Remembering Two Great Oblates in Zambia

By Bright J. Mweemba; edited by David Uribe, OMI
9th August, 2026
De Mazenod House of Formation
Lusaka, Zambia

If you were asked how you remembered Fr. Katongo OMI and Fr. Talabo OMI, you’d probably recall them as hardworking and diligent.

On Saturday, 8 August 2026, the Oblate Zambian Delegation, family and friends of the Katongos and Talabos came together to celebrate the memories of the two great Missionary Oblates who were called by God in 2016. Both passed away weeks apart from each other. The Talabo family joined in virtually from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The memorial began with Holy Mass at Mary Immaculate Parish in Lusaka and was presided by the Delegation Superior, Fr. Sydney Musonda, OMI. The prenovices were present to animate the Mass in song. The homily was given by Fr. Godfrey Mpundu, OMI.

Fr. Mpundu recounts his encounters with Fr. Talabo OMI starting on the day he arrived in Zambia from DRC. He got lost and ended up at St Dominic’s Major Seminary where he was picked up and brought to the formation house. That was the beginning of his ministry in Zambia and went on to publish a book (African Christian Leadership, 2008) that discusses the pastoral challenges and opportunities in Western Province.

Fr. Talabo emphasized the need for the lay faithful to be trained and commissioned into lay ministry to supplement pastoral work especially in regions which are not easily accessible and when clergy are not available.

Fr. Katongo is remembered as a strong advocate for the Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) which is at the heart in following Jesus Christ.

The signs of a vocation were there early in Fr. Katongo’s life. He was a very active altar boy in his home parish, Good Shepard Parish in Lusaka but no one expected him to be an Oblate.

He spread joy and happiness everywhere he went. If one were to Invite him to an event, the mood would positively change immediately after he arrived.

His ministry remains a strong testimony.

After Mass, everyone moved to the DeMazenod House of Formation in Makeni for a prayer service at the graves of the Fr. Katongo and Fr. Talabo. This is where one of the first Missionary Oblates to Zambia, Fr. Ron Walker, OMI is also buried.