ZAMBIA: Secretary General of ZCCB, Fr. Mukosa, Celebrates 25 Years of Priesthood
Fr. Mukosa the Secretary General for the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB)
Sandra Kunda
Ordained priest on May 13th, 1999, and incardinated in the Archdiocese of Douala in Cameroon, Fr. Mukosa’s first assignment was as an assistant priest at Our Lady of Victory Parish. His expertise in canon law led him to teach at a Provincial Major Seminary and later be appointed as a judge in the Provincial Ecclesiastical Tribunal of Edea, Cameroon. His leadership flourished as he became a full-time parish priest, running the same parish (Our Lady of Victory Parish) for seven years.
After ten years of service in Cameroon, Fr. Mukosa returned to Zambia and was first appointed parish priest at St. Steven Parish in Ndola’s Twapia Compound, where he served for three years. He was transferred to St. Joseph Parish in Itawa Township, Ndola, where he served as parish priest for seven years before moving to St. Elizabeth Parish in 2021.
In August 2021, Fr. Mukosa was appointed Secretary General for the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB). In this role, he has been a central figure in coordinating efforts across Dioceses, utilizing his administrative and organizational skills to benefit the Conference, facilitate effective communication and collaboration among Bishops, and uphold the Church’s mission.
As Secretary General, Fr. Mukosa’s leadership has resonated well with his vocation. “A priest is supposed to” govern,” that is, to take care of the material good of the Church and promote the spiritual and physical well-being of the people of God, and that is what I have been doing here,” he says. His role involves coordinating the activities of the Catholic Secretariat and ensuring the advancement of the Church’s mission in Zambia.
Reflecting on his 25 years of service, Fr. Mukosa expresses profound gratitude for the blessings and challenges of his vocation. He acknowledges the unwavering support of his former parishioners, fellow clergy, and family and remains dedicated to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and faithful community guided by the teachings of Christ. “My journey has been one of faith, love, and service. Each day, I have learned that to deliver good service, you need to love what you do, do it well, and pray about it,” he says.
Fr. Mukosa has lived an exemplary life, emphasizing that as a priest, he lives not for himself but for others. “I cannot be found in certain places, not because they are bad, but because of the effect that may have on my reputation as a priest and on the people who would be looking at me,” he stresses.
With a Master’s in Canon Law from the Catholic Institute of Paris, Fr. Mukosa has been an invaluable resource. His expertise in legal and ethical matters has been instrumental in navigating complex ecclesiastical issues.
As he celebrates this 25-year milestone, Fr. Mukosa remains focused on the future. “As Secretary General, I am humbled to work alongside such dedicated leaders in our Church, striving together to serve God’s people and uphold the values of our faith,” he reflects. His leadership, compassion, and vision continue to inspire those around him, making a lasting impact on his community and beyond. He encourages young people, seminarians, and young priests to listen to God regarding their vocations and to rely on God and the people around them during challenges. “There is no new challenge that one would face that no one has ever experienced,” he says
Fr. Francis Mukosa’s 25 years of priestly service are a testament to his faith, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the Church. As he continues his journey, the impact of his work and leadership promises to resonate for many years to come.
ENDS…
