Provincial Announces New Zambian Superior
Lusaka, Zambia
Photos and text by Fr. Louis Studer, OMI, U.S. Provincial

I am happy to announce that Father General and Council have confirmed the appointment of Father Chibesa Chishimba as Superior of the delegation of Zambia. I received this message a few days ago and wanted to wait to officially announce it in my keynote address to the delegation today.

The U.S. Provincial Council had approved this appointment for confirmation by Father General at our council meeting December 6th.
Everyone was excited to congratulate Chishima Chibesa after my announcement that he was confirmed as the Delegation Superior.


Father Chibesa’s gifts of integrity, knowledge of the delegation, prayerfulness and ministry experience were especially noted as he becomes Leader for the coming three years.

In the name of the entire U.S. Province, I offer my congratulations to Father Chibesa.
Father Nebby Mutale continues serving as Superior until Chibesa and Council are installed.
Now we begin the consultation for the delegation council. I hope this can be finished within the next couple weeks, before the end of January.

On his way to Zambia, Fr. Studer had the opportunity to meet with some friends along with the local Oblate Bishop and the Archbishop in Cape Town, South Africa



Archbishop Brislin will be giving the commencement address at graduation ceremonies at Oblate School of Theology in May. He will also receive an Honorary Doctorate in Pastoral Leadership at that time. Bishop David currently serves on the board of Oblate School of Theology.
Oblates have ministered in South Africa since 1851. As Oblate School of Theology continues to expand its outreach to the world, the graduation ceremonies in May will give testimony to its expansive growth and influence as an intercultural, international institution of higher learning.