EN 
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Deacon Musonda Chota, OMI raised to the order of Priesthood
On the windy Tuesday morning of August 4, 2026, faithful groups began arriving to the Cathedral of The Child Jesus in Lusaka, Zambia for an ordination Mass. Six deacons are being raised to the order of priesthood after completing their period as transitional deacons. Deacon Musonda Chota, OMI is among the six being ordained.
The ordination mass was presided by Very Rev. Dr. Alick Banda, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lusaka, Zambia. In his homily, Archbishop Banda encouraged the ordinands to remain faithful to their vocation to God while imploring the faithful to pray for their priests, new and seasoned. The Mass was filled with reverence, tradition, joyfulness and gratitude to God.
A native of Mufulira in Zambia, Fr. Musonda was always part of parish life when he was growing up in his hometown. He discerned a priestly calling that, ultimately led him to the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He entered religious formation just outside Lusaka, then was chosen to make his novitiate in Godfrey, Illinois (USA). After professing first vows as a Missionary Oblate, he continued his theological studies at Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX (USA). He returned to Zambia when he completed his master’s in divinity and for the remainder of his diaconate year. Now as newly ordained Fr. Musonda receives his first obedience, he is assigned to St. Leopold Parish in Shangombo on the edge of the Diocese of Livingstone in Western Province. He will celebrate his Thanksgiving Mass at Mary Immaculate Parish in Lusaka on Sunday, 9th August, 2026.
Congratulations, Fr. Musonda Chota, OMI. Praised be Jesus Christ…and Mary Immaculate!
Archbishop Rev. Dr. Alick Banda begins the ordination Mass celebration.
First Reading: Jeremiah 30: 1-2, 12-15, 18-22
The Gospel Proclamation: Mathew 15: 1-2, 10-14
Archbishop Banda as shepherd of his Archdiocese.
Archbishop Banda delivers his homily. He encouraged the ordinands to remain faithful to their vocation and asked the lay faithful to pray for their priests.
Deacon Chota prostates himself during the hymn of the Litany of the Saints
The imposition of hands by Archbishop Banda on Deacon Chota and other deacon candidates.
Priests present in the Mass lay their hands on the ordinands.
Oblates priests lay their hands on Fr. Musonda as part of the Rite of Ordination
Fr. Chota is vested in priestly vestments after being ordained as priest
Fr. Musonda Chota, OMI is congratulated by the Oblate Delegation Superior, Fr, Sydney Musonda, OMI.
The Chalice and Ciborium are presented to Fr. Chota OMI as a sign of his priesthood.
As newly ordained priests, they join in the Eucharistic Prayer for the first time in Mass.
Fr. Chota distributes Holy Communion in his ordination Mass.
Fr. Chota distributes Holy Communion to the faithful present in the ordination Mass.
The final blessing is given from Archbishop Banda before concluding the ordination Mass.
By: Bright J. Mweemba; edited by D. Uribe, OMI
4th August, 2026: Memorial of St. John Vianney, Priest
Lusaka, Zambia
