ZAMBIA: Catholic Youth in Zambia Urged to Grow in Faith Through Family in 2026
Fr. Kunda, ZCCB youth Coordinator
Sandra Kunda
The National Youth Coordinator of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), Fr. Christopher Kunda, SDB, has called on young people to deepen their faith through strong family relationships as the Catholic Church begins 2026 under the theme “Youth and Family: Growing Faith Together.”
In his New Year’s message to the youth, Fr. Kunda emphasized that faith formation must be rooted both in the Church and the family, describing the family as the foundation of society and the first school of faith.
He echoed Pope Francis’ teaching in Amoris Laetitia that “the future of humanity passes through the family.”
Referring to the 2025 National Catholic Forum, Fr. Kunda highlighted the call by ZCCB President Archbishop Ignatius Chama to strengthen families, noting that youth ministry must work hand in hand with parents and guardians to nurture spiritually mature young people.
Fr. Kunda has encouraged young people to see themselves as agents of change, promoting justice, peace, and the common good. Quoting the post-synodal exhortation Christus Vivit, he reminded the youth that they are “the now of God” and urged them not to be afraid to live out their Christian mission.
He concluded by assuring young people of the Church’s continued support and encouraged them to remain steadfast in prayer, sacramental life, and service, urging them to “shine like stars in the universe” as they journey through 2026.
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