This Lenten mission preaching in the Diocese of Mansa, Zambia, marked a significant step in the ongoing restructuring process within the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. It was a common missionary effort bringing together confreres from different units, namely Fr. Francis Kunaka, C.Ss.R. (Zimbabwe), Fr. Peter Chitabanta, C.Ss.R. (South Africa) and myself Fr. Tyrone Sam, C.Ss.R. (South Africa). Undertaken by the Redemptorist Units of Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Our collaboration reflected the Congregation’s shared vision of responding more effectively to the pastoral needs of the Church, following the invitation extended by Bishop Patrick Chisanga OFMConv in 2019 to establish a Redemptorist presence in the diocese.
The mission, carried out during the Lenten season, was entrusted to two parishes: Our Lady of Victories Nsakaluba Parish in Mwense District and St. Paul’s Parish in Kashikishi, Nchelenge District. Although the initial plan had identified different parishes, a last-minute change redirected the missionaries to these communities, which were in great need of faith formation and pastoral support.
The missionary outreach unfolded in two main phases: community visitations and preaching. In Nsakaluba Parish, the missionaries began by visiting Small Christian Communities, going from home to home, praying with families, blessing their homes, and sharing the message of hope and conversion. Despite the physical demands of traveling long distances, these visits created meaningful encounters, as many faithful expressed deep joy in welcoming the missionaries into their homes.
This was followed by the preaching phase, which included daily Masses, evening mission services, confessions, and the “School of Prayer.” The sessions offered practical teachings on prayer and Christian living, gradually drawing more participation as the days progressed. Children and youth were also actively engaged through dedicated programs that addressed their spiritual and social realities.
After concluding the mission in Nsakaluba, we proceeded to St. Paul’s Parish in Kashikishi, where they continued with the same missionary pattern. The larger size of the parish presented additional challenges, particularly in reaching all the Small Christian Communities. Nevertheless, the faithful showed great eagerness to be visited and blessed, often expressing disappointment when they were missed, an indication of their deep desire for pastoral care.
The preaching week at St. Paul’s was marked by vibrant liturgical celebrations and active participation in formation sessions. The “School of Prayer” remained a central highlight, helping many to deepen their spiritual life. While attendance at some evening services varied, the mission continued to inspire and renew the faith of those who participated.
Our mission also faced challenges along the way, including language barriers that required interpreters, logistical difficulties in organizing visitations, and the vastness of the communities. Furthermore, we encountered pastoral realities such as limited catechetical understanding and strong beliefs in superstition, which underscored the need for continued evangelization.
Despite these challenges, the mission bore significant fruit. It rekindled faith, strengthened community life, and encouraged greater participation in the sacraments. More importantly, it laid a solid foundation for the future presence and ministry of the Redemptorists in the Diocese of Mansa.
As the Church continues to journey toward renewal and deeper evangelization, this mission stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration, presence, and faithful proclamation of the Gospel to the poor and the most abandoned. It was not merely an event, but the beginning of a lasting missionary engagement, one that continues to inspire hope and transformation among the faithful of Mansa Diocese.
Fr. Tyrone Sam, C.Ss.R.
