We are the Missionaries of Today: Bishop in Zambia Says

We are the Missionaries of Today: Bishop in Zambia Says

Vatican Radio || By Mwenya Mukuka, Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops || 06 July 2017

Zambia’s Bishop of Mansa, Patrick Chisanga, OFM Conv., says the role of women in the accomplishment of the divine will for the Salvation of Humankind cannot be overemphasised.

Writing in the Mansa Diocesan newsletter, the Bishop calls upon women to be primary missionaries.

“Ba Minshioni ba lelo nifwe,” the Bishop said in the local Bemba language meaning: “We are the Missionaries of Today.” Bishop Chisanga paid special tribute to ‘our mothers’ for their unique calling of being real primary missionaries.

The Mansa Diocese prelate explained that the women reach out with the first touch of God’s love and nurturance upon humankind’s entry into this world.

He has since appealed to women in the Diocese of Mansa not to neglect the honour God has bestowed upon them as they emulate the Blessed Mother of the Saviour and the first women disciples.

“You (women) are naturally the first Catechisers who communicate faith and morals to us from the earliest stages of our life. Do not neglect this singular honour God has bestowed upon you, especially through the Blessed Mother of our Saviour as well as those first witnesses of the empty tomb and missionaries of the Good News,” he said.

“The Church and society, in general, will continue to look up to you for joyful tidings that rekindle hope, especially in these troubled times of economic hardships, general moral degeneration, injustice and violence – religious, ethnic, political and gender-based, “he added.

The Mansa Diocese Ordinary also emphasises that the missionary mandate to “go quickly” and tell his disciples, as recorded in Mathew 28:10 is not limited to women alone.  He said that the Good News of the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and life over death in the Risen Lord is such a dynamic reality that every recipient of it is moved to reach out and share with another immediately.

“If today you hear his voice do not harden your heart” (Ps 94:8) and selfishly bury it within yourself. Move promptly and, in great haste, joyfully share it with others. It is time to flood our conversations and the whole media with the news that gives hope and life,” Bishop Chisanga said.

The Bishop says the world is tired of negative and depressing news.

 “There is no reason why ‘bad news’ should continue to take centre stage and to spread everywhere at lightning speed while ‘the Good News’ is relegated to the background or is never heard at all. It is our responsibility as ‘Missionaries of Today’ to champion with enthusiasm the dissemination of the Good News of the victory of truth over lies, love over hatred, forgiveness over vengeance, humility over pride, unity over division, and peace over war,” said the Mansa Bishop.

Source: Vatican Radio…