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OBLATES IN ZAMBIA

Growth and Expansion

United States Oblates look with great joy and satisfaction at the work of their brother Oblates in the far-off country of Zambia.  The Oblate presence in Zambia, begun in 1984 with Oblates from the former Southern U.S. Province, has grown, not only in the span of their missionary endeavor, but also in the number of Zambian Oblates who minister there.  U.S. Provincial, Fr. David Kalert, OMI, recently visited Zambia and filed this report.

On December 30, 2003, the members of the Zambian delegation met at the retreat center in Limulunga in the Western Province.  About 34 members were present, of a possible 45.  Those absent were out of the country for studies.  Karl Davis, a scholastic from the U.S. Province, was also present since he is in Zambia for his pastoral internship.

The focus of this assembly was on the conclusion of the Immense Hope reflection process used by the entire Oblate congregation to strengthen our missionary presence in the Church.  This meeting, designed and led by the delegation superior, Ron Carignan, engaged the participants in accepting the general goals and some specific directions for the delegation.

The context of the Oblate missionary presence in Zambia continues to be one of extreme poverty.  People struggle simply to survive from day to day.  AIDS has taken its toll and has created a vacant generation with many orphans and overburdened elderly attempting to care for the sick and the children left behind.  Death is a regular visitor.  In one day someone counted 82 funerals at just one of the cemeteries!

The frequent refrain during the assembly was, “What can we do?”  The tasks seem to be overwhelming at times.  Yet the Oblates remain determined and generous in their attempts to respond to the needs of the people and the local church.

Ron Carignan, during the reflection process, indicated that the delegation is in the development phase in the life cycle of an institution.  Growth is the key word.  Young men are responding to the call of Oblate religious life: 26 in the pre-novitiate, 12 entering the novitiate, six making first vows, 22 in the scholasticate, and 4 deacons.  Overall in the delegation there are 45 in vows!  The vocation response has been very positive and promising!

Another hopeful sign is the missionary endeavors undertaken in community.  The parish commitments are quite challenging, with each on having up to seventy outstations.  Ministry as community is essential and non-negotiable.

New ministries undertaken this year are a parish and a radio station.  The new parish, called Mary Immaculate, is in Lusaka, not too far from the Centre House.  Ron Walker and Evans Chinyemba are serving there. For the Mass at the official opening of the parish on the Sunday celebrating the Epiphany, the church was packed.  Zambians know how to celebrate, with lots of singing, dancing and drums.  For now, the parish church is a large white tent.

Oblate Radio Liseli (Light) is a new venture headed up by Freeborn Kibombwe, Max Mwakacheya, and Adrian Chisimba.  During the assembly on New Year’s Day, the group proceeded to dedicate the site of the radio station where the tower has already been erected.  The studio is still being completed.  Hopefully, the radio station will be broadcasting within the year and will reach thousands of people in the surrounding areas who are otherwise quite isolated.

Also during the assembly, a Zambian, Joe Phiri, was elected as the delegate to the General chapter to be held this year in September.  Kennedy Sampa was elected as the alternate delegate.

The assembly studied and accepted three goals: apostolic community, integral evangelization, and resource development.  Specific strategies were also proposed as ways to implement these goals.

The harvest in Zambia is plentiful, and the laborers are responding!  While the challenges are tremendous, with God’s help, the Oblates will continue to take up their task of sharing in His mission.