{"id":22905,"date":"2025-08-08T18:17:21","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T18:17:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/communications.amecea.org\/?p=22905"},"modified":"2025-08-08T18:17:21","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T18:17:21","slug":"acweca-strengthening-superiors-leadership-for-mission-in-zambia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/communications.amecea.org\/index.php\/2025\/08\/08\/acweca-strengthening-superiors-leadership-for-mission-in-zambia\/","title":{"rendered":"ACWECA: Strengthening Superior\u2019s Leadership for Mission in Zambia"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Sr. Teresa Banda \u2013 TS<\/em><\/p>\n

Amidst the evolving demands of religious leadership, a transformative Leadership for Mission<\/em> training brought together newly elected superiors from various congregations across Zambia. Hosted at Kalundu Conference Centre in Lusaka, the workshop, organized by the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA), in collaboration with the Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS), and supported by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, was held from August 3rd to 9th, 2025.<\/p>\n

The week-long training that was coordinated by Sr. Christine Mwangi began with a deep and insightful reflection on Canon Law and the Administration of Temporal Goods<\/em>,<\/em> equipping participants with a clear understanding of juridical persons and the Church\u2019s expectations regarding the stewardship of resources entrusted to religious institutes.<\/p>\n

Through the sharing of real-life experiences, the session highlighted the critical importance of following due processes in property transactions and financial decisions, particularly for congregations managing schools, health centers, and agricultural projects. Participants were strongly encouraged to protect their charisms and apostolic missions through prudent governance, legal compliance, and ethical accountability.<\/p>\n

The theme of Servant Leadership and Good Governance<\/em> called on the superiors to embrace leadership not as an exercise of power, but as a vocation of service, following the example of Christ, who \u201ccame not to be served but to serve\u201d (Mark 10:45).<\/p>\n

The session ignited a renewed sense of commitment to humility, participatory decision-making, and the cultivation of inclusive communities where every member feels heard, valued, and respected.<\/p>\n

Participants were further challenged to bring chapter resolutions to life by embedding them in the daily practices of their communities, fostering a culture of accountability, shared responsibility, and mission-driven leadership.<\/p>\n

Building on this strong foundation, participants engaged in a meaningful process of Congregational Assessment and Organizational Reflection. Guided by tools such as the Holistic Organizational Capacity Assessment Instrument (HOCAI), the session promoted honest self-examination, helping congregations to recognize their strengths and identify areas needing growth. This reflective journey aimed to strengthen systems that enhance mission effectiveness, improve service delivery, and deepen the impact of their ministries on the people they serve.<\/p>\n

Another critical area addressed was Resource Mobilization and Financial Accountability<\/em>, where participants were guided through concrete strategies to build financial resilience, drawing on both internal initiatives and external partnerships. Sessions explored how resource mobilization aligns with Canon Law, especially in the stewardship of temporal goods. The facilitator emphasized transparency, ethical practices, and forward thinking to ensure that congregations remain mission-driven and financially sustainable.<\/p>\n

Superiors also delved into Sustainability in the Context of Religious Life<\/em>,<\/em> recognizing that true sustainability goes beyond financial stability. It encompasses the holistic well-being of the congregation, the vitality of its mission, and the ongoing spiritual growth of its members.<\/p>\n

Participants reflected on the need for strategic planning, succession frameworks, and income-generating activities as essential pillars to support and sustain their apostolates and the long-term mission of their congregations.<\/p>\n

The training was not only transformative in the richness of the content, but also in the lively and comprehensive approach used in its delivery. Facilitators skillfully combined presentations with group discussions, case studies, and interactive reflections, creating an exciting learning environment where participants felt empowered to share their lived experiences and insights.<\/p>\n

On behalf of the Zambia Association of Sisterhoods, Secretary General Sr. Elizabeth Muleya expressed her heartfelt gratitude to ACWECA for organizing the enriching Leadership for Mission training. She also extended sincere appreciation to the participants for their openness, commitment, and active engagement throughout the week.<\/p>\n

Sr. Muleya noted that the Leadership for Mission training, hosted by the ZAS stands as a beacon of hope and renewal for religious life across the ACWECA region.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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