St. Francis of Assisi Parish - Livingstone Diocese

23/05/2026

Fr Imasiku Ngalama the Priest Director of Radio Maria Musi-o-Tunya thanked the women and the parishioners of St Francis for the contribution and support given to radio Maria Musi-o-Tunya during the Mariathon in the month of May every year. He has also thanked Fr Lawrence Likulano SVD the Parish Priest of St Francis of Assisi Dambwa Parish for allowing the radio to have the 2026 Mariathon Launch in his parish. Fr Imasiku Ngalama was speaking during his homily today in the morning at St Francis of Assisi Dambwa Parish during the Mariathon Launch.

12/05/2026

In the Catholic Church, a Mass stipend is an offering given by the faithful when requesting a priest to celebrate Mass for a particular intention, such as for the dead, thanksgiving, healing, or special needs. The Church’s law regulates this practice mainly in the 1983 Code of Canon Law, especially Canons 945–958.
Here are the main points:
1. Priests may accept a Mass stipend
Canon 945 says that priests who celebrate or concelebrate Mass may receive an offering to apply the Mass for a specific intention. The Church encourages this practice because it supports priests and the mission of the Church.
2. A stipend is not “payment” for Mass
The Mass can never be bought or sold. The offering is a voluntary contribution by the faithful. The priest is praying for the intention requested, but God’s grace is never commercialized.
3. One Mass — one intention — one stipend
Normally, a priest who accepts a stipend must apply one Mass for that specific intention.
If he accepts several stipends, he must celebrate separate Masses for each intention unless the donors freely agree to a collective intention Mass according to Church norms.
4. Priests are obliged to fulfill the intention
Canon law requires a priest who accepts a stipend to celebrate the Mass for the intention promised. If he cannot do it himself, he must arrange for another priest to celebrate it.
5. The faithful should not be denied Masses because of poverty
Canon 945 and Church tradition emphasize that priests should celebrate Mass for people even when they cannot afford an offering. Poor people must never be excluded from requesting Mass intentions.
6. Bishops determine the usual stipend amount
The usual amount for a Mass offering is normally fixed by the bishops of a country or ecclesiastical province. In Zambia, the bishops may recommend a standard offering, but the faithful can give more, less, or nothing.
7. Record keeping is required
Canon 958 requires parishes and priests to keep a proper record of Mass intentions and stipends received and fulfilled, to ensure accountability and avoid abuse.
Important Canons
The key canons are:
Canon 945 — Right to receive stipends
Canon 946 — Offerings support the Church and clergy
Canon 947 — Avoid even the appearance of trading sacred things
Canon 948 — Separate Mass for separate offerings
Canon 949 — Obligation to fulfill accepted intentions
Canon 958 — Keeping records of stipends
A very important principle is found in Canon 947, which says:
“Any appearance of trafficking or trading is to be entirely excluded from Mass offerings.”
This protects the sacredness of the Eucharist and ensures Mass intentions remain a spiritual practice, not a business.

06/05/2026

It looks like you mean Mass stipend.
A Mass stipend in the Catholic Church is a small offering (usually money) given to a priest when requesting that a Mass be celebrated for a specific intention.
Key points:
Purpose: It is offered when you ask the priest to celebrate Mass for something specific, such as:
the soul of a deceased person
thanksgiving
special intentions (healing, success, etc.)
Meaning: The stipend is not payment for the Mass. The Mass itself has infinite spiritual value and cannot be bought. The offering is a way of:
supporting the priest
participating in the Church’s life
showing commitment to the intention
Church guidance:
The amount is usually set or suggested by the local diocese
A priest may accept only one stipend per Mass (except in special cases allowed by Church law)
If someone cannot afford it, the priest must still offer the Mass
Spiritual aspect: Giving a stipend is seen as a form of sacrifice and generosity, linked to the intention being prayed for.
If you want, I can also �⁠explain how to request a Mass stipend in your parish or �⁠what Canon Law says about it.

29/04/2026

St Anna Catholic women's organisation during the renewal of their vows in Livingstone Deanery recently.

27/04/2026

Renewal of vows by St Anna Catholic women's organisation Livingstone deanery on Saturday.

24/04/2026

If you oh Lord should mark our iniquities, Lord who could survive.

