On Saturday, September 10, 2022, eleven friar deacons of the Province of the Franciscan Protomartyrs in Zambia, and one member of the Neocatechumenal Way, were raised to the Order of the Presbyterate. They were ordained by the Most Reverend Benjamin PHIRI, Bishop of Ndola, Zambia.
The priestly ordinations took place at the St. Anthony of Padua Church and Franciscan Centre in Kansenshi, a suburb of Ndola. The President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency, Mr. Hakainde HICHILEMA, was also in attendance.
In his homily, the bishop encouraged the new priests to remain faithful to their calling and to the people of God entrusted to their care, to be ardent in prayer, to be ever available in their priestly duties and to unite the people of God, regardless of their status in society. The bishop exhorted the new priests to be watchful against the vices that can easily compromise their priestly ministry.
Above all, the bishop exhorted the new priests to always remain anchored to Christ the Good Shepherd in every situation and circumstance, because true solace and consolation is found in the Lord, Jesus Christ.
The new priests are Friars Joshua MUMBA, Emmanuel KANDUWA, Marshal HAMUKOMBO, Angel CHANDA, Derby KAMANGA, Raymond MPUNDU, Ernest MUKUKA, Gabriel CHILEKWA, Pethias KAFULA, Patrick MULENGA, and Davies LUNDA.
Friar Mathews KASONGO, Provincial Secretary
