Pastoral ministry remains one of the important apostolates of the Sisters of the Holy Rosary, who serve the People of God in various dioceses.Through catechesis, faith formation, and spiritual accompaniment, the sisters continue to contribute to the evangelizing mission of the Catholic Church.
The month of May, traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, provided a special opportunity for the members of Wamama wa Chitemwano to deepen their spiritual lives. In different parishes, the women gathered for conferences and formation sessions aimed at strengthening their faith and devotion. As part of these celebrations, some members renewed or made promises according to the constitution of their association.
Wamama wa Chitemwano have the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Mary of the Visitation as their patroness. The Feast of the Visitation, celebrated on 31st May, commemorates Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth after receiving the message of the Angel Gabriel. Mary’s journey reflects faith, humility, love, and service to others—virtues that Wamama wa Chitemwano strive to emulate in their Christian lives. For this reason, 31st May holds special significance for the association, and it is on this day that members make or renew their promises as a sign of their commitment to God and to the mission of the Church.
In the Diocese of Karonga, at St. Mary’s Parish, members of Wamama wa Chitemwano participated in a conference where they received various lessons facilitated by Sr. Vertacy Nkhoma. The topics included the Sacraments, the meaning of faith, and the importance of praying the Holy Rosary. The sessions encouraged the women to grow in their relationship with God and to become active witnesses of the Gospel in their families and communities.
Similarly, in the Diocese of Mzuzu, at St. Albert the Great Parish, members gathered for a conference. Sr. Oliveta Banda guided them through lessons on the conduct and responsibilities of Wamama wa Chitemwano, the proper way of praying the Holy Rosary, and the spiritual significance of Marian devotion. These teachings enriched their faith and strengthened their commitment to Christian living.
Likewise, at St. Cecilia Parish in Mpherembe, members gathered for their conference and spiritual formation. Sr. Rachel Lubanga facilitated several lessons, including reflections on the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the life of the Church and the importance of imitating her virtues. The conference provided an opportunity for prayer, learning, and fellowship among the participants.
At Nkhamenya Parish, members of Wamama wa Chitemwano gathered in their respective areas for formation sessions during the Month of May. At Kanyika Zone, where members from four zones assembled for their conference, Sr. Aureen Sichali facilitated a lesson entitled “Mother Mary as a Role Model for the Church.” The participants reflected on Mary’s virtues of faith, humility, obedience, and service, drawing inspiration for their own Christian journey and apostolic mission. The conference also provided an opportunity for prayer, faith sharing, and spiritual growth as the women strengthened their commitment to living out Christian values in their families, communities, and the Church.
These conferences demonstrate the ongoing commitment of the Sisters of the Holy Rosary to pastoral ministry and faith formation within the Catholic Church. Through their dedicated service, they continue to nurture the spiritual growth of the faithful and promote a deeper devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially during the Marian month of May.
Prepared by Sr. Justina Ngulube (SHR).