THE CHURCH LOVES YOU – BISHOP KALUMBA

2019 Year of Young People, Vocation Discernment and Mission

Bishop Valentine Kalumba, OMI, today addressed a multitude of  congregants drawn from Livingstone town and the surrounding areas who gathered at St. Theresa’s Cathedral, where he told them of the love and care the church has for the young people.  “We want you to know that we love you. The Church loves you. I cannot think of any other church where in two consecutive years, a church dedicates her time to reflect on the theme focusing on young people”, spoke the Bishop as he launched the year of Young People, Vocation Discernment and Mission, under the main theme of “He Walked with them” (Luke 24: 15).

During his homily, the Bishop asked the young people to listen to the Lord Jesus. To heed his voice, even in the midst of worldly challenges and difficulties. The local ordinary asked: “How do we discover the presence of Jesus in difficult situations of unemployment, perceived lack of misunderstanding and trust from their parents? To overcome such situations, the young people were implored, to get close to Jesus and the Church. “Just as Jesus Christ accompanied those two disciples on the road to Emmaus, the church wants to accompany you, the church wants to get close to you to feel your problems”, explained the Bishop.

The Bishop took advantage of the presence of the young ones, by reminding the school going children, to take seriously their education. “Take your education seriously. I am sorry to say this but the truth is that most of our catholic school going children are dull. Why is it that in our education institutions, those who excel are usually the non-Catholics”? interrogated the Bishop. He equally encouraged the young ones, to make proper usage of Social Media by not visiting immoral sites.

Speaking at the same occasion, Happy Zulu a youth representative, challenged fellow youths, to take seriously the message of the Bishop of being the church of today. “Young people, we a no longer the future church but the church of today. So let us actively get involved in the Mission of the Church in our respective parishes, by volunteering to be teachers/animators of faith. Let us fill in the gaps in our parishes”, said the youth leader.

The launch of the the year of Young People, Vocation Discernment and Mission, under the main theme of “He Walked with them” (Luke 24: 15) by his Lordship, runs from January to December 2019. It  follows immediately the Year of Youth, that was observed last year.