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Catholic Sisters in Angola Urged to Pursue “ongoing formation” to Stay Faithful to Vows

João Vissesse

By João Vissesse

Huambo, 27 October, 2024 / 8:00 pm (ACI Africa).

Members of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Charles Lwanga in Angola have been encouraged to embrace continued formation so as to remain faithful to their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

In his homily at the Thursday, October 24 ceremony when two members of the congregation made their temporary vows, Archbishop Zeferino Zeca Martins of Angola’s Catholic Archdiocese of Huambo encouraged the sisters to participate in retreats and continued formation to deepen their understanding of consecrated life and Christian spirituality. 

Archbishop Zeca emphasized that “seeking ongoing formation and self-awareness is key to living the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience fully.”

The Archbishop further emphasized the role of prayer in Consecrated Life, urging the sisters to establish a daily routine that includes silence, meditation, and intercession.

 “Prayer is vital for maintaining your relationship with Jesus, who is the center of your lives,” he said at the ceremony that was held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish of Huambo Archdiocese.

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“Participating in the Eucharist and reading Scripture are indispensable ways to nurture this relationship,” Archbishop Zeca told Sisters Sisters Joana Kanene Sitatelã and Isabel Maria Sapalo Tchiheke, as they committed to their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

He urged the Sisters to embrace simplicity, solidarity, and trust in their mission. 

The Angolan Catholic Archbishop noted that detachment from material possessions is essential to Consecrated Life.

“Detachment is one of the pillars of the religious life…True wealth lies in God and in sharing with others, especially with those in need”, he said, and added, “The ability to share, whether materially or spiritually, is a reflection of the love you have received from God.” 

“Build connections, sharing both joys and struggles along your journey. Love, expressed through the vow of chastity, becomes deeper when it’s lived in mutual support, reflecting God’s love,” the Angolan Archbishop said.

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Archbishop Zeca explained that the vow of obedience signifies total trust in God, which is exercised through obedience to superiors. 

“Listening to the guidance of your formators is essential in your spiritual growth and helps deepen your journey with Christ,” he said. 

He explained that each vow carries a unique significance. “Through obedience, you are called to live out God’s will, expressed through your superiors. Through chastity, you dedicate yourself fully to the love of Jesus Christ. And through poverty, you are invited to trust completely in divine providence, free from material attachments.”

Reflecting on the biblical call of Samuel, the Angolan member of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) reminded the sisters of the importance of silence and attentiveness to God’s voice. 

“Like Samuel, you are called to listen and respond wholeheartedly. Your commitment today is a reflection of your deep relationship with God and His call for you to serve,” he said.

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The Archbishop also acknowledged the journey the sisters have undertaken, recognizing the challenges along the way. 

“You are each responding to God’s call with love and conviction. Today, as you take your vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, you enter a new phase in your journey, deepening your love for Christ,” the Catholic Church leader said.

Archbishop Zeca also noted that the path of Consecrated Life includes challenges, saying, “There will be trials and moments of difficulty, but God’s strength is sufficient. “

“As bearers of hope, especially to those in need, your witness is a testament to the love of God that dwells within you,” he said, calling the sisters to share this love with others in their mission,” he said.

João Vissesse

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.