On March 26-28, 2025, the Province of the Franciscan Protomartyrs in Zambia conducted a workshop for Guardians and Pastors at the Franciscan Centre in Ndola, Zambia. The purpose of the workshop was to provide Guardians and Pastors key insights and practical tools. Over the course of three days, the participants engaged in various sessions aimed at enhancing their leadership roles, understanding key ecclesiastical processes, and improving their management of parishes and friaries.
The workshop covered a variety of important topics, all designed to add to the theological knowledge and practical leadership skills of those attending. Below is a summary of the lectures given and their respective topics:
“The Role of the Guardian” – Friar John LESA lectured on the pivotal role of the Guardian within the Franciscan community. He emphasized the Guardian’s responsibility to foster spiritual growth, maintain the discipline of the community, and ensure that the charism of St. Francis is upheld within the friary.
“The Role of the Pastor” – Friar Matthew MUMBA lectured on the vital role of Pastors in leading and shepherding the faith community. He highlighted three particular duties of a Pastor. The first was “pastoral care”: a Pastor’s primary responsibility is to nurture the spiritual well-being of his parishioners. The second duty was “administration”: pastors are responsible for the overall running of the parish, including liturgical activities, sacramental duties, and community outreach. The third duty was “collaborative leadership: a Pastor is to encourage collaboration among the laity, fellow clergy, and religious to meet the needs of the parish.
“Implementing the 2024-2028 Four-Year Provincial Plan” – Friar Alexander NGOSA lectured on the 2024-2028 Four-Year Provincial Plan. He led the Guardians and Pastors through the document, emphasizing the need for each individual friar to take part in the implementation process. He further said that the document belongs to all of the friars and cannot be left to the Provincial administration to implement; it is everyone’s duty.
“Caritas Commission Projects” – Friar Luke CHILAMBWE lectured on the Caritas Commission and its crucial role in securing funding and managing projects in the Province. His lecture focused on the works completed so far and pending projects. He emphasized the need for collaboration, especially with Guardians and Pastors.
“Financial Matters” – The Provincial Econom, Friar James CHISHIMBA, provided insights into the financial status of the Province. He reminded the Guardians to ensure that their friary obligations are met promptly. The Provincial Exactor, Friar Andrew NGOSA, reminded the Guardians to start using the digital accounting book to record friary finances. He took some time to reorient the friars on how to use the accounting book and make correct entries.
“Capacity Building on Leadership, Organizational Development, and Savings and Investments” – Mr. John Suzyo BANDA, a member of the lay faithful, gave a workshop on leadership capacity building, organizational development, and self-sustainability. His session focused on three topics. The first was “Leadership Development.” It dealt with equipping clergy and lay leaders with the skills needed for effective leadership, including conflict resolution, communication, and vision sharing. The second topic was “Organizational Development”: it stressed the importance of creating structured and efficient organizations to maximize resources and effectiveness. The last topic was “Savings and Investments for Self-Sustainability”: it taught practical strategies for parishes and friaries to become financially self-sustaining through smart investments and savings programs.
The workshop was a resounding success, the Minister Provincial, Friar Mathews KASONGO, exhorted the Guardians and Pastors to implement the valuable lessons learned during the workshop. The Minister Provincial also urged the Guardians and Pastors to return to their friaries and parishes rejuvenated and ready to make a difference where they are. The Minister Provincial concluded by expressing his sincere gratitude to all the facilitators for their invaluable contributions, particularly the friars who shared their expertise, as well as Mr. John Suzyo BANDA for his workshop.
Friar Eliam Kondwani PHIRI, Provincial Secretary
