Catholic Diocese of Chipata Bishop, George Lungu has called on priests in the diocese to change the strategy of evangelising.
Bishop Lungu was speaking in his Homily during Mass held at St. Anne’s Parish in Chipata, in line with the theme for the liturgical year, which is”Year of Evangelisation”.
The Bishop, who is also Zambia Episcopal Conference(ZEC) chairperson, said priests were not holy people but were just like any other human being.
“We share the common denomination called humans. We are not saying we are different. We are here to acknowledge our weakness”, he said.
He told the priests and religious sisters that the problems they face in their different parishes and departments are the cross of Christ that they have to carry and encouraged them to continue.
Bishop Lungu announced that two priests are leaving the diocese and some have been moved to serve in other parishes.
He also announced that Fr. Mathias Potani Banda as the new Parish Priest for St. Anne’s Parish.
The Bishop also announced that Kanyanga Parish in Lundazi has been handed back to the diocese and that he has appointed two priests to run it on temporary basis until the next ordination which takes place on August 9, 2008 at St John’s Parish in Katete.
He urged the members of the church to work hard and help the diocese to find money for those in major seminaries.
“We need more priests. The number is reducing. A Task force on Funds for Seminarians has been formed to sensitize christians on sourcing funds for the seminarians and also a Board of Consultants to help me in the running of the diocese”, he said.
The Chrism Mass, which is for the blessing of oils, is held every year.
The priests in the diocese gather at one place at which they also renew their promises of their faith and service to the church.
This year’s was attended by about 50 priests. The oils that are blessed on this day are that which is used to anoint the sick, that which is used for baptism, confirmation and ordination, and that for the catechumen.
