ZAMBIA: Bishop Chisanga challenges Nuns to take part in Formation of Priests in Seminaries
Zambian Catholic Bishop, Patrick Chisanga, has challenged Religious women in Zambia to take part in formation of priests in seminaries.
“Venture into specialised studies especially Religious studies, to equip yourselves with a deeper understanding of Theology, Liturgy and the Bible not only for your spiritual and religious growth but also to participate in the formation and training of priests in our seminaries,” the Bishop urged, arguing that the presence of Sisters in the training of priests in the seminaries was very crucial.
of ZAS at Roma Parish in Lusaka Archdiocese.
Bishop Chisanga made the remarks last Saturday during celebrations to mark the Diamond Jubilee of the Zambia Association of Sisterhood, (ZAS) at Roma Catholic Parish in Lusaka Archdiocese. ZAS is an umbrella body that brings together Major Superiors of Consecrated women in Zambia. The Association which was founded in 1958 has a membership of 45 local and international women Religious Congregations with a total number of over 1,500 nuns in Zambia.
The Bishop then called on ZAS to work with ZCCB to ensure that the Sisters who are identified receive proper preparation so that they work with the Bishops in the formation of future priests.
The Prelate who is also the Bishop Liaison for Consecrated Life in the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, (ZCCB) called on the nuns to continue deepening their collaboration and solidarity especially in the ongoing formation of their sisters. He said ongoing formation was not only professional training in secular sciences but also the deepening of the personal vocation to holiness.
He urged the Government of Zambia to give necessary support towards what ZAS is doing in all parts of the country, especially in the provision of health care and education in remotest areas of the country.
Managed ZAS in the early years of its foundation
“In carrying out such activities, the Church is never a competitor to anyone; the Church has no ambition whatsoever except to do God’s will and to continue with the mission of Christ. We call upon all relevant Government Ministries to help especially with provision of the necessary incentives so that our Sisters will be able to continue doing their apostolates effectively,” he said.
The Bishop who is local Ordinary of Mansa Diocese further challenged ZAS to read the signs of the times and look at the needs of young people. “Today the Church has dedicated this whole year to the Synod to young people,” he said. He said it was therefore up to ZAS to follow what was discussed at the Synod, interpret the outcome of the Synod and apply them to the concrete realities in the area they were serving.
He said another area of particular importance to the Bishops Is pastoral care of families. He said there are many threats to the integrity of the family – the Christian as well as the traditional values of the family.
“We urge you as ZAS, Religious institutes of men and women to work in the apostolate of restoring and preserving the values of the Christian and traditional Zambian families,”
Let us all be united and support the vision of ZAS for the promotion of quality living.
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By Sr. Grace Candiru, MSMMC, ACWECA Communication Coordinator
