FROM THE BISHOP’S DESK…
Banabahesu,
POLITICS OF NUMBERS VERSUS VALUE AND PRINCIPLE BASED POLITICS
In this month’s Banabahesu, I would like to reflect with you on some issues that concern our values and what we stand for as a people. I am reminded of thespirit of our ancestors in faith- the various martyrsand what made them firm in their stand for faith. Scanning the political landscape of the nation, one wonders what some of our politicians stand for? When we imagine some of our ancestors in faith who stood by their values to the point of death and now when we see some of our political players who compromise their values and stand on shaky ground, then we question why! It is common knowledge that when values and principles in life are disregarded, then nothing else will be valuable in life.
Our ancestors in faith teach us
Scripture teaches us of some personalities who stood for values and principles. Once St. Peter with all his faults was convinced that Jesus Christ was the Lord, he never looked back. He went straight on even to be martyrdom. The same conviction was experienced by St. Thomas. Once he came to believe that Jesus Christ was risen, he doubted no longer. St. Paul too did the same. Once he came to learn that in Jesus Christ he will find more life, he worked tirelessly to bring Christianity to many places that needed to be converted ending up in being a martyr himself. St. Mary of Magdala went through the same experience. Once she was convinced that Jesus Christ is the Lord, her faith never wavered. The story of principles and value is what is captured in chapter 7 of 2 Maccabees. The mother and her seven sons demonstrated to the world that when you know what you stand for and what your values are, nothing can distract you. Daniel 3:1ff tells a story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They were not ready to follow the crowd, instead, they wanted to follow the spirit of God hence their response, ‘There is no need for us to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If our God, whom we serve, can save us from the white-hot furnace and from your hands, O king, may he save us.’ Here we learn that no promise of delicious food could convince the seven brothers. No promise of promotion could move Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. In a word, martyrs cling to Christ as their only hope. The foundation for doing what they do is their faith conviction, and the values which guide their lives.
Some aspects of our political life
What lesson do we learn from the early Christian community for our political life today? In Zambian politics, what matters especially in our parliament are numbers and not really promotion of values and principles. The politics of numbers that gives rise to arrogance is the game at play. Politics of numbers that does not protect values is the talk of the day every time we have elections. Politics of numbers that looks not at principles of the nation is the mantra. Indeed, politics of numbers in the life of Zambia today protects the selfish interests of the ruling class at the expense of the common good of the citizens. We have seen situations where priority has been given to numbers instead of values. This has been at play in the introduction of certain statutory instruments that touch on the lives of many citizens. Very unpopular statutory instruments have been introduced in the country only to be met with outcry from the people. Politics of numbers make the ruling class deaf to the cry of its citizens. We continue seeing this in the constitution making ‘process’. History teaches us that ruling parties that have a majority in parliament deliberately do their own things at the expense of the good of the nation. The Chiluba administration did this when the country was given a good chance to come up with a constitution that could have helped the nation because the nation was still basking in the rays of recently acquired democracy. Yet selfishness took over and swallowed the whole process. The mentality of ‘let them talk because we have numbers in parliament’ does not help the nation. Or put in other terms, ‘we care less what the people say, we shall fix this in parliament because we have numbers’. The comfort in numbers in parliament make the house lose meaning. It is this mentality of self-preservation on the part of most of our politicians which makes most well-meaning Zambians doubt the power of parliament even over the constitution making process. Here we are, more than 50 years after independence, and we are still struggling with a constitution that inspires and is fit for a purpose. Our politics has become politics of green pastures and not values. Ours is a politics of what is in it for me, my business and my family, and my entire clan and not the nation. Gone are those days when we had career politicians who have values and principles to stand on. Today we are treated to politicians who are there to save their skins and rely on politics of numbers and not politics of values and principles. Politics of numbers is a mediocre politics and such politics cannot be entrusted with the affairs of the nation.
As we reflect on the spirit of self-sacrifice, imagine if our martyrs relied on numbers we were not going to be where we as a Church. Recently we celebrated the feast of the Ugandan martyrs. What a testimony in the face of royal brutality, St. Charles Lwangaand companions believed in the power of God and they never allowed the Ugandan king force them to abandon their faith. Our martyrs relied on the values of belonging to Christ and believing in the gospel. It is this conviction that made them cling to Christ even when some of their friends ran away.
Politics and poverty
Let me end this Banabahesu by looking at yet one other aspect that has continued to rock our political landscape during elections. We are told that because of the high poverty levels, politicians go round wards or constituencies giving incentives to the electorates so as to ‘persuade’ themto vote for their party. At times it is said that even village headmen, headwomen, or other prominent persons in any locality demand things which include money from visiting politicians if they want to have positive votes from their people. Is this way of doing politics based on the values or the quality of the candidates aspiring to be our political leaders? This degrading trend should stop. Politicians should desist from buying the electorates. On the other hand no one should ask money, mealie meal, sugar, etc from aspiring candidates. This behavior is an insult to the nation and to the principles of democracy. If this behavior is allowed, we shall continue having politicians who have no real values leading us simply because they have the political buying power within reach. Should the poverty situation of our people be exploited andto perpetuate politics that dehumanizes the masses!
