African religious women begin their Plenary Assembly in Zambia

This weekend, more than 150 mother superiors and representatives of various national secretariats of religious women are arriving in Lusaka, Zambia for a Plenary Assembly under the auspices of the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA).

The Plenary Assembly is being held under the theme, 'Go, do not be afraid, and serve’ (John 16:33).

According to Sr. Anna Phiri, the Secretary General of the Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS) who are the hosts, the Plenary Assembly will deliberate  on issues of poverty alleviation and the challenge of Human trafficking; leadership transparency; accountability, financial management and budgeting. The sisters will also have presentations and discussions on Canon law and civil law.  The ACWECA secretariat based in Nairobi, Kenya and member national secretariats are also scheduled to present reports.

Andrews Motel, in down town Lusaka, is said to be a throng of activities as religious sisters from various countries start to arrive in readiness for the Plenary Assembly.

The Zambian Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs, Ms. Nkandu Luo will officially open the business part of the of the Plenary Assembly while  the official opening Mass will be this Sunday, 17 August at  Lusaka’s Cathedral of the Child Jesus, Pope Square.  Bishop Patrick Chisanga, the Zambia Episcopal Conference’s Bishop Director for the Religious is expected to officiate.

The ACWECA Plenary Assembly has drawn major superiors of various religious congregations and secretary generals from the national associations of women religious of Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Also in attendance will be the Secretary General of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), Fr Ferdinand Lugonzo.

ACWECA was founded in 1974. ACWECA Plenary Assemblies take place every three years with the venue rotating from one country to another within the ACWECA region.

(Fr. Paul Samasumo) e-mail: engafrica@vatiradio.va