From April 30 to May 6, 2023, the Province of the Franciscan Protomartyrs in Zambia conducted its annual retreat. The event took place at the retreat center of the St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Mission in Ibenga, Zambia. Twenty-seven friars attended.
The retreat was preached by Father Justine CHIKOTWE, a diocesan priest of the Catholic Diocese of Ndola and the Pastor of the Parish of Chililabombwe, Zambia. He preached on the theme: “The Call to Be Another Christ” and exhorted the friars to imitate Jesus Christ, who withdrew from the crowds in order to find time to be with His Father. Father Justine further encouraged the friars to be vessels of divine life. The retreat offered the friars a moment to reflect on their vocation as “other Christs” with a mission to be witnesses of Christ’s love and unity. Father Justine reminded the friars that through their religious and priestly consecration, they participate in Christ’s mission as close confidants, and thus should trust in God’s providence rather than their own personal strength.
Friar Mathews KASONGO, Provincial Secretary
