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Zambia: Bishop Msipu urges priests to find strength in God amidst priestly challenges
Diocesan priests of Zambia’s Solwezi Diocese have just concluded a week-long annual retreat dedicated to spiritual renewal and priestly fraternity. The retreat was held at St. Augustine’s Mpima Major Seminary in Kabwe. Leading the priests in prayer and reflection, Bishop Gabriel Msipu Phiri, Auxiliary Bishop of Chipata Diocese, addressed thirty-eight diocesan priests. He emphasised that “priesthood is noble and a special gift God has willingly shared with us, as his priests.”
Fr. Wilbroad Musonda – Solwezi
The Auxiliary Bishop posed a vital question: “Is priesthood still appealing and meaningful to the community I serve and to me?” Despite the challenges encountered in the priesthood, he stressed that the true challenge for today’s priest is to engage in sincere self-examination and introspection regarding one’s calling.
“Before we can truly serve the flock entrusted to us, we must first understand ourselves. We are created in the image and likeness of God, each one unique and irreplaceable,” the Bishop said.
He urged priests to base their pastoral ministry on personal awareness, fraternity among priests, and the three cardinal pillars of priestly life: prayer, service, and the evangelical counsels—obedience as cooperation with the Local Ordinary; celibacy as undivided devotion to Christ; and poverty as evangelical simplicity. He concluded with a prayer: “We pray that God may continue strengthening, protecting, guiding, and blessing us in our priestly ministry.”
Comfort amid challenges
Addressing the human dimension of ministry with compassion, Bishop Msipu offered reassurance during difficult times:
“Do not be afraid in the midst of challenges and demands we face,” he said, citing rejection, opposition, limited resources, personal suffering, illnesses, persecution, misunderstandings, and other frustrations that can lead to fear and anxiety. “Tears—our lives and personal struggles—matter to God,” he underlined.
Bishop Msipu encouraged the clergy to embrace moments of desolation, anxiety, spiritual restlessness, and waning hope -when they come.
“God is the one who has called us and constantly calls us to proclaim His word, share His Kingdom, serve His people, and bring the Good News of Salvation to all,” he reiterated.
Priests of Solwezi Diocese (©Diocese of Solwezi)
The example of Jeremiah
Reflecting on Jeremiah 20:10- 13, Bishop Msipu noted that although the prophet faced fear and rejection, “surprisingly, Jeremiah never lost his faith. This is an example to us all—those who are sometimes criticised, discouraged, or misunderstood,” he exhorted.
The retreat featured daily Mass, communal recitation of the Breviary, the Holy Rosary, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and insightful retreat conferences. These activities provided a sacred opportunity for the clergy to renew their “yes” to the Lord and to receive fresh impetus for serving the People of God in the Catholic Diocese of Solwezi, Zambia.
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