On March 19-20, 2026, the Franciscan Centre in Ndola, a presence of the Province of the Franciscan Protomartyrs in Zambia, hosted an important workshop for Guardians, Pastors, and “Priests-in-Charge” (friars entrusted with leadership in the Province). The gathering provided time for meaningful reflection, renewal, and fraternal discernment. It offered the friars a chance to revisit the essence of Franciscan community life and to reflect on the mission of the Province in light of present realities and future aspirations, inspired by the enduring witness of St. Francis of Assisi.
The workshop opened in a spirit of prayer. It was led by Friar Leonard KASONDE, Guardian of the St. Anthony of Padua Friary in Mwinilunga, Zambia. In his welcoming remarks, the Minister Provincial, Friar Mathews KASONGO, described the 2026 as a special year of grace for the Franciscan family, a year which commemorates the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis. He invited the friars to embrace this occasion as a time of renewal by returning to the foundational values of their vocation. He emphasized the call to begin again: “Brothers, up to now we have done little or nothing; let us begin again.” He underscored the importance of continuing formation, fraternal discernment, servant leadership, shared responsibility in mission, and strengthening the common life within fraternities as essential pillars to support a vibrant and faithful Province.
Father Stephen CHIKWANDA, a Marianhill Missionary, offered a key reflection on the theme of solidarity in community life, drawing on 1 Corinthians 1:10. He invited the friars to honestly confront the challenges that weaken fraternity, including individualism, burnout, lack of meaningful dialogue, and various forms of abuse. He called the friars to cultivate Gospel values such as accountability, compassion, forgiveness, inclusivity, trust, and attentiveness to personal well-being. He pointed out that authentic Franciscan life is rooted in relationships marked by mutual respect, care, and a shared commitment to growth in holiness.
He further noted that true solidarity is neither automatic nor superficial, but requires forgiveness, healing, and a shared commitment to love. He observed that being “of one mind and one purpose,” starts with personal conversion and a willingness to journey together as brothers. He proposed key values for building authentic fraternity, including prayer, attentive listening, compassion, honesty, forgiveness, mutual understanding, trust, responsible self-care, mutual responsibility, and cooperation in mission. He also highlighted practical attitudes to foster in daily life, such as showing appreciation, being accountable, respectful, tolerant, inclusive and open to reconciliation. He presented solidarity as a daily choice that encourages unity and mutual support.
The conversation then turned to the realities of modern communication, as Father Winfield KUNDA, Chief Executive Officer of Radio Icengelo, led a session on religious life in the digital age. He described social media as a “network of networks” with significant potential for evangelization, community building, and personal witness. Drawing on Church teaching such as Cor Orans and the Catechism, he stressed that online engagement must be guided by prudence, truth, and the pursuit of the common good, so that it strengthens rather than replaces fraternal life.
He also highlighted the risks associated with digital platforms—distraction, addiction, harmful content, weakened relationships, and breaches of privacy—placing particular emphasis on misinformation and disinformation, which can create confusion and division within the Church. He encouraged the friars to verify information carefully, discern sources responsibly, and adopt prudent internet practices, including cybersecurity awareness. Finally, he called for an ethical use of social media, rooted in fidelity to the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience.
Attention was also given to the financial responsibilities of the Province. In a comprehensive presentation, Friar James CHISHIMBA, the Provincial Econom, outlined the financial status of the Province, addressing both strengths and challenges. He emphasized the need to strengthen local contributions, ensure responsible stewardship of resources, and sustainably support the financial demands of formation and mission. He highlighted shared responsibility in securing the long-term stability of the Province.
Throughout the workshop, the friars engaged in open and sincere dialogue, sharing their experiences in ministry and community life. These exchanges revealed a desire to deepen solidarity, improve communication within fraternities, and offer greater mutual support in pastoral responsibilities. The friars also expressed gratitude for positive developments, including increased local contributions, stronger fraternal relationships, and the ongoing impact of pastoral and charitable initiatives, particularly through Caritas.
In his closing remarks, Friar Mathews KASONGO reaffirmed the call to unity, commitment, and shared responsibility, reminding the friars that the vitality of the Province depends on the strength of its fraternities. He encouraged all to remain steadfast in their vocation and to continue building communities that radiate the Gospel and embody the spirit of St. Francis.
The workshop concluded with prayer led by Friar Nathan KAKUBO, the Delegate of the Provincial Delegation in Malawi, followed by a final blessing from the Minister Provincial. The meeting ended on a note of gratitude and renewed hope, with the friars strengthened in their commitment to live and serve in fraternity, simplicity, and joyful witness to the Gospel.
Friar Eliam PHIRI, OFM Conv.
Provincial Secretary
