Archbishop Phiri Urges Consecrated Men and Women to Remain Faithful
By Ndola CNCS Hub Ndola Archbishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Benjamin Phiri, JCD, has urged consecrated men and women to remain faithful to their vows and continue being visible signs of hope in a world where human dignity is under threat. Speaking during the Day of Consecration at St. Peter and Paul Parish, Archbishop Phiri said consecrated persons were called to stand firm in their religious identity and resist the temptation to abandon their vocation. He said in a world where faith was tested and human dignity was often destroyed, consecrated persons were expected to be present in the midst of suffering as living signs of hope for God’s people. “Our efforts to do good must be able to stand the test of time. As consecrated persons, we are called not only to be signs of hope, but to truly live as that hope,” said Archbishop Phiri. “We should not be in a hurry to abandon our religious habits or identity, because the people we serve look up to us and feel inspired when we live holy lives and sincerely do God’s will.” The Archbishop said Religious men and women should not be quick to migrate from one Congregation to another, noting that every institute had its own challenges requiring humility, patience and perseverance. He added that consecrated persons were called to be slow to speak and ready to listen, with unity being vital for growth in Religious life. “All members of institutes of consecrated life are encouraged to hold firmly to what binds them together. When separated, they wither, when united, they are stronger, each one playing a unique and important role in the Church,” he said. Archbishop Phiri also encouraged young people in formation to make careful and prayerful decisions before joining Religious institutes and to avoid unnecessary changes that could hinder their growth and fulfillment. Meanwhile, Sr. Rosemary Kazembe, chairperson of the Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS) in the Archdiocese of Ndola, said the Day of Consecration was a moment every Religious person must wholeheartedly embrace as a renewal of their ‘yes’ to God. She said consecration began the day one responded to God’s call and should be reflected in service to the Church, especially to the marginalised and the communities they serve. And Fr. Matthews Kasongo, Minister Provincial of the Franciscan Fathers in Zambia and Malawi OFM.Conv described Religious Life as a special gift from God to serve humanity and the Church. “This is a special gift that God has given us to serve humanity, to serve the Church, for the salvation of all souls,” he said. And Friar Nathan Kaunda said Religious Life was beautiful and required discernment and faithfulness despite challenges. “We have to remain faithful despite the challenges that come, especially the external influences that society may bring to our life,” said Friar Kaunda. “For us, our duty is to remain focused and remain faithful to our call as consecrated people.”
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.