ZAMBIA: Keep Your Doors Open to the Poor, Nuncio Advises Newly Installed Bishop of Ndola
Bishop Dr Benjamin Phiri, the new ordinary for Ndola Diocese
By Mwenya Mukuka
Speaking during the installation mass of Bishop Dr Benjamin Phiri as the new ordinary for Ndola Diocese, held at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Ndola on 15th August,2020, Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi Archbishop Gianfranco Gallone reminded Catholic Bishops to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and called for the promotion of the common good.
“A bishop is called to spread goodness. As a Bishop you are called to be a friend of everyone. The Bishop must prefer the poor. The Bishop must always keep the door of his house open so that anyone who passes can enter to be enlightened and find comfort,” Archbishop Gallone said.
Meanwhile, the newly installed bishop for the Diocese of Ndola, Rt. Rev. Phiri who has taken over from Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda who is now the local ordinally of the Archdiocese of Lusaka, has warned political leaders against abusing their positions.
Bishop Phiri told a gathering that included President Edgar Lungu that people should not take up leadership with the aim of satisfying their personal interest.
“Let us be humble even as we serve. I always warn those who have public offices that when we are serving the people, we be mindful that we are acting on behalf of God,” Bishop Phiri.
He also appealed to the country’s politicians not to involve the Church in their politicking but instead strive for collaboration for the sake of the people.
“A word to you politicians; do not drag us the Church into politics; our job is to unite. I am not ashamed to say that throughout my life I have never owned a party card; so, I do not belong to any party,” Bishop Phiri said.
And speaking at the same function President Edgar Lungu said the Church and the government cannot afford to work in isolation as the two institutions serve the same constituents, hence a need for closer collaboration.
President Lungu further showed willingness to draw more lessons from the Church by tapping into its wisdom of service delivery to the less privileged in in society and also to cooperate in various fields for the good of all Zambians.
