer congregation at Mount Zion. Fr. Mwape emphasized the transformative nature of religious vows, noting that by professing chastity, poverty, and obedience, the Sisters take on a new identity rooted in Christ. “Your life belongs to Christ,” he said. “You shall love Him more deeply, listen to His voice, and be ready to serve Him selflessly.” He urged the congregation to follow Jesus’ example, who gave Himself entirely for the redemption of humanity. “Jesus did not stand in the way of others. He was loyal to God and gave His life totally. There is no need to serve two masters,” Fr. Mwape said. He encouraged the Sisters to remain steadfast in their calling and assured them of God’s constant guidance and protection, likening it to the way He led the Israelites out of bondage. Fr. Mwape further called on the Sisters to be agents of change, faithful and committed to their vocation, with Christ as their constant inspiration. Meanwhile, Superior General of the Daughters of the Redeemer, Sr. Prisca Matenga, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Capuchin Fathers and all formators for their unwavering spiritual support and guidance offered to the formation house. Sr. Prisca also extended appreciation to the parents of Sr. Florence Bwalya Lwando for offering their daughter in service to God, acknowledging the significance of their sacrifice and support. She assured Sr. Florence of the congregation’s solidarity, promising that the sisters would stand by her, especially during times of difficulty and spiritual testing. The ceremony was characterized by moments of deep prayer, joyful celebration, and heartfelt thanksgiving as the congregation welcomed Sr. Florence into her new life of religious commitment with open arms and renewed hope.