St. Dominic's Major Seminary

St. Dominic's Major Seminary We desire to form men for the priesthood who are witnesses to the truth. Visit our website for details: www.sdms.co.zm
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We want to form priests who are highly trained, disciplined and highly motivated with an inner sense of love for the Church of Christ.

16/05/2026

We are now live for the Deacon Ordination Mass of our brothers in Christ. This sacred celebration is presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi, Gian Luca Perici.

Let us join together

16/05/2026
Welcome to all joining us through this online livestream for the Deaconate Ordination Mass. We thank you for being part ...
16/05/2026

Welcome to all joining us through this online livestream for the Deaconate Ordination Mass. We thank you for being part of this joyful and sacred celebration as the Church gathers to witness the ordination of new deacons called to serve Christ and His people.

As the Mass begins shortly, we invite you to participate prayerfully from wherever you are, uniting yourselves spiritually with this liturgy through prayer, reflection, and thanksgiving. Please continue praying for the ordinands, that they may remain faithful servants of the Gospel, devoted to prayer, charity, and humble service.

May this celebration bring blessings to you and your families. God bless you all.

16/05/2026

ORDINATION MASS LIVESTREAM IN 6MINUTES ...

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (Year A)First Reading: Acts 6:1-7Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-9Gospel: John 14:1-12Today, the fift...
03/05/2026

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (Year A)

First Reading: Acts 6:1-7
Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-9
Gospel: John 14:1-12

Today, the fifth Sunday of Easter continues to lead us deeper into the meaning of the Resurrection. Having celebrated Christ’s victory over death, the Church now invites us to reflect on how this new life is lived in practice. Today’s readings present a clear message that the Christian life is built on Christ, lived in community, and directed toward a deeper union with God.

In the first reading, we see the early Church facing a real challenge. There is a complaint among the believers about the distribution of resources, particularly concerning widows. Instead of ignoring the problem, the apostles respond with wisdom. They appoint others to serve, ensuring that both the practical needs of the community and the ministry of the Word are properly cared for. This moment is important because it shows that the Church is not only spiritual but also practical. The growth of the Church depends on unity, service, and shared responsibility. Every member has a role to play.

The second reading deepens this understanding by describing believers as “living stones” built into a spiritual house. Christ is the cornerstone, the one on whom everything depends. To be a Christian, therefore, is not to stand alone but to be part of something greater—a community rooted in Christ. Saint Peter reminds us that we are chosen, called, and set apart to proclaim God’s goodness. This identity is not earned; it is given. Yet it also carries responsibility. We are called to live in a way that reflects the light we have received.

In the Gospel, Jesus speaks words of comfort to His disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” He knows that they are anxious and uncertain. Yet He points them toward trust in Him. He reveals Himself as “the way, the truth, and the life”, making it clear that the path to the Father is found in Him alone. This is not meant to exclude but to guide. Jesus is assuring His disciples that they are not lost; they have a clear direction. To know Christ is to know the way to God.

At the same time, Jesus speaks of a deeper union: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” This reveals the heart of Christian faith—that in Christ, God is made known. The relationship between the believer and Christ is not distant or abstract; it is personal and living. Through Him, we are drawn into communion with God.

When we reflect on these readings together, a clear picture emerges. The Church is a community built on Christ, sustained by service, and guided by His presence. Each believer is a living part of this structure, called to contribute, to grow, and to witness.

In conclusion, the Fifth Sunday of Easter invites us to examine how we are living this reality. Are we building unity in our communities, or creating division? Do we recognise our role as living stones in the Church? And do we truly trust Christ as the way in our daily decisions?

As we continue this Easter journey, may we remain rooted in Christ, active in service, and confident in His guidance. For when our lives are built on Him, we become a living witness of His presence in the world.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (GOOD SHERPHERD SUNDAY) Year A First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 2:14a.36–41Second Reading: 1 ...
26/04/2026

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (GOOD SHERPHERD SUNDAY) Year A

First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 2:14a.36–41
Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:20b–25
Gospel: John 10:1-10

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, known as Good Shepherd Sunday, invites us to reflect on Christ as the one who leads, protects, and gives life to His people. This Sunday holds a special place in the Church because it highlights the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd and also calls the faithful to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. At its heart, this celebration reminds us that the Christian life is not lived alone—we are guided by the voice of the Shepherd who knows us and calls us by name.

