ZAMBIA: Mpika Diocese Catechists Receive Bicycles
Charles Kasanda
The Catholic Diocese of Mpika has purchased bicycles to support catechists in their pastoral duties in the diocese.
The 114 bicycles add to the motorcycles purchased at the end of 2021 with support from Aid to the Church In Need organization.
And at the presentation ceremony on Tuesday 21st March 2023, Bishop Edwin Mulandu acknowledged the role of catechists and assured them of his constant prayers and support in their work saying the fruits may not be visible today but will surely manifest in due course.
Meanwhile, Vicar General Very Rev. Fr. Vito Milandile thanked Aid to Church In Need for the support, and the Diocesan Bishop for soliciting for funds and organizing the distribution of the bicycles, which he said is a reliable means of transport for pastoral agents.
“Catechists play a significant role in the mission of evangelization in the church, especially in Africa, where its history would be incomplete without making mention of catechetical involvement,” he said.
“Over the years catechists have done a commendable job in communicating Christ, in implanting the faith and in bringing the transforming and regenerative power of the gospel in the lives of the people of God,” he added.
While urging the catechists to safeguard the bicycles and motorbikes jealously, Fr. Milandile recalled how catechists where right-hand men and women when they accompanied the clergy for pastoral work during the time of expatriate missionaries in Zambia.
Meanwhile in giving a vote of thanks, Catechist Association Representative Stephen Chi pasha thanked the Local ordinary for being a good shepherd and implored him to continue helping and empowering Catechists in their journey.
“To date Catechists are very instrumental in the munus pastorale (pastoral ministry). They help to prepare the people of God via Catechesis before the celebration of the sacraments, they take care of the sub parishes, and they conduct prayer services, among many other pastoral duties, Mr. Chipasha said.
With a shortfall of priests to cover all the Parishes and Sub-parishes coupled with a challenging geographical terrain, Catechists’ play a pivotal role in complementing the work of a priest in far flung areas.
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