President Hakainde Hichilema has today celebrated mass with the faithful at St Joseph of Cupertino Church Chifubu Parish in Ndola District, where he commanded the Catholic Church for developmental progress in various sectors of the economy.
ZANIS reports that President Hichilema also appreciated the Church for promoting freedom of worship, while encouraging the faithful to always be thankful for the spiritual growth received.
The Head of State also appreciated the role that the Church plays in enhancing economic growth through evangelisation of the word in communities, in areas such as education, health and community service.
And President Hichilema urged the Church to continue on its pastoral work, and pledged to support the church’s farm project, commending them for their contribution to the country’s food security.
“We would like to thank the church and community for allowing us to pray together, we are honoured for the gesture.” The President said.
President Hichilema further encouraged the Church to continue on its peace mission to the nation, saying the government will remain committed to partnering with the church in various sectors of the economy.
Archdiocese of Ndola Vicar General Lewis Mutachila also encouraged the congregation to maintain peace and remain God’s children regardless of the circumstances one might be facing.
Father Mutachila in his homily emphasised that everyone has a mandate to foster peace and love in the nation, stating that evil only comes to disrupt and cause commotion in the nation.
“Only God is worthy of worship, things of the world will never satisfy you, but Jesus will”, he explained.
And Father Mutachila has encouraged the Christian faithful against abusing their powers but rather uses the God given gifts to help build Christianity in the country.
“Say no to appetites of the world, be original, that’s how the Church will develop”, he noted.
The Vicar General has since encouraged the Christian faithful to return to God, worship him fully, and pray for one another especially during this periodic Lenten season, being observed in the Catholic Church.
Meanwhile, Chifubu Parish Priest Stephen Chishala has thanked the government for recognising the community in Chifubu and appreciating the work being done to uplift community service.
Father Chishala reminded that the church remains committed towards its contribution to building peace and integrity in the nation.
Also in attendance during mass, was Minister Provincial for the Conventual Franciscan Zambia- Malawi Province Mathews Kasongo.
The President, who is on the Copperbelt for a one-day official visit, is later expected to interact with Copperbelt students from 20 higher learning institutions, before concluding his engagement in the Province.
