January-February-March 2018

YOUTHS, HOPE OF THE CHURCH-BISHOP KASONDE
Catholic Diocese of Solwezi Bishop, Rt. Rev. Charles Kasonde says the youth is the hope of the church, the family, the entire nation and the universe at large.

Bishop Kasonde further emphasised that since the world depends on the youths, they must show signs that indeed young people are the hope of the whole universe. And Bishop Kasonde has urged the youths not to lose the moment of racing for the faith in the Lord and ensure that the church is promulgated, propagated and continues to transmit the faith that people have found in the Lord Jesus Christ. Bishop Kasonde said this during mass to hundreds of youths from Solwezi Deanery, who gathered at St Kizito Parish in Solwezi to celebrate Youth Day on Monday, 12 March, 2018. The 2018 youth day was celebrated under the Universal and Diocesan Theme “Young People, Faith and Vocation Discernment” and “Bible and the Family” respectively. And, Solwezi Deanery Youth Chairperson Peter Zuze challenged the church leadership and all stakeholders to look for possible measures in order to have a well prepared youth in the Diocese. “It will be of help if the youths can be helped to access land so that they can construct Deanery Youth Offices for effective operation of youth programmes in the Diocese. The land would be of greater use, as the youths would have access to sporting play ground and entrepreneurship. Possible [land] that were in parishes are no more due to constructions going on in most of the Parishes,” Zuze said.Solwezi Deanary Youths celebrating Youth Day at St. Kizito Parish.

MUFUMBWE HOLY TRINITY PARISH YOUTHS VISIT KAKILUFYA COMPOUND OLD COUPLE.

A Mufumbwe Catholic Youth and Social Worker Ms. Kombe Chewe on Sunday 18 February 2018 led Holy Trinity Parish in Mufumbwe youths in visiting an old couple in Kakilufya Compound in Mufumbwe district. “The youths’ visiting of the old couple were motivated by the fact that most aged people have been deserted by relatives and discriminated due to cultural beliefs,” said Ms. Chewe. And, Ms. Chewe has lauded the old man’s deeper faith seen in his daily attending of holy mass despite his old age. “This man cannot walk upright but with a stick due to changes that have taken place in his body with time. This physiological challenge among others does not hinder him from walking some long distance from his home in Kakilufya to attend mass and congregate every Sunday with the Holy Trinity Parish members. His deep and strong faith touched all that visited him today,” said Ms. Lombe noted. The Holy Trinity Family Youths visit was a response to the Holy Father’s invitation to the youths to discern and discover their vocation in various callings as they prepare for the Special Synod of Bishops for Youths.