In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Peter proclaims with conviction that Jesus, whom the people crucified, has been made both Lord and Christ. This message pierces the hearts of his listeners, leading them to ask, “What must we do?” Peter’s response is clear: “Repent and be baptised.” Here we see the beginning of the Christian journey. To belong to Christ the Shepherd, one must respond with conversion. The people who accept this message are not only forgiven but are also gathered into a new community. The Shepherd calls, and those who hear His voice respond by turning their lives toward Him.

The second reading from the First Letter of Peter presents Christ as the model of patient suffering. He is the one who, though innocent, endured suffering without retaliation, entrusting Himself to God. Through His wounds, we are healed. This passage connects deeply with the image of the Shepherd. Jesus is not a distant leader; He is one who walks with His flock, even through suffering. He knows what it means to face pain, rejection, and injustice. Because of this, believers are invited to follow His example—responding to difficulties not with bitterness, but with trust and perseverance. The Shepherd leads not only in moments of peace but also through the challenges of life.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks of Himself as both the gate and the Shepherd of the sheep. He contrasts His role with that of thieves and strangers who do not care for the flock. The sheep recognise the voice of the true Shepherd and follow Him because they trust Him. This image is both comforting and challenging. It assures us that Christ knows us personally and desires our well-being. At the same time, it calls us to discern whose voice we are listening to in our daily lives.

In a world filled with many voices—some leading to truth, others to confusion—the voice of Christ remains constant. He leads us toward life, not destruction; toward freedom, not fear. When Jesus says, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly,” He reveals the purpose of His mission. The Christian life is not merely about avoiding sin; it is about entering into the fullness of life that Christ offers.

Collectively, these readings present a clear message. The Shepherd calls us to conversion, walks with us through suffering, and leads us into abundant life. To follow Him means listening attentively, trusting deeply, and responding faithfully.

To sum up, Good Shepherd Sunday invites us to ask ourselves some important questions: Do we truly listen to the voice of Christ? Are we willing to follow where He leads, even when the path is not easy? And do we support and pray for those called to serve as shepherds in the Church?

May this Sunday renew in us a deeper trust in Christ, our Shepherd. May we learn to recognise His voice in Scripture, in prayer, and in the teachings of the Church. And as we follow Him, may we also become signs of His care and love to others. For it is in listening to the true Shepherd that we find the path to life.

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER (Year A)First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 2:14, 22–33Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:17–21Gospel: Luk...
19/04/2026

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER (Year A)

First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 2:14, 22–33
Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:17–21
Gospel: Luke 24:13–35

The Third Sunday of Easter invites us to reflect on a simple but profound truth: the risen Christ walks with us, even when we do not recognise Him. The joy of the Resurrection is not only something we celebrate; it is a reality we are called to experience in our daily lives. Today’s readings show us how this encounter with the risen Lord transforms confusion into understanding, fear into faith, and disappointment into hope.

In the first reading, Peter stands before the people and boldly proclaims the truth about Jesus. He explains that Jesus, who was crucified, has been raised by God and exalted. What is important here is the transformation in Peter himself. The same disciple who once denied Jesus now speaks with courage and clarity. His strength comes not from himself, but from his encounter with the risen Christ. This reminds us that faith is not simply about knowledge; it is about a personal encounter that gives us the courage to witness.

The second reading deepens this reflection by reminding us of the cost of our redemption. Saint Peter speaks of a faith rooted in the precious blood of Christ, a sacrifice that brings new life. This faith calls us to live with reverence and trust in God. Even though we do not see Christ physically, we believe in Him and rejoice with a deep and lasting joy. The Christian life, therefore, is a journey of faith—trusting in what we cannot see, yet knowing that Christ is truly present.

