ZAMBIA: Bishop of Monze Diocese Installed
The episcopal ordination and installation of Monze Diocese Bishop Rt. Rev. Raphael Mweempwa
Mwenya Mukuka
The episcopal ordination and installation of Monze Diocese Bishop Rt. Rev. Raphael Mweempwa has taken place. Bishop Mweempwa was consecrated bishop and installed as the fifth bishop of Monze Diocese on Saturday, 7th May 2022 in the Cathedral grounds of Monze Diocese in Southern Province of Zambia.
He becomes the Ordinary of Monze Diocese after the demise of Bishop Moses Hamungole who died on 13th January, 2021.
Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi, H.E. Gianfranco Gallone, who was the Principal Consecrator, urged Bishop Mweempwa to serve God and the people because that is the definition of a true shepherd in service.
Archbishop Gallone reminded Bishop Mweempwa to carry out the office of the episcopate with commitment because it calls for serving others by consoling and weeping with them.
“A Bishop weeps for the suffering of his people. A bishop weeps because he is moved with compassion for the weakness of his brothers which at times will seem invincible to him and for which he must become medicine and relief. Do not forget the closeness that you will have to cultivate with your priests so that they may feel you are a true father and brother who like Jesus carries with them the burden of the ministry making you a sharer in their joys and sorrows,” Archbishop Gallone said.
The Pope’s envoy further told the newly consecrated Bishop of Monze not to be silenced by gifts from people in power saying gifts have the potential to corrupt a religious leader.
“Please don’t close your mouth with the gifts of who is in power around you because the gifts can make your brain obscure in darkness. You have to always be led by the truth of the Gospel. Also, when your friends are in a way of sin, you have to make your voice loud to condemn the sin, “Archbishop Gallone said.
Bishop Emeritus for Monze Diocese Rt Rev. Emilio Patriaca called for unity in the Diocese so that through working together, they can enhance the body of Christ. Bishop Patriaca said that through the Diocese working in unity, they should be ready to make necessary sacrifices that will strengthen and deepen unity.
Meanwhile in his speech, State President Hichilema thanked the Catholic Church in Zambia for serving the people through social services ranging from health to education.
He said the Church and government must be partners because they serve the same people of God.
Bishop Mweempwa thanked everyone who attended his Episcopal consecration and installation in Monze and called for harmony and unity in the Monze Diocese.
Bishop Mweempwa becomes the 5th Bishop of Monze from the time it was created into the Diocese in 1962.
Bishop Mweempwa was born on 30th March 1974. He was ordained priest on 29th June, 2002. He is a specialised in Canon Law.
