On Saturday, January 25, 2025, the Province of the Franciscan Protomartyrs in Zambia officially launched its silver jubilee celebration, marking the 25th anniversary of the erection of the Province. The event took place at the Sacred Heart Parish in Kitwe, Zambia.
The Vicar Provincial, Friar Alexander Chanda CHIMPUSA, presided over the Mass. Those attending included numerous Christians, mostly from Franciscan parishes, as well as religious brothers and sisters, all united in thanksgiving and joy.
In his homily, Friar Alexander highlighted the significance of this milestone, recounting the history of the Conventual Franciscans in Zambia. He noted that the Conventual Franciscans first arrived in Zambia in 1930, and the region was officially declared a Province on December 2, 2000. Since then, the Province has experienced remarkable growth. Friar Alexander expressed deep gratitude for the progress the Province has made over the past twenty-five years.
During the same Mass, the Minister Provincial, Friar Mathews KASONGO, officially launched the jubilee celebration with a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony, unveiling the silver jubilee theme: “Celebrating Twenty-Five Years of Renewal, Joy and Witness (cf. 2Cor. 9:8).”
The celebration also featured the launch of the Provincial Silver Jubilee Album. The album has nine tracks, namely: Provincial Silver Jubilee, Ifilayo, Ulukaristia, Sanctus, Abatusha, Amalumbo, the Song of Francis, Umutima Wandi and Ulelumbanya Lesa.
This joyous occasion not only marked a significant milestone for the Conventual Franciscans but also highlighted their growth and enduring presence as a Province in Zambia for the past twenty-five years.
Friar Eliam Kondwani PHIRI