By Andrew Kaufa, SMM
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| Late Bishop Justin Mulanga of Mpika Diocese, Zambia |
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mpika Rt. Rev. Justin Mulenga has died suddenly early today, March 20, 2020 at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka, Zambia.
This week on Tuesday March 17, 2020, Bishop Justin Mulenga who was Bishop Chair for Seminaries in ZCCB signed the directive to close the major seminaries in response to the threat of Coronavirus.
“On behalf of the President of Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) Rt. Rev. George Cosmas Lungu, I write to inform you of the passing of Rt. Rev. Justin Mulenga, until today Bishop of Mpika Diocese. He died this morning at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia,” Secretary General of ZCCB has announced.
Confirming the sad news on Mpika Diocesan priests' WhatsApp group, the Vicar General of Mpika Diocese Rev. Fr Paul Simukanzye has posted, “I’m heartbroken to announce the passing on of our Bishop, Rt. Rev. Justin Mulenga at UTH this morning. We will keep you posted on the program.”
Bishop Justin Mulenga was born on 28th February 1955 in Kabwe. He was ordained to priesthood on 18th July 1993 in Kasama in Archdiocese.
After many years of pastoral service as well as serving in different ecclesiastical portfolios such as Parish Priest, Procurator General and Pastoral Coordinator, Pope Francis appointed him bishop of Mpika Diocese on 23rd December 2015, taking over Most Rev. Archbishop Ignatius Chama who was appointed Archbishop of Kasama on 12thJanuary 2012.
Rt. Rev. Justin Mulenga and was consecrated Bishop of Mpika on 12th March 2016 so much that last week he celebrated his 4thanniversary as bishop of Mpika.
United in prayer and grief with the ZCCB and on behalf Rt. Rev. Charles Kasonde who is AMECEA Chairman, the AMECEA Secretariat sends its condolences to the entire Catholic Church in Zambia, the faithful and pastoral agents in the Diocese of Mpika during this difficult time. May the Soul of Rt. Rev. Justin Mulenga rest in eternal peace in the house of the Heavenly Father.