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Fr. Valentine Kalumba, OMI, Ordained a Priest in Zambia |
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On October 22, 2005, Fr. Valentine Kalumba, OMI, became the newest priest in the Zambian Delegation. The ordination Mass was celebrated at the Oblates of Mary Immaculate Parish in Lusaka, Zambia, by Bishop Paul Duffy, OMI, bishop of the Mongu diocese in Zambia’s Western Province.
The new priest was accompanied into the celebration by his mother, Aurelia Kalumba. He also has six sisters. Besides the Delegation Superior, Fr. Joseph Phiri, OMI, a large group of his brother Oblates, other religious, family members, and many friends were in attendance. The three-hour celebration featured joyful song led by the Mary Immaculate choir, and the parish’s young liturgical dancers known as the “Stellas”. Bishop Duffy’s homily recalled the words of Pope Benedict XVI regarding the centrality of the Eucharist, especially in the life and ministry of the newly-ordained Fr. Valentine, and of all priests.
Fr. Valentine is the thirteenth native Zambian priest to be ordained for the Delegation. He joined the Oblates after completing his philosophy studies as seminarian for the diocese of Ndola, Zambia, and completed his theology studies in Cedara, South Africa. Following his profession of perpetual vows in February 2005, Fr. Valentine ministered with the Oblate community in the Nalionwa Mission (St. Michael’s Parish) in Kalabo, Western Province, and was ordained a deacon there in April. His first obedience is to this mission, assisting parish priests Fr. Cyril Keba, OMI, and Fr. Vincent Sakala, OMI.
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Click on thumbnail to enlarge |
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PHOTOS AND STORY COURTESY OF MICHAEL MILLAR, OBLATE MISSIONS |
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