OBITUARY
MOST REV. GEORGE TELESPHORE MPUNDU
EMERITUS ARCHBISHOP OF LUSAKA
Archbishop Emeritus George Telesphore Mpundu was a rare blend of wisdom, courage, humility, and humour, a shepherd whose life reflected both the seriousness of the Gospel and the joy of Christian witness. He was the kind of man who could walk into a room burdened by tension or grief and, within moments, lighten hearts with a witty remark or a hearty laugh. His deep spirituality was always accompanied by warmth, humanity, and an extraordinary ability to connect with people from every walk of life. He had long been a figure who blended gravitas with humour, reminding people that faith and joy are not mutually exclusive.
Born on May 21 at Kopeka Village, Kapatu Mission, Archbishop Mpundu rose through the ranks of the Catholic Church with distinction, becoming one of Zambia’s most respected Catholic leaders and moral voices. From his early years of formation, he demonstrated exceptional intellect, discipline, and a passion for learning. He was among the pioneers involved in establishing St. Augustine’s Major Seminary in Mpima after his formation stint at Kachebere Seminary in Malawi.
Ordained to the priesthood in 1972, Archbishop Mpundu dedicated his entire life to the service of God and humanity. In 1987, he was consecrated Bishop and appointed to the Diocese of Mbala (now Mpika), where he served faithfully for 19 years. In 2004, he was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Lusaka and succeeded Medardo Cardinal Mazombwe as Archbishop of Lusaka in 2006. He shepherded the Archdiocese with wisdom, courage, and compassion until his retirement in 2018.
Throughout his episcopal ministry, Archbishop Mpundu also served several terms as President of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), where he emerged as a fearless advocate for justice, good governance, and human dignity. He consistently challenged political leaders and society to uphold truth, integrity, and the common good. His prophetic voice earned him national respect, not because he sought popularity, but because he spoke with conviction and sincerity.
Yet even while addressing serious national matters, Archbishop Mpundu never lost his humour. His homilies and public addresses were often punctuated with spontaneous jokes, playful observations, and vivid stories drawn from everyday life. The faithful fondly recall how he could move seamlessly from quoting Sacred Scripture to making humorous reflections about Lusaka traffic or ordinary human struggles, leaving them spiritually nourished and joyfully uplifted.
One memorable moment during his tenure as ZCCB President saw him publicly condemn corruption while joking that “even angels would struggle to balance the national budget.” Such moments reflected his unique ability to confront difficult truths while disarming audiences with humour and wisdom.
His favourite quotation from Gaudium et Spes profoundly shaped his pastoral ministry:
“The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ.” This vision guided his steadfast commitment to the poor, the vulnerable, and the voiceless.
Even in retirement, Archbishop Mpundu remained actively engaged in civic and ecclesial life. His final public service engagement was with the Oasis Forum and OCIDA, where he continued contributing diligently to national discourse and advocacy for justice and democratic values.
A Shepherd Among His Priests
Archbishop Emeritus Telesphore Mpundu was deeply admired for the way he related to priests with humility, respect, and fraternity. He consistently emphasized that their true wealth lay not in material possessions but in their availability and service to God’s people. His own lifestyle reflected this conviction; he deliberately avoided luxury, lived simply, and reminded priests through his example that ministry was about self-giving rather than status.
In his leadership, he treated priests as trusted collaborators rather than subordinates. When correction was necessary, he approached them personally and gently, preferring dialogue over authority. He entrusted responsibilities fully, refraining from unnecessary interference, and thereby fostered confidence and accountability among those he worked with.
Archbishop Mpundu’s love for diocesan priests was evident in the way he referred to them as the “bedrock” of the Archdiocese. He supported vocations with passion, encouraged their growth, and nurtured future generations of clergy. His pastoral closeness was not limited to formal settings; he shared meals, conversations, and even light-hearted moments, embodying the joy of fraternity.
Through his simplicity, humility, and trust, Archbishop Mpundu built a relationship with priests that was marked by equality, dignity, and mutual respect. His legacy among them remains one of encouragement, inspiration, and a reminder that the priesthood is a life of service rooted in faith, truth, and love.
