By Fr. Serge St-Arneault, M.Afr
Mary Mother of God Parish is situated at Nabvutika (the name means, “I suffer”) a very poor compound on the northwest outskirt of Chipata. Zambia.
About 15000 people live there without any land or the possibility of having even a vegetable garden. The soil is rocky and the slope of the mountain nearby is unproductive. Everyone needs to find ways to get some income to survive. Side roads and local markets are full of vendors selling vegetable, charcoal, etc. brought from Malawi through the mountains and other areas. Life is tough, especially for sick and old people. The town of Chipata, which hopes to become a ‘city’, provides electricity and water for those who can afford but no health clinic is available.
I was privileged to walk around part of the compound with Fr Joe Mc Menamin the Parish Priest and a group of dedicated women. The compound starts from the crossing gate leading to the church. The last remaining few hundred meters or so of the road leading to town is in bad condition and impassable during the rain season. Soon, we entered into a house to greet an old women who is partially paralysed following a stroke. Then, we move on through small and crooked paths to greet more people.
The houses are small and poorly constructed. The Parish is involved in building a house for poor widows; a pre-school and clinic for the people in the compound. From there, we stopped at Anastasio Kolowa Banda’s house; a tiny shack with thatch roof. Old but quite alert, Anastasio, having lived some years in Tanzania speaks Kiswahili better than the local language. We exchanged few words in Swahili to the amazement of the women walking with us.
After a long stride, just before going back to the church, we stopped to see Maria Kabwe, Bemba speaker. I fell on my back while trying to sit on a small stool put on the slight slope facing Amai Maria. The neighbour quickly brought me a chair. Greeting her was very nice. Her vision is restricted because of cataracts but her mind is clear and her character cheerful. She like so many others is totally dependent on the St Vincent de Paul organization for material support, food etc.
Joe walks through the compound each and every day. Indeed, he needs good legs to be the Parish Priest of Nabvutika. His mission is challenging and inspiring. He is assisted by a diocesan priest for weekdays and Sunday Masses.
Situated at ten kilometres from the new Formation Centre for the Missionaries of Africa, Nabvutika offers an ideal place for pastoral work for forthcoming candidates of the Missionaries of Africa.
Many thanks to Joe, a truly good fellow … with good legs!
By Christopher Chileshe M.Afr
Archbishop James Mwewa Spaita, passed away at 15.14 hours on 4th November 2014 in the Kasama General Hospital at the age 80.
On Thursday 6th November 2014, a vigil Mass was held at St John’s Cathedral in Kasama. Many people attended this solemn Eucharistic celebration including all our novices and staff of Lualuo Spiritual Formation Center in Kasama. Bishop Aaron Chisha was the main celebrant at this Mass. The body viewing for the late continued through the night to 08.00hours the following day.
That Friday 7th November 2014, a Eucharistic Celebration for the late Archbishop James Mwewa Spaita was held. It was graced by all the Bishops of the Zambia Episcopal Conference (except Bishop of Livingstone who was not able to attend due to sickness). The colorful funeral procession begun at 09.00 hours from the Cathedral Church to the Jubilee Square where the Mass was held. Hundreds of people from all over the country came along to this celebration
Archbishop Ignatius Chama presided at this Eucharistic Celebration. In his homily he stated that the late Archbishop Spaita had fought a good fight and finished the race. In his lifetime, he was a man who saw a blessing in all his sufferings. He persevered in all his difficulties. As the Lord has promised, he will still guide him now that he has gone away from us. We have now been left with a lesson to follow in our own lives. We should remember that all the violence’s in our world today are in fact as a result of our lack of self-giving – a quality that the late Archbishop Spaita had.
In thanksgiving to God for the Eucharist broken and shared out, the choir led the congregation in a song that was sung at Archbishop Spaita’s 50th anniversary of priesthood. Some of the quotes from the song are;
“Thank God after I have run the race
Thank God for my life
Thank God for all my works
Now I wait for the gift God will give me”
In his final speech the Archbishop Chama also gave special gratitude to Fr. Martin Mulenga who cared for the late Archbishop during the last years before he died. The late himself would proudly say “Now that I am blind I have five legs, the two natural legs, the walking stick and the two legs of Fr. Mulenga”. Fr. Mulenga has also given us an example of how priests can look after each other.
The government of the Republic of Zambia (Which is also in mourning at the passing away of the republican president, the late Michael Chilufya Sata) was also well represented at the occasion. Hon Ngosa Simbyakula Minister of Home Affairs spoke on behalf of the large entourage. His speech was very sympathetic and lacked any political tone.
On behalf of the Zambia Episcopal Conference, Archbishop Telesphore George Mpundu gave thanks to all who had come to see off their brother Bishop. He also expressed thanks for the long life of the late Archbishop Spaita. He mentioned that this death was the sowing of a seed and the ushering in of yet another ancestor in the Zambian Church.
The Mother General of the Sisters of Mercy of Mansa read a very moving tribute to the late Archbishop James Mwewa Spaita their founding Father. Here are some extracts;
We mourn but believe you live on
You touch each one of us in single ways
A great man of prayer, humility
Your life speaks unconditional love
No matter what pain, you said ‘cikapita’
In sickness and pain you found a Joy which radiated to others.
Farewell, we know you will live on.
Archbishop Mwewa Spaita was finally put to rest just next to the Cathedral of St. John’s in Kasama.
His motto, “To Serve, Not To Be Served” has now been fulfilled.
He ordained the first six Missionaries of Africa from Kasama Archdiocese, we shall live to remember him.
May he now rest in eternal peace.
Life History of Archbishop James Spaita
Link:
Burial ceremony of Archbishop James Spaita, Kasama, Zambia
