The fifth Shepherd of Mansa Diocese Rt Rev BishopPatrick Chisanga, Ofm Conv. was ordained and installed at a colourful celebration that took place at Don Bosco Centre in Mansa on 1 February 2014.
Speaking at the celebrations, the President of the Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC), Most Rev Ignatius Chama, who was also the ordaining Bishop, on behalf of the conference, congratulated Bishop Patrick Chisanga and welcomed him as a new member of the Zambia Episcopal Conference.
Archbishop Chama asked the lands and environmental minister, Hon. Harry Kalaba, who represented the Zambian Government, to inform the Head of State, President Michael Sata that the Catholic Bishops are willing to dialogue with the Government on issues raised in their state of the nation press conference, held recently at Kapingila Guest house in Lusaka. “Go and tell him (the President) that we (the Catholic Bishops) are open to dialogue.”
The New Bishop was grateful that the “yes” he said to the Lord when the Pope’s representative to Zambia Archbishop Julio Murat informed him that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, had appointed him Bishop of Mansa has now been fulfilled. “Today that to which I said yes has become a reality. It is done. To God be the glory forever” said the new Bishop.
“I come among you in a spirit of obedience and humble service, bearing nothing, but faith and victory through the cross; equipped with nothing, but the Gospel message of hope; promising nothing, but love and life in abundance through committed service,” he said.
Bishop Chisanga called for collaboration in his ministry with the laity, priests and religious of Mansa Diocese. “My ministry among you will be guided by the example of Jesus the Good Shepherd who came that we may have life and have it to the full. I will draw my inspiration from the humility and holiness of St Francis of Assisi as well as from our Holy Father, Pope Francis who is constantly challenging us to be true shepherds and to be so close to the sheep that we too begin to smell like sheep themselves. Pray for me my dear brothers and sisters so that I may faithfully accomplish this mission.”
The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Julio Murat in his speech emphasized that a bishop is like an Angel who should always be before God praying for his people and leading them to God.
Speaking on behalf of the Government Hon. Harry Kalaba thanked the Catholic Church for its noble work as cooperators in development.
SOURCE: ZEC, Catholic Media Services