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 Commemorates World Day Against Trafficking, Unveils National Action Plan
By Doris Sialusunga, CNCS TAKUZA, the national faith-based network of Catholic Sisters working to end human trafficking in Zambia, joined the world in commemorating the 2025 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. During the event held in Lusaka, the government also launched the 2025–2027 National Action Plan on Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants. Speaking on behalf of Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo, Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Department, Boris Mulengu called for coordinated action and said that human trafficking was not only a serious violation of human rights but also undermined the rule of law, promoted corruption and posed a threat to national security. Mr. Mulengu disclosed that Zambia recorded 41 cases in 2024 involving 194 victims and 46 suspects. “The country remains a source, transit, and destination for victims of human trafficking. The government is alive, raising trends in internal trafficking, where individuals are lured from rural to urban areas under the false promises of employment, education, or marriage, only to be exploited in forced labor, domestic servitude, or sexual exploitation,” he said. Mr. Mulengu urged all stakeholders to partner with the government and employers to demonstrate zero tolerance for labor exploitation. “Let us remember behind every statistic is a human life. A young girl sold into servitude, a teenage boy forced into illegal mining, a mother trafficked for labor abroad. These are not just numbers,” he added. Meanwhile, Sr. Mary Milimo highlighted the need for collective effort and said that human trafficking was real and taking place in local communities. “Most people do not know anything about human trafficking, something they think is just a story. They do not know that it is really happening. So, we need to engage more people and everyone must take an active part in raising awareness against human trafficking because this is work that cannot be done alone,” she said. Owen Chibambo, Programs Officer for Migration at TAKUZA, stressed the importance of public awareness as most people do not even believe human trafficking is real. ‘’Most people think it is for other countries. That is why the awareness campaigns are critical,”Mr. Chibambo said. And TAKUZA Youth Ambassador Duza Jones urged young people to speak out against exploitation and said they could not afford to keep quiet as they were the most targeted group, especially through social media and fake job offers. “We must use our talents such as music, poetry, drama and media to speak out against exploitation,” Mr. Jones said. The event included participation from Save the Children Zambia, the United Nations and other stakeholders.
A Legacy of Faith
By Sr. Tryness Mulubwa Sr. Geraldine Reakes, a member of the Salesian Sisters (Daughters of Mary Help of Christians), embarked on a life-changing journey from the United Kingdom to Zambia in 1987. As a young sister, she was one of the first missionary sisters dedicated to bringing the Salesian charism and faith to Zambian communities, focusing on empowering and uplifting those in need. Her compassionate leadership and commitment led her to be elected as the first Provincial of Zambia after it separated from the Kenyan province, a role she embraced with humility and dedication. Upon completing her tenure as Provincial, Sr. Geraldine was called to continue her mission in Kenya. Even while serving abroad, she held Zambia close to her heart. This year, as she celebrated her 60th anniversary of religious life, Sr. Geraldine was asked where she wished to commemorate this milestone. Without hesitation, she chose Zambia, eager to witness the growth of the missions she had helped establish. In August 2024, Sr. Geraldine returned to Zambia and was overjoyed to see the progress both within the country and the Salesian mission communities. She visited all seven communities, marveling at the expansion of their outreach and the transformation of lives. Sr. Geraldine’s journey illustrates the power of faith and dedication across generations, showing that the seeds planted years ago have blossomed into thriving centers of hope and service for the people of Zambia. Her story stands as a testament of her lasting impact of commitment and love, inspiring the next generation of missionaries and all those touched by her legacy.