{"id":5900,"date":"2014-11-11T10:25:49","date_gmt":"2014-11-11T08:25:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mafrsaprovince.com\/?p=5900"},"modified":"2014-11-11T10:25:49","modified_gmt":"2014-11-11T08:25:49","slug":"farewell-to-archbishop-james-mwewa-spaita-kasama-zambia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mafrsaprovince.com\/index.php\/2014\/11\/11\/farewell-to-archbishop-james-mwewa-spaita-kasama-zambia\/","title":{"rendered":"Farewell to Archbishop James Mwewa Spaita, Kasama, Zambia"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"ARCHBISHOP<\/a>By Christopher Chileshe M.Afr<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
Archbishop James Mwewa Spaita, passed away at 15.14 hours on 4th<\/sup> November 2014 in the Kasama General Hospital at the age 80.<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
On Thursday 6th<\/sup> November 2014, a vigil Mass was held at St John\u2019s 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.<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
That Friday 7th<\/sup> 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<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
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\u2019s in our world today are in fact as a result of our lack of self-giving \u2013 a quality that the late Archbishop Spaita had.<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
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\u2019s 50th<\/sup> anniversary of priesthood. Some of the quotes from the song are;<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
\u201cThank God after I have run the race<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
Thank God for my life<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
Thank God for all my works<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
Now I wait for the gift God will give me\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
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 \u201cNow that I am blind I have five legs, the two natural legs, the walking stick and the two legs of Fr. Mulenga\u201d. Fr. Mulenga has also given us an example of how priests can look after each other.<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
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.<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
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.<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
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;<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
We mourn but believe you live on<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
You touch each one of us in single ways<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
A great man of prayer, humility<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
Your life speaks unconditional love<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
No matter what pain, you said \u2018cikapita\u2019<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
In sickness and pain you found a Joy which radiated to others.<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
Farewell, we know you will live on.<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
Archbishop Mwewa Spaita was finally put to rest just next to the Cathedral of St. John\u2019s in Kasama. <\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
His motto, \u201cTo Serve, Not To Be Served<\/strong>\u201d has now been fulfilled. <\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
He ordained the first six Missionaries of Africa from Kasama Archdiocese, we shall live to remember him.<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
May he now rest in eternal peace.<\/em><\/span><\/address>\n
Life History of Archbishop James Spaita<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/address>\n
Link:<\/address>\n
Burial ceremony of Archbishop James Spaita, Kasama,\u00a0Zambia<\/a><\/em><\/address>\n
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