September 28, 2026
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St. Padre Pio Shrine Ground breaking ceremony.
The Archdiocese of Ndola has marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for the St. Padre Pio Shrine, the first shrine of its kind in the Archdiocese, being established by the Capuchin Franciscan Friars in Ganerton, Kitwe. The historic celebration took place on the Feast of St. Padre Pio and brought together clergy, religious congregations, lay groups and faithful from across the Archdiocese. Members of the wider Franciscan family also joined in supporting the organisation of the celebration. The day began with the warm welcome of the Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi, Archbishop Juan Luca Perici, by the Archbishop of Ndola, Most Rev. Dr. Benjamin Phiri, JCD, upon his arrival at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola. The two later travelled to Ganerton, Kitwe, where Archbishop Perici presided over the Eucharistic celebration. In his homily, Archbishop Perici described the establishment of the shrine as an important step towards creating a place where people can come to pray, seek mercy, strengthen their faith and find renewed hope in Jesus Christ. Reflecting on the life of St. Padre Pio, the Apostolic Nuncio highlighted the saint’s deep life of prayer, suffering and union with Christ. He reminded the faithful that Padre Pio’s life demonstrates that the Cross is not a sign of defeat, but a sign of God’s love and a path to deeper union with Him. Archbishop Perici also spoke of Padre Pio’s great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Rosary, encouraging the faithful to seek Mary’s intercession, especially during moments of suffering, pain and uncertainty. He further expressed hope that the shrine would become a house of prayer and mercy, built not only with stones and concrete but through the faith, love and unity of the Christian community. Recalling Padre Pio’s dedication to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and his love for hearing confessions, the Nuncio said the shrine should become a place where people can bring their burdens before God, experience His mercy and have their faith strengthened. Following Holy Mass, the congregation proceeded to the construction site where the foundation stone was unveiled and blessed. Construction materials and tools at the site were also blessed, marking the beginning of the physical construction of the shrine. The celebration continued with a tree-planting ceremony, during which Archbishop Perici and Archbishop Phiri each planted a tree at the shrine grounds, symbolising growth, life and hope for the future. The Mass and ceremony were enriched by beautiful singing from the St. Cecilia and St. Anthony choirs of St. John the Baptist Church, Chimwemwe Parish, while vibrant dancing by Ba Buomba and Ba Stella added colour and joy to the historic occasion. In his remarks, the Provincial Superior of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, Very Rev. Fr. Dominic Chanda, OFM Cap., expressed gratitude to all who contributed to making the groundbreaking possible. He particularly acknowledged the support of the Purple Foundation and other benefactors who have contributed towards the construction of the shrine. He appealed to well-wishers to continue supporting the project through prayer, finances and building materials, emphasising that every contribution matters. He encouraged the faithful not to underestimate even the smallest contribution, noting that every pocket of cement brings the shrine closer to completion. The groundbreaking of the St. Padre Pio Shrine marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Archdiocese of Ndola—a place envisioned as a spiritual home where the faithful can encounter Christ through prayer, the Eucharist, reconciliation and the intercession of St. Padre Pio.
