ZAMBIA: Army Command Hail Catholic Church for Seconding Priests to Serve In The Military
Mwenya Mukuka
The Zambia Army Command has hailed the Catholic Church in Zambia for seconding priests to serve in the military as chaplains.
It is not common for Catholic priests to serve in the Defence forces as chaplains. In 2020, the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) seconded three Priests to undergo military training under the Zambia Military Training Academy at the request of the army command.
The graduated soldiers are Capt. Fr. Bartholomew Mukuka, Capt. Fr. Samson Chewe and Capt. Fr. Philip Phiri.
The army has since deployed Capt. Fr. Mukuka to Kalewa Barracks in Ndola to serve the Catholic military community on the Copperbelt.
Lusaka Times, an Online news reports that Fr. Mukuka was officially granted authority to minister to the military community by the Bishop of Ndola Diocese Rt. Rev. Benjamin Phiri during Mass in the Cathedral of Christ the King.
In his speech during the Mass, Zambia Army Deputy Director General for Religious Services Col. Rev. Milfred Muke said army chaplains must serve any soldier irrespective of whether they are Catholic or not.
“Let me thank the Catholic Church in Zambia for responding to our need to have chaplains seconded to the Zambia Army so that we serve together. Let me use this opportunity to thank his Lordship Bishop Phiri for organizing such a wonderful welcome and introduction for Father Mukuka. As Zambia Army and Religious and Moral services branch, we are very thankful for this great gesture shown to our brother and colleague,” Col. Rev. Muke said.
And Rt. Rev. Phiri has urged army officers, especially chaplains to serve the nation with integrity and discipline, saying men and women in uniform should not harass people.
“Captain Mukuka, you need to be exemplary, almost impeccable in your conduct. The career you have joined is a challenging one but not different from priesthood. Even as you wear your uniform, remember that you are a priest and shall remain a priest. You are wearing a military uniform because soldiers are willing to confide themselves in you. I urge the army to look after him, help him to settle and learn more about the army etiquettes and traditions. As a soldier, he now has to think differently, he can no longer behave like a civilian accordingly utilise him well in spiritual issues, tap blessings from him,” Bishop Phiri said.
And in a separate interview Capt. Fr. Mukuka vowed to remain in the priesthood after being seconded to serve in the army.
“Priesthood is my life. I enjoy preaching very much. I enjoy seeing the people of God singing to their God. When I celebrate Mass, I do it with a lot of passion. I enjoy celebrating Mass. I enjoy being a priest,” Capt. Fr. Mukuka said.
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