September 8, 2026
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FR. MUMBI CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF PRIESTLY SERVICE
All roads led to St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Buchi, on Saturday, 5 September 2026, as clergy, religious and lay faithful gathered to celebrate the 50th priestly anniversary of Rev. Fr. Chilufya Edward Mumbi. The celebration was hosted by St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Fr. Mumbi’s home parish, where he grew up and where his vocation to the priesthood first began. Welcoming the congregation at the beginning of Mass, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Nelson Kaseba, expressed joy at having the parish host such a significant celebration in the life of one of its own. Fr. Mumbi is one of the pioneer Black diocesan priests of the Archdiocese of Ndola and has dedicated five decades to priestly ministry. The jubilee celebration brought together priests and religious from across the Archdiocese, as well as clergy from other dioceses, in an atmosphere filled with joyful singing, dancing and thanksgiving. The Jubilee Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Patrick Chilambwe, who, in his homily, reflected on his experience of working with Fr. Mumbi, describing him as a humble, accommodating and sociable priest who has touched many lives throughout his ministry. Reflecting on the early years of the local diocesan clergy, Fr. Chilambwe noted that the pioneer Black priests had to minister at a time when many Catholics were accustomed to being served by missionary priests from abroad. Their perseverance and dedication helped pave the way for the growth of the local clergy and the Church in Zambia. Fr. Mumbi’s 50 years of priesthood were described as a testimony to God’s grace and faithfulness, particularly considering that many who began their priestly journey around the same period have since passed away. During the celebration, AZAC President Rev. Fr. Mike Kolola honoured Fr. Mumbi with a certificate of Papal Blessing from Pope Leo, recognising his long service and expressing gratitude for his contribution to the Church and for inspiring generations of Black Zambian diocesan priests. In his response, Fr. Mumbi thanked the clergy, religious, family, friends and faithful who gathered to celebrate with him. He emphasised that the jubilee was not solely about him, noting that he did not reach 50 years of priestly ministry on his own, but was supported and helped by many people throughout his journey. The celebration concluded as a joyful tribute to a pioneer priest whose five decades of service continue to stand as a testimony to God’s faithfulness and his lasting contribution to the Archdiocese of Ndola.
