ZAMBIA: Choir Members from Chipata Diocese Urged to Treasure the Singing Talent
Bishop George Lungu
Christopher Banda
Chipata Diocese Bishop George Zumaile Lungu in Eastern region of Zambia in Southern Africa, said if the talent of singing is mishandled by the choir members it has the potential to destroy the church.
In his sermon during Mass to launch the 2022 Parish choir competition where 32 parishes met at St Anne’s Cathedral Parish in Chipata District from 16th to 20th August 2022, Bishop Lungu called upon the choir members to treasure their gift of singing.
“If the gift of singing is mishandled, it has the potential to destroy the church and those who sing, bishop Lungu said and added, “How many people have destroyed their marriages because of choir? How many people stopped praying and receiving the Sacrament of the Eucharist because of choir? How many priest stopped priesthood because of the choirs” Treasure your talent, it’s a special gift from God.”
“What I can say to you who have the gift of singing is, ‘treasure and protect your talent’” Bishop Lungu insisted and continued, “One of the purposes of singing is to move the heart of the people so that the heart accepts the love of God.”
He exhorted the choir members by underscoring that singing is a precious gift.
Referencing the letter of Saint to the Corinthians in Chapter 12 verse 7, where the Apostle says, “The manifestation of the Holy Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all,” Bishop Lungu urged the choir members to safeguard the gift.
“Some of us don’t have this gift but some of you when you stand and sing, you help people to transform into sons and daughters of God,” he said.’
Hundreds of choir members from different parishes of the Catholic Diocese of Chipata gathered at St Anne’s Cathedral Parish for their 2022 choir competition where St Anne’s Cathedral Parish scooped the first position.
