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.
Bishop Kasonde Commends Sisters’ Work in Solwezi Diocese
By Sr. Nasilele Simushi OP – Ndola CNCS Hub Bishop Charles J.S. Kasonde of the Catholic Diocese of Solwezi has commended the Sisters serving in the diocese for the impressive work they do in the church. He said this during the Mass of the exchange visit of the Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS) Sisters from the Archdiocese of Ndola to the Sisters in Solwezi. He said a diocese cannot fully respond to the various needs of the people of God without the involvement of Sisters, hence the need to have Sisters in dioceses. “Sisters you are a beacon for the Diocese,’’ said Bishop Kasonde. He also likened the Sisters to flowers that attract different insects for sap. Additionally, Friar Ferena Lambe OFM encouraged the Sisters to take time for recollection days, to reflect and contemplate on their lives to improve their well-being, during a presentation talk under the theme, “Wellness of the Consecrated Women.” “The world is on the move and everyone is busy, therefore, Sisters are not exempted from this reality. We suffer burnouts of various kinds and this affects our overall well-being,’’ he said. Friar Lambe urged the Sisters to take good care of themselves if they are to remain effective in their ministry. Meanwhile, Sr. Annie Kambafwile, a Franciscan Missionary Sister of Assisi and Solwezi ZAS chairperson, expressed gratitude to the Sisters for the collaboration shown between the two dioceses. She further thanked the Sisters for the initiative of this exchange visit, as it serves as a channel of learning from one another.
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.
Zambia Association of Sisterhoods Celebrates Feast of Consecrated Life Amid Jubilee Year of Hope
By Sr. Abigail Mwaka and Sr. Stella Nyirongo, Monze Diocese The Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS) in Monze Diocese celebrated the 2025 Feast of Consecrated Life with great enthusiasm and style. This feast, which falls annually on February 2nd, coincides with the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. This year’s celebration was particularly significant as it coincided with the Jubilee Year of Hope. During the Holy Mass, Bishop Raphael Mweempwa encouraged the Sisters to embrace hope by living harmoniously and fostering strong relationships within their communities. He further urged them to carry the message of hope wherever they go, serving as a light in their mission. Bishop Mweempwa also expressed deep gratitude for the contributions of consecrated men and women in the diocese, recognizing their work as a profound sign of hope. He highlighted that the presence of all who joined the celebration reflected the shared call to holiness. This joyous occasion served as a reminder of the unity and purpose that consecrated life brings to the Church and the world.