2025 CHRISM Mass with His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Alick Banda
“Anointed and Sent”
…Archbishop Banda’s Call to Renewed Mission at Chrism Mass
Archbishop of Lusaka, Most Rev. Dr. Alick Banda, called on priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, and lay people to embrace their shared anointing with renewed zeal and responsibility.
“We gather together in a special way to celebrate Chrism Mass, in which we bless the holy oils and reaffirm our priestly promises,” he began.
The Mass, rich with symbolism and sacred tradition, was not merely ceremonial, but an urgent reminder of the Church’s mission: to heal, liberate, and proclaim God’s favour to a broken world.
Drawing from the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus proclaims His mission in His hometown of Nazareth, Archbishop Banda emphasized the humble setting of Christ’s ministry.
“The mission of Jesus begins not in grandeur or opulence, but rather in humility and modesty,” he said. “It is a reminder that God’s grace often works through the familiar, the local, and normally the overlooked.”
The Archbishop’s message was both pastoral and prophetic. He named communities across Lusaka-Kanyama, Misisi, Mumbwa, Chiawa, Soweto-inviting the faithful to recognize holiness in the ordinary struggles of daily life. The oils blessed, he reminded all, were not mere symbols. “They are sacramental signs of the Holy Spirit’s power at work in our lives.”
Yet his call extended beyond clergy. “At baptism as well as at Confirmation, every Christian is marked with the Chrism of salvation. We are all anointed to bring the good news to the poor,” he declared.
To the lay faithful, he urged, “Grasp your baptismal anointing! You are the ones who can forcefully bring Christ into homes, workplaces, and public places.”
In the face of societal injustice, he was clear: “The Church cannot remain silent… we must be concerned and ask ourselves: How are we living out this Scripture passage today?”
Archbishop Banda concluded with a fervent plea: “Let us carry in our hearts the words of Isaiah… and may we leave this celebration renewed, edified and set on fire, ready to proclaim: The Spirit of the Lord is upon each one of us because God has anointed us with His Spirit.”