Conclusion
Banabahesu, the early Christians by their stance teach us of the importance ofconviction that is based on values and principles. Let us take this opportunity given us each year to reflect on the lives of the many saints who sacrificed their lives because they refused to compromise their faith and stood firmly by their values and principles.
+Evans Chinyama Chinyemba, O.M.I.
Bishop of Mongu
Bishop’s Appointment
Fr. Alfred Masheke Ng’ongolo Parochial Vicar St. John’s Katongo
Deacon Eric Abatali NamuyambaDiocese Curia Our Lady of Lourdes Mongu
Personnel Profile
VOCATION STORY OF FR. CHOLA BELATUS MUMBA, OMI.
My names are Chola Belatus Mumba, born on the 5th of May 1981 at Kasisi Mission in Lusaka. I am number eight in the family of 12 children, of these, two elder sisters passed on in 2002. My parents are both living and settled in Lusaka West. My father was a Primary school teacher and my mother is a retired nurse.
I began my primary school at Kasisi in 1988 and in 1994 I wrote my grade seven examinations at Tubalange Primary School to which my parents were transferred in 1992. I attended my Basic education at Chongwe secondary school.
I came to know about the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1998 through a friend. I felt inspired and drawn to their zeal of working in difficult missions. I began my Pre-novitiate program in 2002 in Lusaka. During this two-year program, I learnt more about the Oblates way of life, the history of the Congregation and the kind of work they are involved in. I also did pastoral work in Parish set up at Roma Parish and Pastoral Care ministry at University Teaching Hospital. Here we had to counsel those who were sick and pray for them. This experience shaped my vocation to see Jesus in the abandoned and the sick. And some of these people I met had no one to take care of them.
In 2003, I went to South Africa, Johannesburg for my Novitiate program. In this memorable spiritual year, I developed my personal relationship with Jesus and God through Eucharistic celebration, liturgy of the hours and personal prayer time. I also deepened my knowledge about the Oblates through studying the Rules and Constitutions of the Congregation. I made my first profession on the 1st of July 2005 and then returned to Zambia in Western Province where I worked at the Oblate Radio Liseli for six months.
Then in February 2006, I was given Obedience to go and study French in Cameroon in preparation for my Philosophical and Theological studies. I had never done French whether in Primary or Secondary school, so that made it so difficult at some point to grasp the grasp the language. But through the help of God, I manage to finish my studies with degrees in both Philosophy and Theology. I made my final vows in 2012 and the following year I was ordained Deacon. On the 19th of July 2014, I was ordained a priest by Bishop Buti Tlhagale, OMI, and Archbishop of Johannesburg. I was given obedience to work at Saint Michael`s Parish in Kalabo, Western part of Zambia. We are five in the community 4 priests, 3 parochial vicars and 1 scholastic brother on pastoral year.
So far my pastoral experience work is going on well and I am happy with my priesthood life. There are some pastoral challenges such as people don’t have the zeal to give entirely of themselves because almost everything is expected to be done by the Oblates. Poverty levels are high and that affects their direction in life.
Mumba Chola, OMI
APOLOGY
In our last issue of Drumbeat it was written Bishop Patrick Chisanga, OFMCap. The Correct one is Bishop Patrick Chisanga, OFM Conv. Take note and make the correction. Apologies for that error to Bishop Chisanga, OFM Conv.
POEMS
In this edition we introduce a section on poems. To begin with we feature two poems. One poem speaks of a Shepherd (Mulisana) and the other one speaks of remembering a brother. We invite you to send in your poems for publication in the next edition.
Mulisana
Bobanwibamushenda,
bali hasikaituta,
bali utezimasila,
balikimubotana, eee.
Mulisana,
ulatamusebeziwahae,
uzibalikomuzahae.
Ualafazekula,
ubatazelatehile, eee
Mulisana,
uitobohilekunelwaki pula,
uitobohilekuciswakilizazi,
uitobohilelikozizamwanaheñi,
ulisezalikomuzahaemwamafulelo a mande.
Uliisakwamasa a mezi a mande, eee
Mulisanakaniti, uwabutokwa.
Mr. Fabian SimataaMukolima
St. Gabriel Parish, Namushekende
MwangelwaWaNalulya - Youngest of the Brothers
The root of the lineage
The clan’s originator
Source of the clan’s heritage
Taken to be with the creator
The nation’s right hand
Contributed to future of the learner
Within and outside Barotseland
Made prospects of the nation greener
Community tantalizer
For self-reliance
Community organizer
For self-governance
The family’s reliable narrator
Custodian of our history
A truthful dependable orator
Guardian of our story
The family’s friend in deeds
In whom the young and the old enjoyed fruitfulness
The family’s friend in needs
In whom the young and the old witnessed kindness
Youngest of the brothers: the cheerful
Every situation of the family was brightened
Youngest of the brothers: the wonderful
Every burden of the family was lightened
Youngest of the brothers
I waited for you in this earthly life
Youngest of the brothers
Wait for me in the Heavenly life
Mr. KusiyoMbikusita Lewanika
Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, Mongu
Around the Diocese.
