The Church loves you and walks with you, Bishop of Livingstone tells young people

Fr. Clifford Mulasikwanda –Livingstone, Zambia

Addressing hundreds of the Diocese’s young people and several of the Catholic faithful gathered in the Cathedral of St. Theresa, Bishop Kalumba told young persons always to remember that they are valued members of the Church.

“We want you to know that we love you. The Church loves you. I cannot think of any other Church where within two consecutive years, dedicates her time to reflect on a theme focusing on young people,” the Bishop said.

He walked with them

Bishop Kalumba’s remarks were made in a homily as the Diocese of Livingstone, launched a series of activities and events that will localise and consolidate messages from last years' Synod of Bishops on young people. Borrowing from Part One of the Final Synod message titled, ‘He walked with them,’ the Diocese of Livingstone has planned pastoral activities that will focus on concrete aspects of young people’s lives.

Bishop Kalumba encouraged young people to listen to the Lord Jesus and to heed his voice, even in the midst of worldly challenges and difficulties.

The Church wants to accompany you

“How do we discover the presence of Jesus in difficult situations of unemployment, perceived lack of misunderstanding and mistrust from parents?” He asked. Young people, the Bishop said, should draw closer to Jesus and the Church when they find themselves in difficulties. “Just as Jesus Christ accompanied those two disciples on the road to Emmaus, the Church wants to accompany you, the Church wants to get close to you and to feel with you in your problems,” he said.

The Bishop also spoke to the younger ones, reminding the school-going children, to take their education seriously.

Use social media wisely

“Take your education seriously. I am sorry to say this but…why is it that in our education institutions, those who excel are usually the non-Catholics?” he wondered. Bishop Kalumba further took time to advise young people on the correct use of social media.

Speaking at the same occasion, Happy Zulu, a Livingstone Diocese youth leader, urged young people to take the message of the Bishop seriously.

Young people must participate in the Mission of the Church

“Young people…let us actively get involved in the Mission of the Church in our respective parishes, by volunteering to be teachers or animators of the faith. Let us fill the gaps in our parishes,” he challenged his colleagues.

The diocesan activities and events launched by Bishop Kalumba will run from January to December 2019.