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St. Joseph Parish, Itawa celebrates 40th Anniversary

St. Joseph Parish, Itawa celebrates 40th Anniversary

On, October 5, 2024, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Itawa joyously celebrated its 40th anniversary. The day’s events began with a vibrant Mass led by the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Ndola, Most Rev. Dr. Benjamin Phiri, JCD. The Archbishop was warmly received by the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Benard Kapembwa, and the Assistant Parish Priest, Fr. Victor Mwango. The Mass was a lively celebration, enhanced by the beautiful singing of the church choir and energetic dancing by the Stella Girls and Buomba group, which uplifted the entire congregation. During his homily, Archbishop Phiri emphasized that the true measure of a church’s growth is not in its infrastructure, but in the faith and dedication of its members. He called anniversaries a time of introspection, urging the faithful to reflect on their spiritual growth and to strive to live holy lives, remaining true to their Christian faith. At the end of Mass, Archbishop Dr. Phiri awarded certificates and gifts to individuals whose contributions have been invaluable to the parish. Following the Mass, the Archbishop led a groundbreaking ceremony to inaugurate the construction of a new church hall, a major milestone for the parish. Among the distinguished guests was Rev. Fr. Francis Mukosa, former parish priest and now Secretary General of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), whose presence added to the significance of the event. The 40th anniversary celebration was a moment of reflection, renewal, and excitement for the future of St. Joseph Parish.