Archbishop Banda lauds women for their generosity
Despite the current economic challenges, the Catholic Women’s Organisation (CWO) of the Archdiocese of Lusaka has raised an impressive K7.1 million towards the 2025 Seminarian Fund with Archbishop Alick Banda lauding women for their unwavering faith and sacrificial generosity in supporting priestly formation.
“We gather here today because of your faith, your sacrifices, and your love of God and His ministerial priesthood in the Church,” the Archbishop said in his homily during the Seminarian Fund Presentation Mass at DMI-St. Eugene University. “You remind us that hope is never overcome by misfortune. Generosity does not come from abundance but from faith.”
The Seminarian Fund Presentation ceremony was held under the theme “A Journey of Hope: Inspiring Vocation” and was also witnessed by Bishop Mulandu, Bishop of Mpika and Director of Pastoral Ministry of ZCCB.
Roma Parish of the Assumption emerged as the top contributor, raising K400,000. The Cathedral of the Child Jesus followed closely with K389,568, and St. Ignatius came third with K327,468.
Archbishop Banda acknowledged the economic strain many families are facing, but noted that the mothers’ steadfast commitment sends a powerful message of resilience and spiritual conviction.
“Your sacrifices and perseverance make you, in every literal sense, the mothers of both our seminarians and our priests,” he said. “Every Mass they celebrate, every sacrament they administer, bears the fruit of your sacrifice.”
Referencing St. Augustine, the Archbishop noted, “Hope has two beautiful daughters: anger at the way things are and courage to see that they do not remain as they are.” He lauded the CWO for embodying both: righteous anger at spiritual neglect and the courage to act through tangible support.
He emphasized that the fund ensures no vocation is lost due to lack of financial support, calling the women “co-workers with God” in nurturing the Church’s future.
“May the God who has motivated your generosity richly bless you, my dear mothers,” the Archbishop concluded. “And may this pilgrimage of hope bear fruit for generations to come.”