BISHOP KASONDE LAUNCHES 2018 YEAR OF THE BIBLE AND THE FAMILY

Solwezi Diocese Bishop Rt. Rev. Chares Kasonde has launched 2018 as the Year of the Bible and the Family. In his homily during the launch at St. Daniel’s Cathedral Parish in Solwezi on Saturday, 3 February 2018, Right Reverend Kasonde called on Priests, Religious men and women, Deacons, Seminarians, Catechists, the Lay Faithful and Brothers and Sisters in Christ to live a prayerful and reflective life focusing on the Word of God in their homes. “To you, my beloved Priests, Religious Men and Women, Deacons, Seminarians, Catechists, the Lay Faithful and my brothers and sisters in Christ. It is with such happiness and joy that I declare 2018 the year of “The Bible and Family”.
Chewe Lombe with Mzee in Kakilufya Compound, Mufumbwe
Mufumbwe Catholic Youths in Kakilufya Compound walking towards Mzee’s home.
Bishop Kasonde blessing bibles during the launch of the Bible and the Family 2018.
MUFUMBWE HOLY TRINITY PARISH YOUTHS VISIT KAKILUFYA COMPOUND OLD COUPLE. A Mufumbwe Catholic Youth and Social Worker Ms. Kombe Chewe on Sunday 18 February 2018 led Holy Trinity Parish in Mufumbwe youths in visiting an old couple in Kakilufya Compound in Mufumbwe district. “The youths’ visiting of the old couple were motivated by the fact that most aged people have been deserted by relatives and discriminated due to cultural beliefs,” said Ms. Chewe. And, Ms. Chewe has lauded the old man’s deeper faith seen in his daily attending of holy mass despite his old age. “This man cannot walk upright but with a stick due to changes that have taken place in his body with time. This physiological challenge among others does not hinder him from walking some long distance from his home in Kakilufya to attend mass and congregate every Sunday with the Holy Trinity Parish members. His deep and strong faith touched all that visited him today,” said Ms. Lombe noted. The Holy Trinity Family Youths visit was a response to the Holy Father’s invitation to the youths to discern and discover their vocation in various callings as they prepare for the Special Synod of Bishops for Youths. BISHOP KASONDE LAUNCHES 2018 YEAR OF THE BIBLE AND THE FAMILY Solwezi Diocese Bishop Rt. Rev. Chares Kasonde has launched 2018 as the Year of the Bible and the Family. In his homily during the launch at St. Daniel’s Cathedral Parish in Solwezi on Saturday, 3 February 2018, Right Reverend Kasonde called on Priests, Religious men and women, Deacons, Seminarians, Catechists, the Lay Faithful and Brothers and Sisters in Christ to live a prayerful and reflective life focusing on the Word of God in their homes. “To you, my beloved Priests, Religious Men and Women, Deacons, Seminarians, Catechists, the Lay Faithful and my brothers and sisters in Christ. It is with such happiness and joy that I declare 2018 the year of “The Bible and Family”.
Chewe Lombe with Mzee in Kakilufya Compound, Mufumbwe
Mufumbwe Catholic Youths in Kakilufya Compound walking towards Mzee’s home.
Bishop Kasonde blessing bibles during the launch of the Bible and the Family 2018.

I invite you all to pray, reflect and work along this theme,” said Bishop Kasonde. Bishop Kasonde further said that when reflecting on the Word of God, people of God should let the word in the Bible be a weapon to unite people regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds. “I urge you all to let the Word of God be a binding factor in your daily interactions and let it be a unifying factor that will bring us together regardless of our ethnicity and religious belongings, ” said Bishop Kasonde. Meanwhile prices of the locally translated Bibles have been reduced to K30 from K65. Bishop Kasonde announced that this is in order to allow the Word of God reach many in the Diocese. In his Pastoral letter on the Bible and the Family released on Friday, 2 February 2018, Bishop Kasonde described the development as a blessing in the acquisition of locally translated Kikaonde, Lunda and Luvale Catholic Bibles in the Diocese. He also thanked God for the players in the translation of the Bible.“One of the blessings was the acquisition of the long-awaited Kikaonde, Lunda and Luvale Catholic Bibles. It took a long and painstaking involvement of various players- the Diocesan Biblical Commission, our friends from South Korea, translators and editors. We thank God because through them we now have Bibles of our own,” concluded Bishop Kasonde. RE-CATECHISING THE FAITHFUL ON CHRISTIAN UNITY PRIORITY-ZAMBEZI DEANARY DEAN
Zambezi Deanary has prioritised on its future pastoral plan the re-catechising the faithful on Christian Unity. Presenting a denary report during the last Presbyteral council Meeting held at St. Kizito Pastoral Center, Zambezi Deanary Dean Fr. Yona Chipango revealed that his denary has embarked on re-catechising the faithful in centers and parishes on the need to promote Christian unity. Meanwhile, Diocesan Catechetical Coordinator Fr. Stephen Kapalu described the just ended Satellite Workshop in Zambezi as a success because it brought together Catechists from Chavuma and Zambezi districts and beyond. “The Satellite seminar in Zambezi proved to be a success as Catechists from Luvale speaking areas learned and exchanged ideas with their counterparts from Lunda speaking areas”, Said Fr. Kapalu. He also lauded the Catechists for their work of evangelisation and described them as conveyor belts between the Church and the lay people in the evangelisation of the gospel. “Catechists in the Catholic Church are foot soldiers and counsellors of the church as well as conveyor belts between the Church and the lay people in the evangelisation of the gospel,” Fr. Kapalu told Radio Kabangabanga News Editor Roydah Tembo in an interview. This was on the recent ended Solwezi and Zambezi Satellite Programmes.
The Zambezi River unifies all people in Northwestern province and Zambia.

