On a cool, cloud-covered Saturday morning, 20th June 2026, Sr. Mercy Akpan and Sr. Chisom Korie of the Religious Sisters of Charity made their First Profession of Vows. It was a historic and grace-filled day for the two Sisters, their families and for the entire Congregation of the Religious Sisters of Charity. Though Lusaka’s sun remained hidden behind the clouds, a deeper light filled Roma Convent Chapel as Sr. Mercy and Sr. Chisom pronounced their vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and service to the poor publicly before God, the Church, and the assembly both present and online.
Sisters of Charity travelled from every corner of Zambia for the occasion — from Muchinga, Copperbelt, Central, Lusaka, and Southern Provinces. They came from cities and rural missions where they are serving , united by one purpose: to witness and support two daughters of Venerable Mary Aikenhead give their entire lives to God and to the poor.
“A ‘Yes’ Rooted in God’s Love”
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Leonard Namuhumba. In a homily described by many as concise, yet deeply moving, Fr. Namuhumba focused on the meaning of the step Sr. Mercy and Sr. Chisom were about to take.
He noted that in responding to God’s call, the two novices had not sought much, but simply God’s love and a share in the life of the Religious Sisters of Charity. “We thank you for your ‘yes’ and for offering yourselves totally to God,” he told them.
Breaking down the evangelical counsels, Fr. Namuhumba explained that the vow of poverty invites a spirit of non-possessiveness, both material and spiritual, because all things are held in common with the focus fixed on God. He cautioned against distraction by things that exist so as only to serve the mission.
On chastity, he said the vow deepens the virtue of love, enabling a Sister to “allow herself to be broken for all” through love. He recalled that this principle defined Venerable Mary Aikenhead, Foundress of the Religious Sisters of Charity, whose motto — The Love of Christ Urges Us On — the Sisters now embrace. “We are compelled, driven, inspired by the love of Christ,” he said. “The question is: are you ready to love all, not because you like them, but because you must love?”
On obedience, Fr. Namuhumba taught that it calls a Sister to listen — to God, to Superiors, to community members, to the people in ministry, and to what is within her own heart.
He concluded by reflecting on the fourth vow of service to the poor. He said it is an invitation to see Christ where the world sees only need, and to serve and love God through them. “This vow frees you to place yourself in the hands of God and the Church, ready to serve at all times and in all places,” he said. He assured the newly professed of the community’s prayers and support and reminded all present that religious life is “a beautiful thing for those who love God and the Church.”
“Brides of Christ, Bound by Love”
As the profession rite began, the chapel fell silent. Sr. Mercy stepped forward first, her voice steady as she publicly pronounced the vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and service of the poor. Sr. Chisom followed, eyes bright with conviction and self-giving. When the fourth vow was pronounced — the vow that defines the charism of the Religious Sisters of Charity — it echoed through the chapel. In that moment, both became brides of Christ, bound not by chains, but by love.
Joy That Serves
What followed was simple, yet profoundly beautiful. Drums began, voices rose, and feet moved in liturgical dance. Hymns in different Zambian languages filled the chapel as the newly professed joined their sisters in clapping and dancing. In the spirit of the Religious Sisters of Charity, joy and service walked together. All present knew what this meant: two more hands have been added to the mission of feeding, clothing, visiting, teaching, and healing the poor – the people who are close to the heart Christ.
With the profession of Sr. Mercy and Sr. Chisom, the Zambian Region welcomes two new signs of peace and hope. Their courageous “yes” is both a blessing from God and a gift to the poor. As Fr. Namuhumba reminded all, vocation is a rare grace from God — and the Lord who calls will also prune, root, and sustain those He has chosen.
Story is by Sr Cleopatra Nakwenda – Zambia/Malawi Region
