The Sisters of the Holy Rosary (SHR) in the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu have commenced their Mini-Chapter, a significant moment of prayer, reflection, and evaluation as they review their progress over the past three years and discern the way forward for the Congregation.
Before the official opening, the capitulants participated in a retreat at Mountrosa, facilitated by Fr. Leo Traynor, who served as the retreat master. During the retreat, the Sisters reflected on the theme ” Taken, Broken, Blessed and Given,” which invited them to deepen their understanding of their vocation, reflect on their experiences and renew their commitment to offering their lives in service to God and His people. The retreat provided an opportunity for spiritual renewal and prayerful preparation for the deliberations.
Following the retreat, the Sisters began their Mini-Chapter to evaluate their achievements over the past three years, acknowledge challenges and failures, and discern the way forward for the Congregation. On 17th October 2026, the Catholic Bishop of Mzuzu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda, officially opened the Mini-Chapter with a Eucharistic Celebration at the Generalate Chapel.
In his homily, the Bishop encouraged the Sisters to be courageous in making decisions and taking initiatives that would contribute to the growth and development of the Congregation. He urged them not to be afraid to correct practices or address challenges that might hinder its progress.
He further emphasized the importance of reflecting honestly on the successes and failures of the past three years and using these experiences to shape the Congregation’s future. He encouraged the capitulants to approach the Mini-Chapter positively, recognizing that its outcomes would benefit not only the Congregation but also the wider Church.
The Bishop also called on the Sisters to remain open to one another, listen attentively, and engage in constructive dialogue. He assured them of his prayers and support and wished them fruitful deliberations.
In her opening speech, the Mother General, Sr. Bernadette Mnyenyembe, warmly welcomed the Catholic Bishop of Mzuzu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda and Moderator, Fr. Blaise Jailos and all the sisters participating in the Mini-Chapter.
She explained that the Mini-Chapter was an opportunity to evaluate the Congregation’s performance over the past three years, recognize achievements, acknowledge failures, and determine the way forward. She emphasized the importance of listening to one another, addressing challenges constructively, and building unity rather than division.
The Mother General further reminded the Sisters that the Mini-Chapter was not merely about reports and figures but also about recognizing their growth as a team and appreciating the lessons learned along the way. She encouraged them to allow the Holy Spirit to guide their deliberations and help them make decisions that would benefit both the Congregation and the people they serve.
She concluded by urging the Sisters to preserve the spirit of family, live in harmony with one another, and remember in prayer the Sisters who had gone before them. She called upon the Holy Spirit to guide and enlighten the capitulants throughout their deliberations.
The Mini-Chapter is being moderated by Fr. Blaise Jailos, who will guide the capitulants throughout their discussions and deliberations. His role is to facilitate constructive dialogue, encourage the exchange of ideas, and support the Sisters as they reflect on their experiences, achievements, and responsibilities.
Through prayerful discernment, mutual listening, and collaboration, the capitulants will seek practical ways to strengthen the Congregation’s community life, mission, and service to the Church and society. The Mini-Chapter is an important opportunity for the Sisters of the Holy Rosary to renew their commitment to their Motto of “Proclaiming the Kingdom of God in Love” and to discern how they can continue living the Gospel values prophetically in their communities and apostolates.
Prepared by Sr Justina Ngulube (SHR)
