The Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS) is set to host the 16th AssemblyMeeting of theConsecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA), which is the umbrella body of the Catholic Consecrated Religious Sisters in the AMECEA region, from Sunday, 17thAugust to Saturday, 30th August, 2014 in Lusaka, Zambia.
According to the press release issued on 12 August 2014 and signed by Sr. Anna Phiri, Secretary General – Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS) the Plenary Assembly which goes under the theme of, “Go do not be afraid and serve” (John 16:33) will be attended by the Major Superiors of various Religious Congregations and Secretary Generals from the National Associations of Women Religious of Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
Also in attendancewill be the Secretary General of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), Very Rev Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo on behalf of AMECEA Chairman, Most Rev Berhaneyesus Souraphiel, Archbishop of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The opening ceremony wille be graced by Honorable Nkandu Luo, Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairsas the guest of honour.
The official opening mass will be on 17th August, 2014 at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus, Pope Square starting from 09. 30 hours. The main celebrant will be Bishop of Mansa, Rt Rev Patrick Chisanga. The closing mass willbe heldon27th August, 2014at Andrews Motel at 14.00 hrs.
The plenary meetings of the consecrated women will, among other things discuss; the Poverty alleviation and the challenge of Human Trafficking; Canon Law (The law of the Catholic Church) and civil Law; Leadership Transparency, Accountability, Financial Management and Budgeting; Presentation of reports from ACWECA secretariat and national conferences.
The Press Release also stated that there will be a Launching of the ACWECA foundation on 17th August, 2014 at Andrews Motel at 14.00hrs.