By Benjamin Itungabose, M.Afr
We had a gathering of all the leaders of the Catholic Women’s Organisation in Kasamba Parish two weeks ago. Were present the leaders of this lay group from each outstation. Those who came to animate the gathering were from the Diocese. The women shared about their role in the family and the Church. The main point on the Agenda was the “Seminarian Fund.” The leaders from the Diocese explained to them the aim of this Fund and the prime role that women have to feed it. Women have always been at the forefront in the education of children. Hence forming the future ministers of the Church is a responsibility of every Catholic woman. The leaders of the different outstations of our Parish were encouraged to go back to their respective Centres to sensitise all Catholic women to make their contribution. Each Catholic woman is required to pay 10 kwacha ($1). Those who participated in the gathering paid their contribution on the spot.
Besides the Seminarian Fund, the women were also given lessons on entrepreneurship. The diocesan treasurer together with the diocesan chairperson of the Catholic Women’s Organisation in Mansa Diocese taught them how to start and manage a business. Those who attended the lessons were absolutely delighted. The aim of the lessons was to encourage women to work hard in order to care for their families and the Church. At first they were worried about how to find a capital to start a business. But they were reminded that God has already given us the most valuable capital which is the land. This was a revelation which struck all the attendants. They went back home enlightened and ready to start working hard for a sustainable development of their families and the Church.
Missionaries of Africa - SAP Province 
Greetings from Lusaka, Mr. Itungabose!
My full names are Dr. Charity Musamba writing from the University of Zambia. I worked for the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection in Lusaka before joining the academia. I will be attending a Conference in the USA – Chicago – De Paul University on Women and Leadership in the Catholic Church this coming April. I was wondering whether it is possible for me to use some of the pictures of these women in my presentation.
Sorry to be so late to reply. Yes, you can use the pictures you want.