VYELU PEANUT BUTTER MARKETING ON CARDS-CARITAS SOLWEZI
Caritas Solwezi Director, Rev. Fr. Dr. Albert Sakala has promised Wikama Cooperative team that his organisation will help to market the newly launched Vyelu Peanut Butter product. Rev. Fr. Dr. Sakala called on the public to be on the look for Vyelu Peanut Butter as they go shopping adding that the product will soon be available in leading shops and chain stores. Meanwhile, speaking after the launch of Vyelu Peanut Butter, Project Officer Annic Sakazanga announced that the product has been certified by the Zambia Bureau of Standards. Ms Sakazanga further encouraged the public to consume the product saying it is organic and chemical free. And Wikama Cooperative Secretary Henry has commended Caritas Solwezi and its cooperating partners for the support on the project and assured the funders that the cooperative will not only take care of the facility but also work hard so that to realize the expected benefits. He however, appealed to government and other interested parties to help them with funds to acquire the bigger Peanut processing machine than the one they are currently using. “A bigger machine will enable the cooperative to produce the peanut butter on large scale thereby supplying to a larger customer base,” Mr. Soneka said. Wikama cooperative in Mufumbwe has embarked on Peanut butter processing from organic groundnuts. The cooperative plant at the moment produces 390 bottles of 500g peanut butter per month translating into 4,680 bottles per year.
SOUTH KOREAN PRIEST IMPRESSED WITH THE LOCALLY TRANSLATED BIBLES IMPACT.
A South Korean Based Catholic priest and Director of Overseas Bible Outreach Fr. Francis Lee says he is impressed on how the locally translated bibles is making people to be spiritually alive in the communities of Catholic Diocese of Solwezi.“In my visits to the communities of the diocese, I am impressed to learn that locally translated bibles are making people to be spiritually alive”, said Fr. Lee. The Director of Overseas Bible Outreach was also impressed to note that the locally translated bibles in Kikaonde, Lunda and Luvale are contributing to the building of good relationships among the people in the communities of the Diocese. He said this at Solwezi Airport in an interview with Radio Kabangabanga News before departure for Livingstone after a visit to the Diocese to check on the impact of the locally translated bibles on the communities in the Diocese.
Fr. Francis Lee confers with Bishop Kasonde during his visit to South Korea.
Vyelu peanut butter on display in the manufacturing room in Matushi and Kasamba areas, Mufumbwe.
Fr. Francis Lee conferring with Bishop Kasonde during his visit to South Korea.

The South Korea based Overseas Bible Outreach funded the printing cost of locally translated Catholic Bibles. Catholic Diocese of Solwezi Bishop Rt. Rev. Charles Kasonde launched and commissioned the locally translated Catholic Bibles in Kaonde, Lunda and Luvale on Saturday, 24th June 2017, at St. Daniel’s Cathedral Parish.
CHILDREN TAKE OVER AIRWAVES.
Children in Solwezi have participated in the 2018 International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICDB). ICDB was held on Sunday, 3 March 2017 from 06:00 hours to 20:00 hours. Children from various communities took over the airwaves of Radio Kabangabanga by broadcasting programmes tailored to their needs and aspirations. The children broadcast in English, Kiikaonde, Luvale and Lunda languages.
The children produced programmes that reflected issues of human rights, environment, poetry, gender among others. This year’s 2017 International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICDB) was celebrated under the theme “Children and Information, Technology and Communication (ICT)”. POPE FRANCIS RELEASES MESSAGE FOR WORLD DAY OF COMMUNICATION In his message for the World Communications Day 2018, Pope Francis calls for a “journalism for peace” in response to the threat of fake news, which “thrives on the absence of healthy confrontation with other sources of information”. Pope Francis on Wednesday released his message for Word Communication Day which is held annually on Sunday before Pentecost, falling this year on 13 May 2018. Pope Francis on Wednesday released his message for World Communications Day, which is held annually on the Sunday before Pentecost, falling this year on 13 May 2018. “The truth will set you free” (Jn 8:32). Fake news and journalism for peace” is the theme of the Pope’s message. The Holy Father explores what makes fake news ‘fake’, how to recognize it, truth as an antidote, and how “journalism for peace” takes people as its focus. World Communications Day is the only worldwide celebration called for by the Second atican Council (“Inter Mirifica”, 1963). The Holy Father s message is traditionally published in conjunction with January 2 , feast of St. Francis de Sales, patron of journalists, to allow bishops conferences, diocesan offices and communications organizations sufficient time to prepare audiovisual and other materials for national and local celebrations.
Booklet containing Pope Francis’ message for World Day of Communication 2018.
Local children broadcasting during International Children’s Day of Broadcasting.

