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.”
Transforming Nursing Education in Rural Zambia: The Chikuni Mission Story
The Sisters of Charity have a long-standing tradition of serving the poor and vulnerable through healthcare, education and community development. At Chikuni Mission in Southern Province, Zambia, this mission continues through the construction of a modern hostel for student nurses undertaking rural clinical training. ▶Watch the full documentary: A Vision Rooted in Service Speaking on the origins of the project, Sr. Vivian Chanda, a Religious Sister of Charity, explains that the initiative was born out of a real and pressing need. Each year, a growing number of student nurses are posted to Chikuni Mission Hospital for rural experience. However, the old hostel could no longer meet acceptable living standards. Guided by their charism ‘’To Serve the Poor with Dignity,’’ the Sisters resolved that students, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds, deserved accommodation that reflected respect, care and human dignity. The project began through local fundraising initiatives, particularly income from rentals, before receiving a major boost when Bet Trust contributed 75% of the funding required to complete the hostel. Improving Learning and Living Conditions Today, student nurses and their tutors are housed in a safer, more comfortable environment that supports academic focus and personal well-being. Reliable access to electricity and water has significantly improved study conditions, allowing students to concentrate on their training without the daily challenges previously faced. A second-year students from Choma College of Nursing describe life at Chikuni Mission as welcoming and conducive to learning. Beyond accommodation, the Sisters foster strong relationships with students, mentoring, guiding and walking alongside them during their rural placement. “The Sisters are friendly and willing to teach us. They have created a conducive environment for learning,” shared one student nurse. Strengthening Community Capacity The hostel project has also created employment opportunities for the surrounding community. Local residents have been engaged as cooks and cleaners, enabling them to earn a livelihood and support their families, including sending their children to school. Communal cooking and shared meals have fostered unity among students, encouraging cooperation and mutual support, particularly important for those from less privileged backgrounds. By removing the burden of daily cooking, students are able to focus fully on their academic and clinical responsibilities. Holistic Formation: Academic and Spiritual Growth In addition to professional training, students are exposed to spiritual formation through activities at Cardoner Garden. This holistic approach ensures that as students leave Chikuni Mission, they do so not only as qualified nurses but as responsible, compassionate and mature citizens of Zambia. Ongoing Challenges and Future Needs Despite the progress achieved, challenges remain. Sr. Francesca Mutelo highlights ongoing needs, including: Currently, some students take meals on the veranda due to the lack of dining furniture, an area where further support can make a meaningful difference. A Call for Continued Support Thanks to the vision, commitment and generosity of the Sisters of Charity and their partners, Chikuni Mission is providing a safe and dignified home for the nurses of tomorrow. With continued support, the project can be fully completed and expanded to benefit even more students and the wider community. ▶Watch, share and subscribe on YouTube: Your engagement helps amplify stories of faith in action, service and sustainable development across Zambia.
