ZAMBIA: Bishop of Mansa Urges Diocesan Priests to Utilize Their Giftedness

Mwenya Mukuka

Mansa Diocese Bishop, Rt. Rev. Patrick Chisanga, OFM Conv. has called on priests to utilise gifts that God has given them for the good of God’s people.

Bishop Chisanga says the gift of priesthood is very special as it is configured to the person of Jesus Christ.

Bishop Chisanga was speaking during Mass to officially open the Association of Zambian Diocesan Catholic Clergy (AZADCC) National Conference in the Diocese of Mansa on 30th August 2022.

He also called on priests to put on the lens of God that will help them recognize God’s hand at work.

The Conference runs from 29th August to 2nd September 2022 under the theme: That they may be one: Promoting Fraternity and Solidarity among the Local Clergy in the spirit of Synodality.

Bishop Patrick Chisanga further shared Synodality messages from other Bishops in Zambia.

The bi-annual national conference brings together diocesan priests to promote unity and oneness among them as local clergy.

And the Bishop of Kabwe Diocese Rt. Rev. Clement Mulenga, who is the Bishop Director for the clergy under Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) called for unity among the clergy.

And Fr. Nicky Mwanza who is the Association of Zambian Diocesan Catholic Clergy outgoing President says it is important for the priests to reflect on how relevant they have been to the Church especially during the Conference level Synodal deliberations.

Fr. Mwanza also said that his association is hopeful for more vocations to priesthood and religious life among young people after the Conference.

Meanwhile AZADCC has ushered in its new leadership with Fr. Augustine Mwewa of Ndola Diocese as its new President, Fr. Elias Muma, also from Ndola as the Vice President. Others are Frs. Angelo Nkhata of Chipata Diocese as treasurer, Alfred Mucheleka of Kabwe Diocese as Secretary and Derrick Muunda of Kasama Archdiocese as Vice Secretary.

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