On Saturday 12 March 2016, Rt. Rev. Justin Mulenga was consecrated Bishop and installed as Ordinary of Mpika diocese.
Bishop of the Catholic
Diocese of Mpika
A great shout of joy went up from the crowd attended the celebration as the Bishop elect was consecrated by Most Rev Ignatius Chama, the Archbishop of Kasama and the Apostolic Administrator of Mpika; who was the chief consecrator, assisted by Bishops George Lungu and Patrick Chisanga, O.F.M from Chipata and Mansa Dioceses respectively.
Speaking during the Celebrations, Most Rev. Ignatius Chama urged Bishop Mulenga to take his assumed role in the Church as that of service to the people of God. “This title of Bishop you get is that of service and not of honor. As a bishop, strive for other people’s benefit rather than load it over them. For you will work in the name of Jesus who came to serve and not to be served so that others may have life to the full by laying down his life,” Archbishop Chama said.
and Installation as Bishop of Mpika Diocese
on 12th March, 2016
The Vice President of Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC), Rt. Rev. Alick Banda who is the Bishop of Ndola Diocese, requested the faithful of Mpika Diocese to receive their new shepherd as a gift from God. “What is needed is that you accept him without making comparisons to others, but acknowledging his gifts and talents he brings to the diocese of Mpika. He never chose himself. God chose him and he has come to the diocese as a servant,” Bishop Banda said.
Speaking at the same occasion, the Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi, H.E. Archbishop Julio Murati reminded the new consecrated Bishop that the faithful of Mpika diocese anticipate to work with him as their shepherd.
“I am certain that you will find the Priests, the Religious and the Catechists as effective collaborators in the preaching of the Good News. These are waiting to be guided by the Bishop. The elderly people are looking forward to have a word of consolation from you. The families and the youths expect that you show them the way, truth and life,” Archbishop Murati said.
Among those who graced the ceremony included the Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Bishops from Zambia and Tanzania, a number of priests and religious and hundreds of the laity.
By Fr. Winfield Kunda, National Communications Secretary ZEC