23/04/2026

21/04/2026

In the Catholic Church, ringing bells during the liturgy—especially at Mass—has deep spiritual, symbolic, and practical meaning. Here are the main reasons:
1. To draw attention to sacred moments
Bells are rung at the most important parts of the Mass, especially during the consecration (when the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ). This helps the faithful focus and recognize that something holy is taking place.
2. To express reverence and joy
The sound of bells is a sign of honor and celebration. It reflects joy at Christ’s presence in the Eucharist and shows reverence for the sacred mystery.
3. To alert those who may not be watching closely
In earlier times (and even today), not everyone could see the altar clearly or follow the prayers. Bells served as a signal to kneel or pay attention at key moments.
4. A long-standing tradition
The use of altar bells developed over centuries in the Church as part of its liturgical tradition. While not strictly required, it is still widely practiced because of its rich meaning.
5. To mark transitions in the liturgy
Besides the consecration, bells may also be rung at other moments (like before Mass begins or during the Sanctus) to signal important transitions.
In summary
Bells are rung to highlight the sacred, focus attention, and express reverence during the Mass. They help the congregation enter more deeply into the mystery being celebrated.
If you want, �⁠I can explain exactly when the bells are rung step-by-step during Mass.

18/04/2026

The Easter Candle, also called the Paschal Candle, is one of the most important symbols in the celebration of Easter in the Catholic Church and other Christian traditions. Its importance is both symbolic and liturgical.
1. Symbol of Christ’s Light
The Easter Candle represents Jesus Christ as the Light of the world (cf. John 8:12).
When it is lit during the Easter Vigil, it shows that Christ has conquered darkness and death.
The flame reminds the faithful that Christ brings hope, life, and salvation.
2. Central to the Easter Vigil
During the Easter Vigil Mass, the Paschal Candle is the main focus at the beginning:
It is blessed and lit from a new fire.
The priest or deacon carries it into the dark church, proclaiming “The Light of Christ.”
The congregation lights their candles from it, symbolizing the spread of Christ’s light to all believers.
3. Sign of the Resurrection
The candle stands for the Risen Christ.
Its light represents the victory of life over death.
The markings on the candle (cross, year, Alpha and Omega) show that Christ is Lord of all time and history.
4. Presence in Important Sacraments
After Easter, the Paschal Candle continues to be used in key moments of Christian life:
Baptism – a smaller candle is lit from it, showing that the baptized person receives Christ’s light.
Funerals – placed near the coffin to remind us of the hope of resurrection.
5. Unity and Mission
When all candles are lit from the Easter Candle, it shows:
The unity of the Church
The call for Christians to carry Christ’s light into the world
In summary
The Easter Candle is important because it visibly expresses the core message of Christianity:
➡️ Christ is risen
➡️ Darkness is overcome
➡️ Believers are called to live in His light
If you want, I can also �⁠explain the symbols written on the candle (Alpha, Omega, nails, year) in detail.

15/04/2026

The difference between Mass and a service (often called a “church service” or “prayer service”) is mainly about the Eucharist and who leads it.
1. Mass
Mass is the central act of worship in the Catholic Church.
Key features:
Includes the Eucharist (Holy Communion)
Bread and wine are consecrated and become the Body and Blood of Christ.
Led by an ordained priest
Only a priest can celebrate Mass because he acts in the person of Christ.
Structured liturgy
Liturgy of the Word (readings, Gospel, homily)
Liturgy of the Eucharist (offertory, consecration, communion)
Highest form of worship
It is considered a sacrifice, making present the sacrifice of Christ.
👉 In short: Mass = Eucharistic celebration + priest + sacrifice
2. Service (Prayer Service / Liturgy of the Word)
A service is any form of communal worship that is not Mass.
Key features:
No consecration of the Eucharist
There is no transformation of bread and wine.
Can be led by a layperson, deacon, or religious
Not limited to priests.
Focuses on prayer and Scripture
May include readings, reflections, hymns, and intercessions.
Examples:
Liturgy of the Word
Devotions (e.g., Rosary, Way of the Cross)
Communion service (with hosts consecrated earlier)
👉 In short: Service = prayer gathering without Eucharistic sacrifice
Main Difference (Simple)
Mass → Has Eucharist, led by a priest
Service → No Eucharist, can be led by others
If you want, I can also �⁠explain when a Communion service is allowed instead of Mass, especially in small Christian communities.

12/04/2026

My Lord and my God have a blessed Divine Mercy Sunday.