When you first meet Sr. Lauretta Chifundo Zakalia, you encounter a warm, friendly person with a beautiful smile who enjoys making new friends.  

Sr. Lauretta comes from Nkhata Bay District in northern Malawi. She is the eldest of three children, with a younger brother and sister. Her vocation journey began when she was only eleven years old. After her mother was seriously injured in a car accident, sisters from their local parish prayed with and supported the family. Their compassion left a deep impression on Lauretta and planted in her the desire to serve others. 

Later, at a Vocation Sunday programme, she first heard about the Medical Missionaries of Mary. With the help of her aunt, who worked in a bookshop, she eventually met Sister Clara , an MMM and was invited to visit the MMM community. The warm welcome she received from the sisters confirmed that this was where she belonged.

Before joining MMM, Lauretta completed a computer programme and worked as a patient attendant at an MMM facility in Lilongwe. She assisted patients, translated between a Nigerian doctor and patients, helped with pharmacy orders and dispensed medication. 

She joined MMM in Tanzania in September 2017, completed her postulancy there and later travelled to Nigeria for her novitiate. She made her first profession in September 2021 and was assigned to Benin City, Nigeria. There she assisted in patient care and served as administrator while the acting administrator pursued further studies.

Sr. Lauretta is now studying Accounting at the Catholic University of Malawi. She enjoys music, films, card-making and travelling. She especially treasures the international and multicultural life of MMM, where unity, diversity and faith are lived each day. We wish Sr. Lauretta well as she continues her MMM journey.