August 6-8, 2025, the Province of the Franciscan Protomartyrs in Zambia conducted a formation week for its friars in initial formation. The event is a long-cherished tradition that was recently revived to strengthen fraternity, deepen learning, and inspire missionary commitment.
The program began on Wednesday morning with opening remarks from Friar John LESA, the Chairman of the Initial Formation Commission. He gave the participants a warm welcome and encouraged them to cherish this time together and to use it as an opportunity to deepen the bonds of brotherhood. Friar Eliam Kondwani PHIRI, speaking on behalf of the Minister Provincial, Friar Mathews KASONGO, expressed gratitude for the gathering, and described it as a sign of hope for the future of the Province.
The first day’s sessions focused on mission animation. They were led by Friar Charles MUKUKA, who reminded the participants of the Order’s missionary identity and the call for friars to understand that this has been a principle aspect of the Order from the beginning. Later on, Friar John LESA stressed the importance of life in fraternity as the foundation for pastoral service. He talked about living in community as well as the pastoral year; both are part of a friar’s formation journey.
Thursday began with a lecture on the history of the Order of the Friars Minor Conventual in Zambia, presented by Friar Philip MULENGA. He showed how the Jurisdiction has always had a historical association with the Protomartyrs of Morocco, right up to its becoming a Province in 2000. In the afternoon, Friar Francis KATUTA addressed the guidelines for protecting minors and vulnerable persons. He highlighted Canon Law’s firm stance against abuse and the severe consequences for violations. Later, the friars had a spirited soccer match in which the friars studying philosophy claimed a three to one victory over their counterparts studying theology and those engaged in a pastoral year. The day ended with the friars from the different communities sharing their experiences and seeking guidance and clarification on certain matters from their chairman, Friar John LESA.
On Friday, Father Winfield KUNDA from the Archdiocese of Ndola, Zambia, led a session on “Communication and Social Media in the Digital Era.” He urged the responsible use of social media and outlined its opportunities (research, evangelization and networking) as well as its dangers (propaganda and misinformation). The week concluded with the presentation of a book by Friar Mathew BANDA, entitled: “Youth in Zambia: Rising Beyond the Odds.” The presentation was attended by friars, invited guests, and the guest speaker, Mr. Francis MWAMBA, Director of Dream Park Innovations Limited.
This formation week was characterized by fraternity, intellectual formation, and practical engagement with pastoral and social realities. It rekindled the friars’ passion for mission and their commitment to the Franciscan way of life.
Friar Martin MAMFUNDA, Formation Week Secretary
