Strengthening a spiritual bridge built years ago, St. Kizito Parish recently opened its doors to the Catholic Men’s League (CML) from the Diocese of Chipata, Zambia. This fraternal visit was a joyful “return match” following the St. Kizito Catholic Men Association’s (CMA) journey to Zambia in 2024.
From the warm welcome at the border to the final exchange of gifts, the weekend was a profound testament to the unity of the Catholic faith across borders.
The Pillar of the Home: Leadership through Faith
The heart of the exchange began in the Fr. Francis Taylor Hall, where Fr. Innocent Mtapaonga, CMA Archdiocese Chaplain, delivered a stirring keynote on “The Role of Men in the Church.” Moving away from passive membership, Fr. Mtapaonga challenged men to become the primary spiritual engines of their homes. He drew powerful parallels from scripture to illustrate his point:
- The Obedience of Abraham: Just as Abraham navigated the unknown and the instruction to sacrifice Isaac through constant dialogue with Sarah and God, modern men must lead their families through transparent, faith-filled communication.
- The Integrity of Jesse: Using the story of Samuel and Jesse, the Chaplain noted that Jesse’s strength lay in raising all his children with such excellence that he could present any of them for God’s service without shame.
Fr. Mtapaonga further urged the men to emulate the Knights of Columbus, grounding their lives in love, leadership, protection and provision. He issued a pointed reminder: a man’s success or wealth should never be a reason for a spouse to feel insecure; rather, increased status should lead to increased protection of the family unit. Fr Mtapaonga also encouraged men to read spiritual material and seek knowledge to lead without hesitation.
“I Have Called You by Name”: A Call to Authenticity
The afternoon shifted toward inward reflection. Fr. Misheck Banda, OFMCap, led a powerful recollection based on the Book of Isaiah. His message was a sobering wake-up call against “convenience Christianity.”
“Are we bearing lasting fruit, or are we only Christians when it is comfortable?” Fr. Banda asked.
He emphasised that true leadership is rooted in charity and humility.
Following a period of quiet reflection and the Sacrament of Penance, the men joined in a Mass celebrated by Fr. Banda, alongside Fr. Raphael Zulu and Fr. Martin Mulholland, focusing on the necessity of frequent spiritual renewal.
The day of spiritual nourishment concluded with a social gathering in the evening.
A Lively Eucharistic Celebration
The visit culminated in a vibrant Sunday Mass, where the pews were filled with the CML members in blue suits and St Kizito Parishioners in their red golden jubilee attire. The liturgy was brought to life by the Martyrs of Uganda Choir from St. Andrea Kagwa Parish, whose all-male voices provided a powerful backdrop to the celebration.
In a beautiful gesture of support for the clergy, the CML presented Parish Priest Fr. Martin Mulholland with three chasubles, symbolising their commitment to the liturgical life of the Church. The CMA of St. Kizito and the St. Mary Small Christian Community joined them in presenting Altar gifts, showcasing a seamless blend of local and visiting devotion.
Farewell
As the Zambian delegation prepared for their journey home, the bond was sealed with a gift of the St. Kizito Golden Jubilee chitenje. While the visitors have returned to Chipata, the echoes of their songs and the weight of their shared prayers remain, reminding the men of St. Kizito that they are part of a much larger, divine brotherhood.