St. Dominic’s’ Major Seminary Construction 2015 Appeal
I would like to thank all the 13 parishes in the diocese that contributed to the financial appeal for the construction a dormitory at St. Dominic’s Major Seminary.An extra thanks goes to St. Michael Parish, Kalabo that went beyond the stipulated amount and raised ZMW787.00 towards this project. In the same vein I thank all the Lay Organizations found in Mongudiocese that also participated in this project. I further thank the Diocesan Catholic Women’s League that took an extra mile and raised ZMW660.00 outside the allocated amount. The total amount raised towards this appeal was ZMW5, 547.00 and has since been remitted to Zambia Episcopal Conference Secretariat. May this spirit of sacrifice continue in our diocese.
Bishop Evans ChinyamaChinyemba, OMI
South Sudan Appeal
We are neighbors to each other even when we are separated by political boundaries. The diocese of Mongu has demonstrated this neighborliness by responding to the appeal which AMECEA made to various Episcopal Conference to mobilize financial resources for the Church of South Sudan. May I take this opportunity to thank the following parishes for generously responding to this appeal: Holy Spirit, St. Agatha, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. John, St. Gabriel. Furthermore I thank the following parish houses: Holy Spirit, and Our Lady of Lourdes and the religious communities of Jack Joyce Oblate Community and Malengwa Capuchin Friars’ house. The following female Religious Congregations responded generously: The Sisters of the Holy Spirit and Mary Immaculate communities at Moya Okenile and Limulunga, The Presentations Sisters’ communities of Mongu, Kaoma and Lusaka, the Handmaid Sisters in Mongu and Senanga, the Incarnate Word Sisters, the Little Servants of Mary Immaculate at Nalwei, the Loreto Sisters in Lukulu, and the Holy Cross Sisters of Sepoand Bernarda. I also thank the following institutions that made their contributions: Caritas-Mongu, St. Columba (Lukulu) and Holy Cross Vocational Institute. The total amount that was raised in this appeal was ZMW 11,064.35 and has since been remitted to Zambia Episcopal Conference through Caritas Zambia. To each one of you and the communities and departments you represent, I thank you.
Bishop Evans ChinyamaChinyemba, OMI
Malawi Flood Appeal
While the other appeals were going on, we received another request to help raise funds for Malawi floods. The diocese through the Lenten funds managed to send ZMW 6,000.00 to Malawi through to Zambia Episcopal Conference Secretariat. Through your Lenten generosity as Mongu Diocese we were able to respond to this appeal. I thank you and may the spirit of sharing continue to inspire us so that others also may live.
Bishop Evans ChinyamaChinyemba, OMI
Value of Integrity
Integrity is a value that gives a transparent soul and a relief of clear conscious; examination of the inside of the heart. Integrity us who you are behind the scene or who you are when you are not seen. Integrity is a value to makes a person to cultivate the exemplary character that stands virtues that spell the fears within us and it give us the personal fulfillment of intimacy with our Creater.
The value of integrity calls for humanity, humbleness, faithfulness, honesty and trust worthiness in a person’s life. The value of integrity is one basic area that grows oneness, togetherness and cooperation in that a person examines oneself in the view of making life comfortable for others. Integrity calls for humbleness a rare gift especially among people who are gifted in something a virtue that spells out selfishness and greed. The value of integrity calls a person to have a clear conscious a voice of conscious that is eloquent to warn us to be ourselves.
Each person needs to have values that offer chance to the others to have an intimacy relationship based on nothings but trust and honest. Integrity needs to be inculcated in the minds of society so that all the binding agreement s are reached upon. This creates the spirit of at least meeting the needs of the majority with the intention of bringing happiness and harmony universally. Integrity creates an atmosphere that is rare in that it gives one an opportunity to be a mentor to the people around wanting to emulate your life. A life well lived is one that gives a privilege of being a mentor to so many people summing the end of the journey of life with a reward if finishing well in a peaceful death. Watch out for the value of gratitude in July edition. Stay blessed! Thank you
Mwala B.N.K (Mrs.)
Mongu Catholic College of Education MOCE
Vice Chancellor’s Visit to MOCE
MOCE would like to appreciate the special visit of the vice Chancellor of the University of Zambia, Great East Campus; Professor Steven Simukanga. It was a familiarization visit to the college bearing in mind that MOCE is now and affiliate college to the University of Zambia. The visit was graced with Melodies from the powerful MOCE Choir. The choir renditions mesmerized the Vice Chancellor and is entourage with sumptuous pieces to the extent that he Vice chancellor stated that he hoped the choir would still offer such melodious tunes at the Graduation Ceremony in July this. The choir has melodies worth listening to.
Announcement from MOCE:- Mongu Catholic College of Education will have its first ever graduation Ceremony to be held on 24th July, 2015 at MOCE Graduation Square, from 8:00 hrs – 12:00 hrs. Do not miss! The Guest of Honour will be the Vice Chancellor of the University of Zambia, Great East Road Campus, Professor Steven Simukanga.