{"id":12810,"date":"2017-09-13T23:42:49","date_gmt":"2017-09-13T21:42:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mafrsaprovince.com\/?p=12810"},"modified":"2017-09-13T23:42:49","modified_gmt":"2017-09-13T21:42:49","slug":"golden-jubilee-of-priesthood-of-fr-piet-van-heijst-m-afr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mafrsaprovince.com\/index.php\/2017\/09\/13\/golden-jubilee-of-priesthood-of-fr-piet-van-heijst-m-afr\/","title":{"rendered":"Golden Jubilee of priesthood of Fr Piet van Heijst, M.Afr."},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Fr<\/a>Fr Piet van Heijst celebrated his Golden Jubilee as a priest at St John the Baptist Catholic Church New-Kaloko<\/a> in Ndola on August 27. The celebration took place in a joyful atmosphere led by the Parish-Priest Fr Francis Scszurek assisted by Fr Didasio Mwanza and the entire church council. A number of delegations came from various parishes and institutions as well as Dominicans and Child Jesus Sisters. The Vicar General, Fr Paul Simukanzi represented Bishop Justin Mulenga of Mpika<\/a>. Fr van Heijst has been working in his diocese for the past 40 years.<\/p>\n

Friends came from Chilonga<\/a>, Mpika<\/a>, Serenje<\/a> and from Twatasha and Kawama<\/a> in Kitwe<\/a>. In his preaching, Fr Camille Konkobo highlighted the joy felt by the Jubilerian, a priest dedicated to the people and the sick who loves the Zambian. Christian families and small Christian Communities were encouraged to promote vocations in the Church.<\/p>\n

Recently, Fr van Heijst has been the chaplain of Ndola General Hospital while helping the Parish-Priest.<\/p>\n

He is a dedicated and hardworking Missionary of Africa. In the thanksgiving Mass, 50 candles were lit as a symbol of faith in all the places where Fr van Heijst worked. It was very touchy and emotional, a great moment of prayer. After Mass, a group of women made a sketch depicting the call to priesthood.<\/p>\n

We wish you many more years in your ministry and may you continue being a model, a pastor, an image of Christ to the people you are sent to. Happy ministry and keep your beautiful smiling face always!<\/p>\n

Camille Konkobo, M.Afr, Vocation Director for Zambia based at Kolibo Vocation Centre<\/a>, Serenje, Zambia.<\/p>\n\n\t\t