Bishop Kalumba advocates for Servant Leadership following Zambia’s elections

Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS and Paul Samasumo – Vatican City

Reflecting on the just-ended national elections in Zambia, the Bishop of Livingstone said that with the elections over, it was time for a reset, an opportunity for reflection and healing. The Bishop also appealed especially to social media users not to fan the flames of ethnic division.

Elections and Servant Leadership

In his remarks, Bishop Kalumba said it was sad that elections, not only in Zambia but worldwide, have become moments of great tension, stress, and anxiety. Ordinarily, voting in an election should be a celebration of citizens exercising their fundamental rights and making their democratic voices and choices heard, he said.

Part of the solution, the Bishop suggested, lies in returning to the Gospel meaning of leadership.  Leadership at all levels of society, he said, should always be about service. The current high stakes of contesting political leadership to amass wealth or resources for one’s family, friends, and tribe run counter to the spirit of Servant Leadership.

Notwithstanding all that has happened in recent days, Bishop Kalumba said that, generally, especially in Livingstone Diocese, the voting and the announcement of election results seem to have gone fairly well. According to the Livingstone prelate, there may have been some isolated criminal elements in the City of Livingstone, when some persons sought to take advantage of the election climate to loot and commit acts of vandalism. Still, the authorities were able to deal with these incidents, he said.

Priests called for service

The Bishop’s message to Vatican News echoed his remarks at a recent priestly ordination ceremony held at Maramba Christ the King Parish in Livingstone. Bishop Kalumba ordained three young men to the Catholic priesthood.

During the ordination ceremony, Bishop Kalumba made a passionate plea for priests to embrace Servant Leadership.

He reminded the newly ordained that priesthood is a lifelong mission centred on celebrating the Eucharist, preaching the Gospel, administering the Sacrament, and accompanying the faithful in their joyful and difficult moments.

“Christ’s call is not about power, but it is about service,” the Bishop said, urging priests to remain men of prayer and integrity. He encouraged priests to be always available to their parishioners, the poor, the sick, strangers, and those searching for God.

Support and pray for priests.

On the occasion, the Bishop also addressed the young people present, urging them to respond positively to their different vocations and contribute to the development of the Church and the nation. The Bishop said the Church and the nation need young people characterised by faith, courage, honesty, and hope.

He also reminded the lay faithful to continue supporting priests, both materially and spiritually, and to always pray for vocations. He noted that vocations to the priesthood and religious life flourish when families pray; when communities encourage young persons, and when the faithful support the Church in various ways.

Ordained for the Diocese of Livingstone were Father Benedicto Mboma and Fr Eric Samukoma. Fr Jocy Mungole was ordained for the Catholic missionary congregation of priests and brothers known as Divine Word Missionaries (SVD).

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