On August 16, 2025, the Franciscan Family and faithful from across Zambia’s Copperbelt region gathered at Bwana Mkubwa, the site of the first Conventual Franciscan mission in Zambia, to conduct a pilgrimage celebrating the 25th anniversary of the foundation of the Province of the Franciscan Protomartyrs in Zambia and Malawi.
The pilgrimage began with an introduction by Friar Alexander NGOSA, who highlighted the rich history of the Conventual Franciscan presence in the Copperbelt region. He recalled the missionary zeal of the first friars who arrived in 1931, the sacrifices of the Franciscan Protomartyrs in 1220, and the enduring legacy of the Catholic Church in the region. His reflection set the tone for a pilgrimage that was both a journey of remembrance and a call to spiritual renewal.
The pilgrimage included a 3 km. [2 mi.] walk of prayer and reflection, centered around three main themes: renewal, joy, and witness, followed by a eulogy honoring the early missionaries.
Renewal in the Spirit
Friar Patrick MUPULA emphasized that a pilgrimage is a journey with purpose. He invited the faithful to leave behind the familiar, to seek God, and to be transformed. Spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical renewal is the fruit of such a journey.
For the Conventual Franciscans, the jubilee this year has been an opportunity to return to the Gospel roots of St. Francis of Assisi, to embrace simplicity, fraternity, and joy. Renewal means daily conversion, forgiveness, recommitment to prayer and mission, and dedicating oneself to serving the poor and caring for creation. Friar Patrick encouraged the pilgrims to become messengers of hope and peace in a world often marked by injustice and ecological challenges.
Joy of the Gospel
Friar Barnabas KASONDE reflected on joy as the hallmark of the Gospel and the Conventual Franciscan vocation. Drawing inspiration from St. Francis, he reminded the pilgrims that joy does not come from wealth or comfort, but from a life rooted in Christ and expressed through service to others.
He encouraged the faithful to bring joy into their families, parishes, and communities, and to evangelize― not only through words―but through a life that radiates hope and peace.
Witness in the World
Friar Gabriel CHILEKWA focused on witness. He emphasized that Christians are called to live the Gospel visibly―through compassion, forgiveness, service, and integrity. He drew on the example of the Franciscan Protomartyrs and the early missionaries, urging the pilgrims to be courageous in their faith, in caring for creation, and in building communities of peace. He affirmed that witness is the living proof of both renewal and joy.
Eulogy for the First Friars
Friar Phillip Chola MULENGA delivered a moving eulogy to honor the first seven Franciscan missionaries who arrived in 1930, in what was then Northern Rhodesia, under the leadership of Friar Francesco Costantino MAZZIERI. The friars left Italy and courageously endured a long journey before finally reaching Bwana Mkubwa. Friar Phillip recalled their sacrifices and their tireless work in planting the seeds of faith in the Copperbelt region. Through their efforts, parishes, schools, and communities were established that continue to flourish today. Friar Phillip reminded the pilgrims that the Church in which they celebrate rests on the foundations laid by those pioneers.
Culmination in the Eucharist
The day reached its climax with a solemn Mass celebrated by the Minister Provincial, Friar Mathews KASONGO. In his homily, he invited the faithful to treasure the legacy of the past while embracing the mission of the future with renewed zeal. The Mass beautifully unified the themes of renewal, joy, and witness and offered thanksgiving to God for the rich Franciscan heritage in Zambia.
A Journey of Faith and Mission
The pilgrimage at Bwana Mkubwa drew hundreds of faithful Christians, including members of Franciscan parishes, Franciscan sisters, the Secular Franciscan Order, and many friends of the Franciscans. Their presence made the event a true celebration of faith, unity, and mission. This gathering not only honored the sacrifices of the early missionaries but also rekindled the call for all the faithful to live the Gospel with renewal, joy, and witness. It was a moment of grace and thanksgiving as the Church continues its mission in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi.
The faithful now look forward to the jubilee celebration scheduled for October 4, 2025, entitled: “Renewal, Joy and Witness of the Friars Minor Conventual in the Footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi.”
Friar Eliam Kondwani PHIRI, Provincial Secretary