The Gospel of Luke presents the beautiful story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. They are discouraged and confused, walking away from Jerusalem after the death of Jesus. As they walk, Jesus joins them, but they do not recognise Him. He listens to their struggles, explains the Scriptures to them, and slowly opens their hearts. In this way, Jesus reveals Himself as the evangeliser par excellence, the perfect model of all Christian witness. He is present, He accompanies, He listens, He questions, He interprets the Scriptures, and ultimately He breaks the bread. It is in this complete movement of encounter that the disciples come to recognise Him. This shows the profound connection between the Word and the Eucharist: Christ is made known both in the Scriptures and in the breaking of the bread. The People of God, therefore, do not only need to hear about Christ, but are called to encounter Him personally, especially in the Eucharist.

It is only in the breaking of the bread that their eyes are opened, and they recognise Him. This moment is deeply meaningful. It shows us that Christ is often present in our lives in ways we do not immediately recognise—especially in times of confusion, disappointment, or doubt. Like the disciples, we may feel that our hopes have failed. Yet Christ walks with us, speaks to us through His Word, and reveals Himself in the Eucharist.

The journey of the Emmaus disciples is also our journey. They move from sadness to joy, from doubt to faith, and from leaving the community to returning to it with renewed conviction. Their encounter with the risen Christ changes their direction and gives them a mission: to share what they have experienced.

In conclusion, the readings of today invite us to recognise that the risen Christ is not distant. He walks with us in our daily lives, especially in moments when we feel lost or uncertain. Like Peter, we are called to witness with courage. Like the early believers, we are called to live in faith and hope. And like the disciples of Emmaus, we are invited to recognise Christ in the Word and in the breaking of the bread.

As we go forward, let us ask for the grace to recognise Christ walking with us. May our hearts, like those of the disciples, burn within us as we listen to His Word, and may we encounter Him in the Eucharist. And having encountered Him, may we return to our daily lives with renewed faith, ready to share the joy of the Resurrection with others.

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY) Year AFirst Reading: Acts 2:42-47Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9Gospel: John...
12/04/2026

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY) Year A

First Reading: Acts 2:42-47
Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Gospel: John 29:19-31

The Second Sunday of Easter, celebrated in the Catholic Church as Divine Mercy Sunday, carries a unique grace in the Easter season. Flowing directly from the joy of the Resurrection, this day draws our attention to the heart of the risen Christ—His mercy. It is the day when the Church contemplates not only that Christ is risen but also why He is risen: to forgive, to restore, and to gather His people into a new life. Today’s readings reveal how divine mercy is not only received but lived within the Christian community.

The first reading presents a beautiful image of the early Church. The believers devote themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of the bread, and to prayer. They share what they have, support one another, and live with a sense of unity and joy. This is not simply an ideal community; it is a community formed by the experience of God’s mercy. Having encountered the risen Lord, they are transformed in how they relate to one another. Mercy becomes visible in their daily life—through generosity, unity, and care for the needs of others. It shows us that divine mercy is not only something we receive personally but also something that must shape how we live together.

The second reading deepens this reflection by focusing on the interior life of the believer. Saint Peter reminds us of a “living hope” that flows from the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Even in the midst of trials and difficulties, this hope sustains our faith and helps us to discover meaning in suffering. The believer is invited to trust in what is not yet fully seen and to remain firm in the promise of salvation. Here, divine mercy is revealed as enduring and faithful. God does not abandon His people in their struggles; rather, He strengthens them through hope. This hope is not based on circumstances but on the certainty of God’s love revealed in Christ.

The Gospel of John presents one of the most powerful moments of mercy in the New Testament. The disciples are gathered in fear behind locked doors, uncertain and discouraged. Into this situation, the risen Jesus enters and offers peace: “Peace be with you.” He does not reproach them for their failure or their fear. Instead, He brings forgiveness and reassurance. He breathes on them and gives them the Holy Spirit, entrusting them with the mission of forgiveness: “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven." This is the heart of Divine Mercy—the gift of reconciliation, the restoration of broken relationships, and the renewal of trust.

The encounter with Thomas adds another dimension to this message. Thomas struggles to believe, insisting on seeing and touching the wounds of Christ. When Jesus appears again, He does not reject Thomas for his doubt. Instead, He invites him to come closer, to see, and to believe in Him. Thomas’ response, “My Lord and my God,” becomes a profound act of faith. This moment shows that divine mercy meets us where we are—even in our doubts—and leads us gently toward deeper faith.

