Living Waters brought by Missionaries to Zambia

Child at well in Zambia

She comes to collect water – like almost half the population of Zambia who seek daily access to clean water. And she finds it here, so close also to the source of “living waters,” of all hope – Jesus Himself, present in the work and witness of priests and religious at St. Faustina’s parish in Lusaka, Zambia.

St. Faustina’s is just one of some 265 Catholic parishes serving the poor and marginalized here. The Church in Zambia’s outreach to children and families is found also in education – more than 100 nursery and elementary schools, 36 secondary schools, and nine special schools for children with disabilities – as well as health care – 15 hospitals, 38 health clinics and 10 hospice locations. In fact, the Catholic Church in Zambia is responsible for 60 percent of all health care in rural areas, and is in the forefront of responding to the HIV/AIDS pandemic that has greatly affected the country’s population.

Catholic Church in Lusaka, Zambia

It seemed everywhere you look in Zambia you can see your prayers and support up close and very personal. There is the missionary priest who built the parish church, with your prayers and sacrifices, to serve some 800, including that little girl at the well and her family. There is Sister Margaret who grew up dreaming about making miracles happen and is today a mother like no other for children struggling with disabilities. And too there is Sister Ruby and the girls at the Home of Joy who some would see as doubly cursed – both parents dead – but who you come to know are abundantly blessed through the loving care offered by house “mothers” like Helen Flaherty.

Home of Joy in Zambia

How blessed we are to support the Missionaries who lead them to that Source of all hope. Their story is our story as we celebrate once again the difference God makes.