Show Hospitality to Public Officials – Bishop Kalumba

Conscious of the fact that Zambia is preparing for the August 12, 2021 General Elections, Bishop Valentine Kalumba has words of counsel to his Local Church.

In a situation where public officials attend public liturgical (worship) events, the Bishop directs his pastoral agents to be hospitable.

“The Catholic Church welcomes all people who wish to worship with us. Therefore, proper hospitality should be shown to such individuals or groups. At no time should we make people who visit our Churches feel unwelcome. Our spirit as a Church is all embracing (Catholics and all people of good will)”, advises Bishop Kalumba.

The Bishop further calls for an elaborate official way of receiving guests before the liturgical celebration commences.

“The Parish Priest or His Associate and the Parish Council Executive (or a select member of the Parish Council Executive) welcomes the dignitary either in the [Priest’s] residence or in the offices of the Parish” underlines the Bishop of Livingstone.

No speech in Church

At no time should special guests be accorded chance to speak at Mass.

“No dignitary is given a time to speak during the Celebration of the Eucharist since this moment of speaking has already been done [before the liturgical event]. However, if due to limited time the [reception] meeting … does not take place before Mass, it should take place immediately after Mass” directs the Local Shepherd.

No surprise Visits

The officials who intend to visit the Churches in Livingstone Diocese, are advised to alert the Church well in advance, at least two days before the visit.

“The local government/party should inform the parishes at least 2 days or conveniently in advance before any dignitary intends to visit the parish so that the parish could prepare this moment of encounter properly”, stressed the Bishop in his Memo to the Diocesan Pastoral Agents.

Share Information with Local Authorities

The Bishop has equally advised Parish Priests to share the Church Protocol guidelines with civic and government leaders, as provided in the Bishops’ Ceremonial.

“I instruct Parish Priests of our Parishes in the Diocese to share this information with local government officials (or those in charge of protocols for the political party) so that there is no misunderstanding” advises the Bishop.

The full text from the Bishop of Livingstone on receiving government and public officials into the churches in Livingstone Diocese at Liturgical Celebrations is given below.

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