Photos and Story By George Malumo –  Oblate Radio Liseli

The Mary Immaculate Parish in Lusaka recently hosted a grand celebration marking 40 years of Oblate missionary work in Zambia. The event was attended by hundreds of people, including Bishop Evans Chinyama Chinyemba OMI, Fr. Pat Gitzen OMI, one of the four pioneers who arrived in Zambia in 1984, and representatives from various Oblate parishes and associates.

Mr. Isaak Ngoma, Chairperson of Mary Immaculate Parish, shared the story of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Zambia, thanking God for the life of Fr. Pat Gitzen and recognizing the late Bishop Paul Duffy for his tireless efforts in standing up for the marginalized and fighting for the poor. He highlighted the significance of the occasion, saying, “We gather today to celebrate a milestone in the history of the Oblates in Zambia. We remember the four pioneers who came to Zambia in 1984 and planted the seed of faith, which has now grown into a mighty tree with branches spread across the country.”

The occasion featured the presentation of symbols from various Oblate parishes, each representing their unique contribution to the missionary work. The symbols included:

– Sancta Maria Parish: cross, Bible, and boat, representing the foundation of faith, the word of God, and salvation.

– Saint Michael Parish in Kasama: hoe and traditional produce, symbolizing the importance of hard work and self-sufficiency in spreading the Gospel.

– Our Lady of Assumption in Mazabuka: clinching hands, representing unity in diversity and the Oblates’ emphasis on community.

– Saint Stephen the Martyr Parish in Magoye: pot, tripod stand, and firewood, signifying the warmth and light of faith that the Oblates bring to the community.

– Saint Andrew Kagwa Parish in Chongwe: pork, representing the Oblates’ involvement in farming and self-sufficiency projects.

– Formation house: plant, symbolizing the growth and development of young Oblates.

– Saint Michael’s Parish in Kalabo: fish, representing the diverse community of Kalabo and the Oblates’ role as “fishers of men.”

– Mary Immaculate Parish: symbol of Mary, representing the motherhood of the Church and the Oblates’ devotion to Mary.

– House of formation in Makeni: goloto of Mary, symbolizing the intercession and prayer that sustains the Oblates’ mission.

– Saint Leopold parish in Shangombo: candle and recorder and radio, representing the light of Christ and the importance of communication in spreading the Gospel.

Bishop Evans Chinyama Chinyemba OMI delivered a homily, highlighting the dream that began in San Antonio, Texas, USA, to search for a new mission. He praised the four pioneers who landed in Sancta Maria Lukulu in 1984 and acknowledged the growth of the Oblates in Zambia, saying, “We celebrate today the fruit of their labor, which has grown into a mighty tree with branches spread across six dioceses in Zambia.”

The Bishop congratulated the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and Associates on their Ruby Jubilee and emphasized the importance of community, prayer, and mission. He challenged the Oblates to continue evangelizing, particularly among the poor and abandoned, and to recognize the value of obedience and sharing their gifts with others.

Delegation Superior Rev. Fr. Chishimba Chibesa OMI congratulated the Oblates for their 40 years of service and recognized the four pioneers for their selfless dedication. He highlighted the growth of the Oblates in Zambia, saying, “We have grown from four pioneers to over 60 Oblates living in communities across the country. We have shared vocations with other parts of the world and are grateful for the support from our mother Province in the USA, benefactors, and the Superior General in Rome.”

The celebration concluded with a message of gratitude and a call to continue the missionary work, emphasizing that “life begins at 40, and it’s time to be independent and stand on our own.” The Ruby Jubilee Celebration was attended by hundreds of people from within and Missionary Associates (MAMIs) from Namibia.

A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE AND CHALLENGE

Bishop Evans Chinyama Chinyemba OMI challenged the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate to look at some fundamental values that form the charism, emphasizing evangelization outreach, community, and prayer. He said, “We gather today as people with beautiful feet of a pilgrim, people who for the 40 years have opened a scroll, people who in the last 40 years have ventured to build communities, recruited vocations, and interacted with the local church to build local churches in collaboration