CMO Health Walk inspires spiritual renewal: Archbishop Banda challenges Men to ‘Reset’
Catholic men from across the Archdiocese of Lusaka came together for more than just physical fitness as they embarked on a wilderness walk and spiritual reflection at the Kasisi Agricultural Institute.
The event, hosted by the Catholic Men’s Organisation (CMO), was themed around health, wellness, and spiritual revival. After their energising walk, the men gathered to break bread together over a braai, but not before being stirred by a message that spoke deeply to both personal growth and communal transformation.
“Family and personal problems feature in our readings today,” Archbishop Alick Banda began his homily. “Jacob, aided by his mother Rebekah, stole Esau’s birthright, and in fleeing from his guilt, he encountered God. That place (Bethel) became sacred. It is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can encounter God and begin again.”
Drawing parallels to modern struggles, the Archbishop challenged the men: “Today is that moment of resetting ourselves, to free ourselves from the slavery of substance abuse, money, unholy cartels, and rituals. Otherwise, you will be running from your own shadows.”
He reflected on the Gospel’s healing stories, a desperate father pleading for his daughter and a woman silently reaching out for help. “Both were people of faith, though they approached Jesus differently. Jesus responded warmly to both,” he said. “Our faith may bring us together as CMO, but it does not suppress our individuality. The Lord responds to each of us uniquely.”
Archbishop Banda called on the CMO members to emulate Christ’s radical compassion. “By letting himself be touched by the unclean, Jesus broke social norms to restore dignity. As Catholic men, we too must think outside the box, engage with the outcasts, the poor, the sick, prisoners, and even the spiritually dead. We must stand out—and be counted.”
With sweat on their brows and conviction in their hearts, the men left Kasisi renewed—not just in body, but in spirit, ready to serve their families, Church, and society with integrity, courage, and faith.