St. John Paul ll Chapel consecrated
Archbishop Banda dedicates Chapel on 37th Anniversary of St. John Paul II’s visit
02. 05. 26
Archbishop Alick Banda today (Saturday) consecrated the new Chapel at Pope Square, on the 37th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s historic visit to Zambia.
Archbishop Banda described the chapel as “a symbol of the indomitable spirit, an image of our enduring hope, and a mark of unwavering faith in God.
He lauded the parish leadership, clergy, and lay members who worked tirelessly to bring the project to completion, acknowledging both past and present contributors.
“We are all smiles after such a long journey of hard work,” he said, saluting parishioners and well-wishers whose generosity and determination made the chapel possible.
The Archbishop also paid tribute to those who had passed away or lost jobs during the project, praying for God’s kindness and reward.The Archbishop emphasized that the dedication was not only about the building itself but about the community it represents.
“Today’s celebration is ultimately a celebration of a community… a parish that is unwavering in faith,” he said.The Chapel was dedicated in honour of St. John Paul II, who celebrated Mass at the Cathedral grounds, now called Pope Square, during his 1989 visit.
Archbishop Banda recalled the late Pontiff’s famous exhortation: “Do not be afraid! Open up, swing wide the gates to Christ.”He described John Paul II as a charismatic leader, evangelist, and defender of human rights whose influence extended far beyond the Catholic Church.
“This chapel is a remembrance of the Papacy of St. John Paul, the most loved Pope. It is my prayer that this chapel will attract many souls to the Child Jesus,” he said.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading, the Archbishop urged the faithful to seek God not through instant signs but through a steady relationship with Christ.
“True spiritual experience begins not with demand, but with surrender. Not with urgency, but with faithfulness and commitment,” he explained.
The Archbishop also blessed a new block of Catechism classrooms built alongside the Chapel.
The dedication concluded with prayers for endurance as the parish continues work on its pastoral centre project, with Archbishop Banda invoking the intercession of St. John Paul II.