Three Catholic Sisters Honoured for Anti-Trafficking Work at SATA Awards
By Doris Sialusunga Three Religious Sisters receive awards at the Third Annual Sisters Anti-Trafficking (SATA) Awards, held under the theme “Faith and Leadership United, Together to End Violence” at Taj Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka. The Sisters honoured at the awards were Sr. Benjamine Nanga Kimala, SMC (Comboni Missionary Sisters) of Chad, awarded the Common Good Award, Sr. Margaret Ng, RSJ (Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart) of Australia, awarded the Servant Leadership Award and Sr. Martha Pelloni, CMT (Carmelitas Misioneras Teresianas) of Argentina, absent, recognised with the Human Dignity Award. Cardinal Stephen Brislin said the awards celebrate Sisters who serve on the frontlines of the struggle against human trafficking and whose courage brings light where darkness seems overwhelming. “The Sisters advocate tirelessly, accompany gently and rebuild patiently. Their lives preach the gospel with extraordinary clarity,” he said. Cardinal Brislin explained that the Sisters’ compassion restores hope where it has been violently taken away and their presence offers safety, healing and dignity to survivors of unimaginable suffering. “We celebrate their unwavering spirit and their extraordinary contribution to ending modern-day slavery,” he added. Cardinal Brislin said this year’s theme calls people not only to believe but to act, defend dignity and become instruments of change. He added that human trafficking is one of the gravest violations of human dignity in our time. “It reduces God’s children to objects, strips people of freedom, dignity and hope, destroys families and inflicts wounds that can last a lifetime,” he said. “As people of faith, we cannot remain silent.” Cardinal Brislin has called for stronger national and regional cooperation, survivor-centred protection systems and greater community awareness. “We must expand economic opportunities for those at risk and ensure that Catholic Sisters who form the backbone of anti-trafficking work receive the recognition, resources and protection they need,” he said. And Sr. Jane Wakahiu, Associate Vice President of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, said the SATA Awards recognise the extraordinary courage and leadership of Sisters working on the front lines of human trafficking. “Sisters receiving awards today offer hope, restore human dignity and provide interventions for those who suffer,” she said. Sr. Jane said the event is an opportunity to honour their mission and strengthen collective resolve to build a world free from exploitation and violence. Meanwhile, Zambia Association of Sisterhood (ZAS) Chairperson Sr. Valeria Kabaso thanked the awardees for their dedication and compassion, describing them as beacons of hope in the fight against human trafficking. “You remind us of the transformative power of faith and leadership in action,” she said. She also thanked partners including the Hilton Foundation, the Union of Superior Generals and Arise Foundation for supporting the Sisters’ work. “As we celebrate tonight, let us remind ourselves that the struggle against human trafficking does not end here,” she said. “We must continue to raise awareness, advocate for policy reform, support survivors and strengthen community-based prevention efforts.” Sr. Valeria explained that only through coordinated efforts and solidarity can communities be built where every person is safe, valued and free from exploitation.
Catholic Leaders Call for Urgent Action on Environment
By Doris Sialusunga, CNCS Catholic Leaders and Religious Congregations have called for urgent action to protect the environment during the Season of Creation, warning that climate change, pollution and deforestation are threatening food security and livelihoods in Zambia. They made the call during a reflection meeting on “The Earth Our Common Home” at Luwisha House in Lusaka, where clergy, religious Sisters and lay leaders discussed the impact of climate change on communities. Fr. Daniel Mwamba Mutale, Executive Director of the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), said environmental degradation is directly linked to hunger in rural areas. “Our data shows food production has been declining due to droughts, floods and mining pollution. Creation must be cared for if it is to take care of us,” he said. The Season of Creation, observed from September 1 to October 4, unites Christians worldwide in prayer and action for the environment. Fr. Mutale added that the Encyclicals Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum remain prophetic calls for Catholics to safeguard creation. And Sr. Kayula Lesa, Coordinator of the Justice Coalition of Religious (JECO), said the network of 23 NGOs is training congregations in environmental justice and has planted more than 1,000 fruit trees in schools and parishes. “We must equip communities to care for our common home,” she said. Sr. Bertha Chisanga, a representative from Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS), emphasised that the Association is also incorporating environmental education into its Bakhita Project, which supports vulnerable girls. “It is vital to sensitise our nation so that future generations can inherit a cleaner, greener Zambia,” she said. Meanwhile, Sr. Patience Shinombo of Takuza warned that environmental destruction fuels poverty and displacement, which increase the risk of human trafficking. “Food security means people are less vulnerable to exploitation,” she said. And Gilbert Mwiinga, Head of the Diocesan Health Department in the Archdiocese of Lusaka, raised concern over charcoal burning and deforestation in rural areas. “If we are not careful, the forests will be depleted. But when the Church speaks with one voice, people listen,” Mr. Mwiinga said. Faith leaders stressed that caring for creation is both a moral duty and a practical response to Zambia’s growing environmental crisis.
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.”