Archbishop Banda Praises Daughters of the Redeemer for Championing Social Justice
By Sr. Beatrice Mwansa, D.O.R — Lusaka CNCS Hub Archbishop of Lusaka, Dr. Alick Banda, has commended the Daughters of the Redeemer for their steadfast commitment to social justice and service to the poor. Speaking during the Golden Jubilee celebration of Sr. Rosemary Nyondo and Sr. Catherine Kaimfa at Mount Zion, Archbishop Banda hailed the congregation for its pioneering spirit in various fields, including public policy, governance, education and communications. “You carry the congregation’s institutional memory,” the Archbishop said, urging the sisters to ensure this legacy is passed on to younger members. He further challenged the Sisters to be attentive to the signs of the times and to discern new areas where the Church is calling them to serve. The archbishop prayed that the Holy Spirit may guide them in their mission and expressed gratitude for the congregation’s ongoing contribution to the evangelization work of the Archdiocese of Lusaka. And in his homily, Very Reverend Fr. Andrew Simpasa, Vicar General of the Archdiocese, congratulated the jubilarians for reaching a remarkable milestone of 50 years in religious life. “They have run this race for fifty years. It is not a small thing unless you experience God at a personal level. He is the Alpha and the Omega,” Fr. Simpasa said. He reminded the faithful that every person is created for a purpose and called to fulfill God’s mission. “If we live outside God’s purpose, we become restless,” he said. “The poor in spirit know their lives depend on God.” Turning to the two sisters, Fr. Simpasa added, “Sr. Catherine and Sr. Rosemary, as we celebrate your many years of service in the vineyard of God, you encourage all of us. Keep your eyes on Jesus.’’ Meanwhile, Superior General, Rev. Sr. Prisca Matenga, also paid tribute to the founding members, thanking them for their sacrifice, dedication and leadership. “We stand on your shoulders,” she said. “The congregation has grown in making the Redeemer known and loved in our schools, hospitals, parishes, formation houses and among the poor and vulnerable.” The celebration drew members of the congregation, families, clergy and friends. The Divine Mercy Parish Choir animated the liturgy with uplifting hymns that added to the joyous atmosphere. As the Daughters of the Redeemer marked five decades of faithful service, the event served as both a tribute to the pioneers and a call for renewal in the congregation’s mission of making Christ known and loved.
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.
DAUGHTERS OF THE REDEEMER (DOR) TOAST DUAL CELEBRATIONS
The Daughters of the Redeemer (DOR) Sisters had a mutual celebration of the feast of “the Exaltation of the cross” as well as the Silver Jubilee for Sr. Martha Doreen Kaseba on Saturday 14 September in Mt. Zion. The Mass was celebrated by the Very Rev. Fr. Andrew Simpasa SJ, the Vicar General of Archdiocese of Lusaka. In his homily, Fr. Simpasa said that the feast of the cross reminded us of the love of God for humanity. He encouraged the Christians to continue trusting in the Lord Jesus who is the ultimate victor and always walks with us in all our trials. ”Whatever we go through in life, be it trials or temptations, God has the final say. We never walk alone. If we preserver in doing good works, we will see the light of day,” Fr. Simpasa said. The Vicar General emphasized that for Christians to be true disciples, they need to pick up their cross and follow the Lord. ”If we deny to carry our cross, we are not worthy to be his disciples. Jesus transformed the cross which was a symbol of terror and fear into a symbol of life,” he stated. He urged all to continue serving the Lord with love in their life. In giving the reflection of her life, Sr. Kaseba presented a symbol of the praying hands and a candle signifying the presence of God in her life who always listened to her prayers whenever she called upon him. She summarised her faith journey as one of surrender and gratitude to the Almighty God. Sr. Martha has served the Church as a lecturer at the Catholic University in Kalulushi and currently Heads Mpelembe Secondary School in Kitwe. And Sr. Prisca Matenga, Superior General, thanked Sr. Martha’s parents for allowing her to become a religious sister during her vote of thanks. She also acknowledged Sr. Martha’s giftedness to the Congregation and appreciated everyone who helped make the celebration colorful. Among those present were many Christians from Lusaka Archdiocese, Ndola Archdiocese and Kabwe diocese where Sr. Martha hails from. Others were the Daughters candidates, aspirants, Postulants and novices. The Daughters of the Redeemer celebrate the “Exaltation of the cross “as the feast day of the Congregation.