The first World Communications Day was observed on May 7, 1967, under the pontificate of Blessed Pope Paul VI, who wanted to draw attention to the communications media and the enormous power they have for cultural transformation. This year’s observance is the 52nd edition.
Diocesan & Parish Events 2018
 Presbyteral Council Meeting was held at St. Kizito Pastoral Center from 20-21 March 2018 with the call by the Bishop Charles Kasonde to take the meeting as a moment to share challenges, successes and failures priests experience when carrying out pastoral work in different parishes.
 17-member group from Czech Prague Caritas from 15 – 17 March 2018 visited Solwezi and handed over 1×2 classroom block at Rodwell Mwepu Primary/ Secondary School
 Women of St. Philip Mission Parish in Kapiji, in Ntambu Deanery on Monday 8 March joined the Diocese in celebrating International Women Day 2018.
 Diocesan Education’s Desk organised first ever three-day Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishop (ZCCB) Child Protection Policy workshop from 16 – 19 March 2018 for Catholic Schools Heads and PTA members held at Bishop Potani Guest House, Solwezi.
 National AZADCC Executive members from 8 to 9 March 2018 visited the Diocese to check on the preparations of National AZADCC Conference to be hosted by Catholic Diocese of Solwezi in 2019.
Farewell
Sr. Bibian Chilufya a member of Congregation of Child Jesus has left the Diocese after 9 years of working as Youth Alive Coordinator and Pastoral worker at St. Peter’s Parish in Kyawama.
We also thank all Priests, Religious women and men, Diocesan workers who have since left for their dedication to work in the Diocese.
Welcome
A Warm welcome to all clergy, religious women and men who had gone on vacation or undertaken special duties outside the diocese, we say Karibu Sana!

Congratulations
We say congratulations to all clergy, religious women and men who have celebrated and yet to celebrate their priestly and religious anniversaries.
Congratulations also to Fr. Musafiri Guy Kangere currently based in USA for his appointment as Chaplain for US Army. Fr. Musa had undergone military training and was commissioned as an army officer and is working besides pastoral work in the US Army’s Chaplaincy Corps. “About US military chaplaincy, yes, it is challenging yet always fun. Unlike this type of chaplaincy in other parts of the globe, the US model is unique: first a service member, then the carrier field. This is unique, consequently challenging”, said Fr. Musa in an Online interview with Diocesan Newsletter Editor.
Update on Priests Studying/ Working Abroad
Fr. Douglas Ndumba Likomeno and Fr. Peter Lungu on vacation currently are studying in Austria and Germany respectively. Their studies are progressing well. Fr. John Mulenga and Fr. Philip Sinda are equally doing well in their studies in Canary Island, in Spain.
Fr. Henry Mobela is doing well in his pastoral work as Chaplain for the Zambian Community in London.
Appointments/ Transfers
Fr. Lameck Nkhata has been appointed Parish Priest for St. Joseph’s Manyinga Parish.
Fr. Clifford Kaunda is now Parish Priest of St. Andrew’s Kasempa Parish after working at St. Dorothy Mission Parish.
Fr. Eustace Kabwe, FMS is new Parish Priest of St. Dorothy Mission Parish.
We also wish God’s abundance blessings to the clergy, religious women and men who have been appointed in new positions of responsibility and those who have been transferred to take over new pastoral assignments in the Diocese.
Condolences
To all clergy, religious sisters and brothers, seminarians and diocesan staff that had
lost their beloved ones.
Fr. Musafiri Guy Kangere, a priest of Catholic Diocese of Solwezi, now in USA with members of US Military Chaplaincy Team.

