Blog Detail

The four Sisters with Sr. Kapachika (C)

Sam Kalimba

Sisters of Our Lady of Mount Carmel also known as the Carmelite Sisters have all the reasons to thank the Lord for a colourful event they held on 12^th June, 2021 at the St. Peter’s Parish-Namitete. The event was in three-fold; first profession, final profession and silver jubilee for some of the members of the congregation.

Novice Malania Kavina made her first profession to chastity, obedience and poverty for one year while Sisters Florence Sitima and Esther Banda made the same vows for life. Sister Bernadette Malomo, was during the same Mass celebrating her 25 years as a Carmelite nun.

The Sisters made their professions in respect to chastity, obedience and poverty.

According to the Sr. Clara Kapachika, Mother Superior for Malawi; Sr. Malania Kavina was born in a family of Mr. and Mrs. Kavina of Saidi Village in Traditional Authority Chikowi in Zomba under the St. Anthony-Thondwe Parish. Sr. Florence Sitima was born in a family of Mr. and Mrs. Sitima of Gochi 2 Village, in Traditional Authority Mpando in Ntcheu under Tsangano Parish in the Diocese of Dedza. Sr. Esther Banda was born in a family of Mr. and Mrs. Walawati Banda of Peter Mkola Village in Chradzulu under the St. Joseph-Nguludi Parish in the Catholic Archdiocese of Blantyre.  Sr. Bernadette Malomo was born in a family of Mr. and Mrs. Malomo of Chimalambo Village in Traditional Authority Chitukula under Mtengowanthenga Parish.

The event was marked by a Mass that was celebrated by the Very Reverend Fr. Patrick Thawale in his capacity as the Archdiocesan Administrator of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe. In his homily, Fr. Thawale urged the Religious to live what he called the rule of life, which is love.

“Show to everyone and sell your God given product of being in Christ. This does not imply that you live as an Angel. You are still human but a special one for that matter. Love is key to your life. Be happy Sisters in order to share the same happiness with whosoever comes in contact with you. Radiate the joy of being a follower of Christ,” advised Fr. Thawale.

He further unpacked the meaning of faith as being knowing and believing without necessarily expecting a receiving. He said that faith comes with spiritual wisdom and knowledge. He told the people of God to cultivate the values of self-reliance and self-discipline if at all they are to move with their mission and faith.

Fr. Thawale did not miss words in mentioning the fact that to work for Christ will always have some challenges that only those with strong faith survive.

“You meet challenges, I urge you to face all trials and challenges head on for they will keep you stronger. Sorrows keep you human enough. Accept failure for it will keep you humble. Humility is key to success. Success keeps you glowing. However, let your success be beneficial to others. When others benefit from your success it pleases God. Only God keeps you going. When working for God don’t forget Him who sent you in His vineyard,” counselled Fr. Thawale.

People from all walks of life including priests from the parishes the Sisters originate from attended the event.

Anna Paula Bove from the Luxemburg Republic founded the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on 28^th March, 1872.