August 4, 2026
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Priestly Ordination 2026
The Archdiocese of Ndola was filled with joy on Saturday, 1st August 2026, as Archbishop of Ndola, Most Rev. Dr. Benjamin Phiri, JCD, ordained nine deacons to the sacred priesthood during a beautiful Eucharistic celebration at Uganda Martyrs Parish in Luanshya. The 2,000-seater church was filled to capacity, with hundreds more faithful following the celebration from tents erected outside. More than 150 priests, religious, and lay faithful travelled from across Zambia, as well as from South Africa, Argentina, and Ecuador, to witness the joyous occasion. The Archbishop was warmly welcomed by the Dean of Luanshya Deanery, Rev. Fr. Alexander Chimpusa, together with the parish community. The newly ordained priests are Fr. John Matunda, Fr. Patrick Katelele, Fr. Michael Mukuka, Fr. Anthony Chongo, OFM Cap., Fr. Germán Andrés Mejía Segarra, Fr. Santiago Israel Feijó, Fr. Sylvester Mutale, SCJ, Fr. Cletus Mwela, and Fr. Michael Mwewa. In his homily, Archbishop Phiri urged the newly ordained priests to embrace humility, holiness, and a deep life of prayer. He reminded them that although they had received the gift of the priesthood, they remained disciples who must continue learning throughout their ministry. He encouraged them to seek the wisdom and guidance of senior priests whose years of faithful service have given them invaluable experience. The Archbishop also called on the new priests to remain faithful to the promises they had made before God by living lives of celibacy and avoiding anything that could compromise their vocation. He warned them against alcohol abuse, noting that it often becomes the gateway to greater sins, and urged them to cultivate an intimate relationship with God through sincere daily prayer rather than merely reciting prayers out of obligation. Reflecting on the pastoral ministry entrusted to them, Archbishop Phiri reminded the priests that the faithful belong to God and have only been entrusted to their care. he reminded them that the shepherd must never become the hunter who devours the very sheep entrusted to him. He encouraged them to lead God’s people with love, compassion, integrity, and selfless service. The Archbishop further entrusted the newly ordained priests to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patroness of Priests, encouraging them to walk closely with her throughout their ministry, confident that she would always guide and intercede for them. The Ordination Mass concluded in a joyful atmosphere of thanksgiving.
