Take Root & Develop

History of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottines) in Zambia

 In 2005, at the invitation of the late Archbishop of Lusaka, Cardinal Joseph Mazombwe, two Pallottine priests assumed pastoral responsibilities in the Archdiocese of His Eminence. From the Society’s Indian Province, Prabhu Prakash, the first missionaries - Fathers Shaji Mathew and Sijoy Thomas - landed on December 7, 2005, henceforth beginning their pastoral ministries at Holy Family Parish, Mandevu.

In the succeeding years, the Pallottines were entrusted with additional pastoral activities, including the rural parish of St. Michael’s, Westwood. Through the accompaniment of compassion - “to suffer with” - their apostolates branched out into socio-charitable, educational, and medical spheres. With the arrival of the Pallottine Missionary Sisters in 2017, collaboration gave new impetus to the apostolate of Jesus of the Gospel.

About Zambia

Zambia is commonly regarded as one of the most beautiful, friendly, and diverse countries on the African continent. It’s a landlocked country of rugged terrain and diverse wildlife, with many parks and safari areas. Its famous Victorian Water Falls are one of the Seven Natural Wonders, and the world’s largest waterfall offers a breath-taking view too spectacular and majestic to describe!

Zambia’s also a Christian country, where one can encounter almost all Christian denominations. 2017 marked 125 years of the presence of Christianity.

About India’s Prabhu Prakash Province, Guardian of the Zambian Mission

Nagpur, located in India’s direct center, is the home base of India’s Prabhu Prakash (Epiphany of the Lord) Province; the fruit of the tiny seed planted by the German Pallottine Missionaries in 1951. 50 years later, at the time of its Golden Jubilee in 2001, it had produced 300 fruits, and was preparing to branch out into two more provinces in 2002. These Provinces transformed yet again in 2019, expanding due to great growth.

During the Golden Jubilee Celebration, a challenge was proposed to take up a mission in Africa. Through Divine Providence and international collaboration amongst confreres from Germany, Ireland, South Africa, and Tanzania, positive deliberations ensued, and the mission commenced.