The Church must remain the Voice of the Voiceless, not a seeker of Political Power.
LUSAKA, Zambia –The Catholic Church does not exist to pursue political power or advance partisan interests, but to defend the dignity of the poor, the weak and the marginalized, Archbishop Alick Banda has said, urging newly ordained priests to embrace a courageous ministry rooted in truth, justice and holiness.
During the Priestly Ordination Mass at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus on the Feast of St. John Mary Vianney, the Archbishop stressed that the Church’s prophetic mission requires her to speak whenever justice is undermined, truth is violated, and the dignity of human beings is threatened.
He said the Church’s loyalty is not to political systems or ideologies but to the Gospel and the people, especially those whose voices are seldom heard.
“The Church does not seek political power, nor align herself with any particular political interests but the weak of our society,” Archbishop Banda said. “Thus, the Church cannot remain silent whenever truth is being violated; whenever justice is being compromised; whenever the dignity of God’s children is diminished.”
He added that the Church must continue to serve as “the voice of the voiceless,” speaking for the poor without fear, promoting peace without compromise and holding every citizen, political leader and institution accountable before God.
Addressing the six ordinands, Archbishop Banda reminded them that the priesthood is not simply a sacred office but a lifelong vocation of service, healing and fidelity to Christ.
“We give thanks to God who continues to call men from among His people to act in Persona Christi, our Eternal High Priest, to shepherd His people,” he said. “Today we rejoice that God has been so gracious to bestow this gift upon us.”
Reflecting on the significance of the ordination taking place on the memorial of St. John Mary Vianney, patron saint of parish priests, the Archbishop said the occasion served as a powerful reminder that authentic priestly ministry is founded not on influence, intelligence, prestige or wealth, but on holiness.
“The mere fact that this ordination falls on the feast of St. John Mary Vianney is a sign from God reminding us that the strength of the priesthood has never been found in influence, intelligence, prestige or affluence but rather in holiness,” he said.
Drawing inspiration from the life of the Curé of Ars, Archbishop Banda noted that St. John Mary Vianney transformed countless lives not through extraordinary programmes but through his intimate union with Christ.
“John Mary Vianney changed the lives of his people in Ars not because of his innovative programmes or his creativity, but because he allowed Christ to live within him. His confessional was a place of healing, his altar was a bridge to heaven and his very life became a quiet message that drew countless souls to God.”
Turning directly to the ordinands, he challenged them to become instruments through whom Christ continues His saving mission.
“This is what the Church invites you to become: a channel of healing, an avenue of grace and an opportunity of heaven. We pray that you too will belong to Christ entirely and remain faithful servants of God’s people.”
The Archbishop drew from the day’s first reading from the Prophet Jeremiah, describing it as a message of restoration addressed to a wounded nation. He said the same message speaks powerfully to today’s society, where many people continue to suffer under the weight of poverty, unemployment, family breakdown, corruption, violence, addiction and despair.
“Our people also carry many wounds,” he observed. “Many bear invisible scars of anxiety, anger and frustration.”
He reminded the new priests that their ministry would not consist in having solutions to every human problem, but in allowing Christ to encounter wounded people through them.
“Yours is to serve wounded persons—not because you have all the solutions, but because Christ wants to touch these wounded people through you. Every word of encouragement you offer, or your mere presence to the weak and the suffering, becomes an opportunity for restoration.”
Preaching on the Gospel, Archbishop Banda warned against allowing human interests to overshadow the Word of God, saying Christ’s rebuke of religious leaders in His time remains relevant today.
“Nothing can be more tragic than a shepherd who begins to lose sight of Christ,” he said. “When a priest seeks applause above truth, comfort above sacrifice or popularity above fidelity, such a priest has gone astray from Christ.”
He urged the ordinands to remain disciples before becoming ministers, encouraging them to cultivate lives of prayer and humility.
“Never allow yourselves to be merely servants of religion. Always remain disciples first before becoming ministers. Kneel before you stand.”
Archbishop Banda also underscored the inseparable relationship between priestly ministry and the Church’s mission to defend justice and uphold human dignity.
“Justice is not only a political slogan. Justice is a Gospel imperative,” he said.
Quoting St. Thomas Aquinas, the Archbishop explained that righteous anger is not born of hatred or vengeance but is “the holy refusal to accept injustice in our midst.”
He said this demands that priests never become indifferent to the suffering of God’s people.
“A priest cannot remain indifferent to corruption that deprives people of life. A priest cannot keep silent about violence which destroys life, property and communities. A priest cannot remain indifferent towards the exploitation of the weak by the powerful. A priest cannot ignore injustice when the truth is being sacrificed for one’s personal gain.”
While encouraging priests to speak prophetically, Archbishop Banda cautioned that such witness must always be exercised with humility, charity and respect.
“The voice of the priest should always echo the voice of the Good Shepherd who came that all may have life in abundance. The prophetic voice of the priest must go together with humility, charity and respect.”
He added that priests are called to proclaim principles rather than deepen divisions.
“When you speak, you speak not to divide but to heal. You speak not to condemn but to proclaim principles. You speak not to incite but to point people towards truth, peace and justice.”
As the liturgy drew to its most solemn moment, Archbishop Banda reflected on the significance of priestly ordination, reminding the candidates that their lives would henceforth belong entirely to Christ and His Church.
“In a few moments, you will prostrate yourselves before the altar, but when you rise, you will never again belong to yourselves exclusively, but to the Church. Your hands will bless, your lips will preach the Gospel, and your hearts must remain open to every person entrusted to your care. Therefore, be available and approachable.”
The Archbishop entrusted the newly ordained priests to the intercession of St. John Mary Vianney, praying that they become holy shepherds who faithfully proclaim the Gospel, heal the wounded, defend the truth, and lead God’s people with humility, compassion, and unwavering fidelity to Christ.
