Zambia: Kalundu International Study Centre holds graduation and unites African religious women
Paul Samasumo – Vatican City.
The guest of honour, Sister Valeria Kabaso of the St. Charles Borromeo Sisters and President of ZAS, congratulated the graduates, urging them to serve as beacons of hope in society: “Be ambassadors of hope for Kalundu Study Centre. Be the hope the world awaits,” she declared.
Intercultural and digital contexts
Sister Kabaso emphasised the vital importance of holistic formation for today’s religious women.
“Recent models of formation focus on integrating the human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral dimensions. A well-formed sister today is not only prayerful but also emotionally intelligent, socially aware, and capable of leading in intercultural and digital contexts,” she explained.
Reflecting on the significance of this 45th graduation, Sister Mishael Manianga, a member of the Religious Sisters of the Holy Spirit and the Centre Director, expressed gratitude to the Apostolic Nuncio for celebrating the graduation Mass and honouring the occasion with his presence. His attendance, she said, was a testament to the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV’s closeness to religious women.
“Your Excellency Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi, we are deeply honoured by your presence. Your visit today reminds us of our communion with the Universal Church and the Holy Father. Through you, we feel the support and closeness of Pope Leo XIV, who teaches us that consecrated women are beacons of hope—dedicated to forming hearts, inspiring thought, and promoting dignity,” said Sister Mishael.
Serving the African Continent
Speaking to Vatican News, Sister Felistus Nyirongo, Administrator of the Kalundu Study International Centre and a Religious Sister of Charity, explained the centre’s mission. She described it as a non-profit institution owned by ZAS, dedicated to forming integrated, prophetic women religious leaders and formators.
Over the years, the eleven-month leadership and formation programme has attracted sisters from numerous African countries—including Zambia, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Africa, Lesotho, Liberia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Eritrea, Uganda, Ghana, Mozambique, Angola, Malawi, and Namibia.
This year’s graduation not only marks a significant milestone for African religious women but also symbolises the ongoing commitment to serving and empowering African women with skills relevant to today’s world.
Thank you for reading our article. You can keep up-to-date by subscribing to our daily newsletter. Just click here
