ZAMBIA: Have Personal Relationship With Jesus or Priesthood Remains a Job – Archbishop Banda to Newly the Ordained
Archbishop Alick Banda
Mwenya Mukuka
The Archbishop of Lusaka Most Rev. Dr. Alick Banda says until a priest has a personal encounter and relationship with Jesus Christ, his priesthood will remain a job to earn him a living.
Archbishop Banda added that when a priest lacks a personal encounter and relationship with Jesus Christ, he becomes a burden to oneself, community and the Church.
Speaking in his homily during the ordination to priesthood of 6 deacons on Saturday 6th August, 2022 at the Cathedral of Child Jesus in Lusaka, Most Rev. Banda observed that instead of being of service to God and his people, such a priest will be preoccupied with personal rights and privileges.
Archbishop Banda further expressed his desire for each of the ordinands from the outset to develop and cultivate a relation with Lord Jesus Christ who he said is the priest’s Master and brother.
“It is my desire for each and everyone of you, dear ordinands, from the outset that you develop and cultivate a relationship with Lord Jesus Christ who is your master and brother. Therefore, develop a habit of nourishing from his two tables of the word and Eucharist, “he said.
“Do these not out of duty but conviction, and you should remain happy even in difficulty times and circumstances of your ministry,” he added.
Archbishop Banda further advised the newly ordained to be aware of ‘praise’ singers saying they lead to doom. He also urged them not to vilify their senior brother priests for their short comings or mistakes, but to correct them in humility.
“Being gifted in corrections is a hallmark of wisdom and good leadership. Don’t be drunk with power,” he said.
The Archbishop further said that the honour of ordination is to become, not only glorious beacons of light and grace but also sharers in the reenactment of the sacrifice of Jesus and to be at the centre of dispensing God’s graces and favours on his people.
“Being a priest is about transformation of your heart after the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ the High Priest,” he said.
The six ordained to priesthood were Frs. Emmanuel Chisanga, Noah Lungu and Daniel Kamuzyu from the Society of Jesus or Jesuits as they are popularly known, Fr Joel Kapilikisha from Capuchin Franciscan Order, and Frs. Lazarus Mbewe, Prince Nyambose, Elijah Mbewe and Clint Chanda for the Archdiocese.
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