Up Coming Diocesan, National and Universal Events 2018
Monday 19 March: Priests Arrival for Presbyteral Meeting, St. Kizito Pastoral Center
Tuesday 20 March: Day of Prayer/Recollection, St. Kizito Pastoral Center
Wednesday 21 March: Presbyteral Council Meeting, St. Kizito Pastoral Center
Thursday 22 March: Chrism Mass – 09:00 hrs, St. Daniel’s Cathedral Parish
Consultors’ Meeting 15:30 hrs, Bishop’s Office
Sunday 25 March: Palm Sunday, St. Daniel’s Cathedral Parish & All Mission – Parishes, Centers in the diocese.
At the Vatican Palm Sunday and the Passion of the Lord: At 10 am in St. Peter’s Square, commemoration of the entry of the Lord in Jerusalem, and Holy Mass.
Thursday 29 March: Holy Thursday, St. Daniel’s Cathedral Parish & All Missions, Parishes, Centers in the Diocese
At the Vatican Holy Thursday: At 9.30 am in the Vatican Basilica, Chrism Mass
Friday 30 March: Good Friday, St. Daniel’s Cathedral Parish & All Missions, Parishes, Centers in the Diocese
At the Vatican Good Friday: At 5 pm in the Vatican Basilica, celebration of the Passion of the Lord. At 9:15 pm at the Colosseum, Rome: Via Crucis (Way of the Cross)
Saturday 31 March: Holy Saturday – Easter Vigil, St. Daniel’s Cathedral Parish & All Missions, Parishes, Centers in the Diocese
At the Vatican Holy Saturday: At 8:30 pm in the Vatican Basilica, Easter Vigil.
Sunday 1 April: Bishop celebrates Easter Sunday Mass, St. Daniel’s Cathedral Parish & All Missions, Parishes, and Centres in the Diocese
At the Vatican Easter Sunday: At 10 AM, in the Vatican Basilica, Holy Mass. At midday, from the Central balcony of the atican Basilica, “Urbi et Orbi” blessing by Pope Francis.

Monday 7 April: Bishop attends Zambia Catholic University Council Meeting, Kalulushi
Monday 14 April: Bishop attends Mpelembe Secondary School Board Meeting, Kitwe
Tuesday 22 April: Good Shepherd Sunday, ocation St. Daniel’s Cathedral Parish & All Missions, Parishes, and Centres in the Diocese
4-6 May: Congregation of Immaculate Conception Silver Jubilee, Lusaka
10-13 May: Bishop’s Pastoral Visitation to our Lady of Consolation, Lwawu Parish, Lwawu
19-20 May: Pastoral isitation to Daniel’s Cathedral Parish, Solwezi
23-27 May: AMECEA Meeting, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tuesday 29 May: 8th Episcopal Ordination Anniversary of Bishop Charles J.S Kasonde
7-10 June: Bishop’s Pastoral isitation to Sacred Heart Parish, Ikelenge
15-17 June: Bishop’s Pastoral isitation to St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Mwinilunga
Saturday 30 June: Diocesan Levy, Thanksgiving Mass, St. Daniel’s Cathedral Parish
The Diocesan Communication Coordinator’s Office wishes all Priests, Religious Men and Women, Deacons, Seminarians, Catechists, the Lay Faithful and my brothers and Sisters in Christ a Happy and Blessed Easter 2018.