St. Joseph – Chilenje – Lusaka Archdiocese

Origins in St. Charles Lwanga Regiment Parish

St. Joseph Parish emerged as an outstation of St. Charles Lwanga Regiment Parish, which itself was the third parish established in Lusaka town in 1939. This development followed the founding of St. Francis De Sales in 1922 and St. Ignatius of Loyola in 1937.

Early Gatherings and Church Activities

In its infancy, St. Joseph Parish relied on congregants meeting in homes for church matters and engaging in activities like marriage lessons and Small Christian Community meetings.

Missionaries' Dedication to St. Joseph

Prior to 1998, priests from Regiment Parish served St. Joseph as an outstation. Notable figures like Fr. Edgar Pillet (1977-1987), Fr. Patrick Harriet, Fr. Willy Rathler, Fr. Joseph Brown, Fr. Wim Wouters (1996-2006), and Fr. Anthony Buys, all Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers), played crucial roles in establishing St. Joseph as a parish.

Chilenje Hall and Growth

Due to the increasing number of parishioners and Small Christian Communities at Regiment, a multipurpose hall was constructed in Chilenje, along with a house for the Catechist. The Chilenje Hall was officially opened in August 1983, marking a significant step in the parish's development.

Transformation into a Church and Home for Daughters of the Redeemer

In 1987, the Chilenje Centre evolved into a church (as an outstation), with the Catechist's home subsequently becoming the residence for the Daughters of the Redeemer.

Building St. Joseph Parish

Under the leadership of Fr. Wim Wouters, the construction of St. Joseph Parish began, fueled by a monetary gift from Fr. Willy Rathler. Parishioners and various groups contributed services and resources, with significant support from St. Joseph Selm in Germany.

Independence and Local Leadership

In 1998, Fr. Wim Wouters communicated the challenge of managing both St. Charles Lwanga and St. Joseph Parishes to Archbishop Medardo Mazombwe. In response, two young priests were appointed, but only Fr. Rogers Misozi Kabwiri arrived, becoming the first local Parish Priest. Under his guidance, St. Joseph Parish transitioned into a fully-fledged, independent parish, charting a course toward prosperity.