The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate Shangombo, St. Leopold parish, marked a significant milestone on Sunday, August 11th, 2024, as they celebrated 15 years of the Oblate’s presence in the parish. The joyous occasion was commemorated with a Thanksgiving Mass, attended by a multitude of parishioners, government officials, and esteemed guests.

A Symbol of Love, Hope, and Unity
During the homily, Rev. Fr. Kelvin Lubinda OMI took the congregation on a journey down memory lane, recalling the installation and handover of the church to the Oblates in 2014. He fondly remembered the symbolic chitenge presented by the community, which represented love, hope, and unity. Holding up the same chitenge, still looking new, Fr. Lubinda emphasized its enduring significance, saying, “This chitenge you are seeing is the same one that was given to us by you, the people of Shangombo.”

A Call to Unity
Speaking on behalf of Bishop Valentine Kalumba OMI, Rev. Fr. Nebby Chanda Mutale OMI urged the parishioners to embrace unity, just as Jesus Christ prayed “that they may be one” (John 17:22). Fr. Mutale explained that unity is not about uniformity but about walking together despite differences. He encouraged the congregation to nurture the plants of love, hope, and unity planted 15 years ago, allowing them to grow and bear fruit for the church.

Supporting the Oblates’ Mission
MAMI Anna Luapula, coordinator of the Missionary Associates of Mary Immaculate Mongu Chapter, accompanied by six Associate members, encouraged the congregation to continue supporting the Oblates’ work in the parish. She highlighted the significance of the 40th anniversary of the Zambia delegation and the upcoming 2025 Jubilee of Hope, emphasizing the need for laypeople to support the Oblates and pray for the congregation.

A Legacy of Dedicated Service
The parish has been blessed with dedicated priests who have served with compassion and commitment from 2009 to 2024. Notable among them are:

  1. Fr. Evans C. Chinyemba OMI Parish Priest
  2. Fr. Valentine Kalumba OMI- treasurer
  3. Fr. Kelvin Lubinda OMI- superior
  4. Fr. Victor Mwansa OMI- Treasurer
  5. Fr. Jean Rene Talabo OMI (Late) parish priest
  6. Fr. Richard M. Chanda OMI- Parish priest/Superior
  7. Fr. Emmanuel Mulenga OMI- Treasurer
  8. Fr. Faustino Kalebwe OMI treasurer
  9. Fr. Kabombo Nicholas OMI
  10. Fr. Cornhill Nahonge OMI
  11. Fr. Pius Musilizo OMI Treasurer
  12. Fr. Hector Kalaluka OMI
  13. Fr. Lazarous Kayuni OMI- Treasurer
  14. Fr. Paul Bwalya Kunda OMI
  15. Fr. Conrad Kapeya OMI – Treasurer
  16. Fr. Joseph Saukani OMI- Treasurer
  17. Fr. Eugene M. Mwape OMI- Parish priests/Superior

A Celebration of Unity
The 15th anniversary celebration was attended by a diverse group of people, including Chief Masinda of Mashi Royal Establishment in Shangombo and Paramount Chief Katungu from Angola, government officials, Missionary Associates of Mary Immaculate from Mongu Diocese, parishioners from the main parish, and 30 Mass centers (outstations).  Some members showed remarkable dedication, traveling over 200km through deep sand from farthest outstations.

As the St. Leopold parish community looks to the future, they do so with hope and unity, inspired by the selfless service of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. The parish theme, “That they may be one” (John 17:22), serves as a reminder of the importance of walking together in love, hope, and unity.

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