ZAMBIA: Government applauds the Catholic Church for partnership in Country’s development
Zambian government has applauded the Catholic Church for her immense contribution to Nation building through various developmental projects in education and health sectors.
Speaking on 15th, July, 2017 at Lusaka Agricultural Show Grounds during the grand celebration to mark 125 years of the Catholic Church existence in Zambia, Zambian Vice President Inonge Wina acknowledged that, the Church has constructed many respectable learning and health institutions that have complemented those set up by the government.
Wina said that the Catholic Church in Zambia has also offered social services to the people living with disabilities, orphans as well as extension of development and relief services to the underprivileged in the society.
Assuring the Catholic Church of the government’s humility to her voice of reason, Wina appreciated the Catholic Church’s contribution towards the cancelation of Zambia’s debts which had become impossible for the government to pay.
“The Catholic church has continued to be a strong and reliable partner with government in not only the delivery of social services but also in advocating for integral development.” She said.
Speaking during the same function, The President of Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) Most Rev. Telesphore Mpundu warned against partisan politics in Church, tribalism and regionalism appealing to the faithful to work hand in hand with the government of the day in developing the nation.
Apostolic Nuncio of Malawi and Zambia during the celebrations
The Holy Mass to close the celebrations of 125 years of Catholic faith in Zambia was presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia His Excellence Archbishop Julio Murat, and Malawi who urged the faithful to love and serve one another.
The event was attended by hundreds of priests, the religious men and women, Catholic Youth from different dioceses and thousands of Catholic lay faithful from across the country being joined by other people of goodwill.
The celebration was also graced by dignitaries from AMECEA countries, Zimbabwe and Malawi, Missionaries of African fondly referred to as White Fathers among other Religious Congregations who have contributed to the growth of the faith in the country.
The year-long celebration under the theme, The Catholic Church in Zambia, 125 years of God’s Love and Mercy, 1891 – 2016” began on 6th August 2016 and was conducted in all the eleven Dioceses. The youth also got a chance to celebrate on 14th, July, 2017.
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By Mwenya Mukuka, Communications Officer ZCCB
