From ashes to renewal

…Archbishop Banda blesses rebuilt Priests’ house at St. Joseph Mukasa.

St. Joseph Mukasa- Bonaventure today celebrated the feast of its patron Saint with the blessing of the rebuilt Parish House. His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alick Banda, after celebrating Mass, blessed the newly built Priests’ residence, which was constructed within a space of seven months.

The original Priests’ house at the Parish was gutted on November 11, 2024 at the height of loadshedding. The then Parish Priest, Msngr Fr. Fidelis Washeni, and his assistant, Fr. Saviour Mutinta, escaped unscathed although their belongings were reduced to rubble.

Archbishop Banda commended the parishioners for their extraordinary commitment and generosity in ensuring the house was rebuilt swiftly.

“I want to thank the community of St. Joseph Mukasa for the job well done in raising the resources and rebuilding the house that was burnt down. I do know it has not been easy for each and every one of you to rise to the occasion and to contribute generously towards the reconstruction of our Parish Priests’ house. Those of you who have been magnanimous in giving… it’s not because you have plenty, but it’s because you love God and the Church, I thankyou more sincerely and may God, in his kindness, reward you immensely not only in the afterlife but also today, that you may receive God’s Blessings.”

He further expressed appreciation to the priests for their leadership and perseverance. He singled out Fr. Washeni for his determination despite personal loss, Fr. David Banda (currently studying in Italy) for guiding the community to start the rebuilding process, and the current Parish Priest, Fr. John Bwalya, for overseeing the project to completion.

“I do know that it has not been easy to mobilise resources. Many thanks to each one of you for your love of God and the love of the Church,” he said.