Collectively, these readings reveal that divine mercy is both a gift and a calling. It is given freely through the risen Christ, bringing forgiveness, peace, and hope. At the same time, it calls us to live differently—to build communities of love, to remain faithful in trials, and to extend mercy to others.

Finally, Divine Mercy Sunday invites each of us to a simple but profound response. First, to trust in God’s mercy, no matter our past or present struggles. Second, to receive that mercy with humility, especially through reconciliation and the Eucharist. And finally, to become instruments of that same mercy in our daily lives—through forgiveness, patience, and acts of kindness.
If the early Church was known for its unity and love, then our Christian identity today should be known for mercy. For it is in mercy that the risen Christ continues to be seen and experienced in the world.

THE EASTER VIGIL IN THE HOLY NIGHT (Year A)First Reading: Genesis 1:1–2:2Second Reading: Genesis 22:1–18Third Reading: E...
04/04/2026

THE EASTER VIGIL IN THE HOLY NIGHT (Year A)

First Reading: Genesis 1:1–2:2

Second Reading: Genesis 22:1–18

Third Reading: Exodus 14:15–15:1

Fourth Reading: Isaiah 54:5–14

Fifth Reading: Isaiah 55:1–11

Sixth Reading: Baruch 3:9–15, 32–4:4

Seventh Reading: Ezekiel 36:16–17a.18-28

Epistle: Romans 6:3–11

Gospel: Matthew 28:1-10

The celebration of the Easter Vigil on the Holy Night stands as the most solemn and profound liturgy within the Paschal Triduum in the life of the Catholic Church. This is the night of nights, when the Church keeps watch, moving from darkness into light, from silence into proclamation, and from death into life. Beginning with the lighting of the Paschal candle, the liturgy unfolds as a great journey through salvation history, culminating in the proclamation of the Resurrection. It is not simply a remembrance of past events but a living encounter with the God who creates, saves, and renews His people.

The first reading from the book of Genesis takes us to the very beginning, where God brings order out of chaos and light out of darkness. Creation itself is revealed as an act of divine love, in which humanity is made in God’s image and entrusted with life. This beginning sets the foundation for everything that follows: the God who creates is also the God who sustains and redeems. Even when creation is wounded by sin, God’s purpose remains life, not destruction.

This promise is tested in the second reading, from the book of Genesis, where Abraham is asked to offer his son Isaac. This dramatic moment reveals the depth of faith and trust required in the relationship with God. Abraham’s willingness to surrender what is most precious prefigures a greater sacrifice yet to come. In this passage, we see that true faith involves entrusting everything to God, even when His ways are not fully understood.

The third reading from the book of Exodus presents the central saving event of the Old Testament: the crossing of the Red Sea. God delivers His people from slavery, leading them through the waters into freedom. This moment becomes a powerful symbol of salvation, later fulfilled in Christian baptism. What seemed like a path to death becomes the way to life, revealing that God is able to transform even the most desperate situations into moments of liberation.

The prophetic readings deepen this understanding of God’s saving love in the fourth reading from the book of Isaiah. The prophet Isaiah portrays God as a faithful spouse who restores and consoles His people. In the fifth reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah, the invitation is extended to all who thirst, calling them to receive freely the grace that satisfies the deepest human longing. The sixth reading from the book of the prophet Baruch highlights the wisdom of God as the path to life, urging the people to walk in the light of His truth.

Finally, in the seventh reading from the book of the prophet Ezekiel, God promises a new heart and a new spirit, cleansing His people and restoring them from within. Together, these readings reveal a consistent message: God does not abandon His people but continually calls them back to life, renewing them through His grace.

This journey reaches its fulfilment in the New Testament. In the Epistle to the Romans, Saint Paul explains that through baptism, believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. To be baptised is to die to sin and rise to new life. This is not merely symbolic but a real participation in the Paschal Mystery. The Christian life, therefore, is a continual living out of this transformation—leaving behind what leads to death and embracing the new life offered in Christ.

The Gospel of Matthew proclaims the heart of this night: the Resurrection of Jesus. The empty tomb, the message of the angel, and the encounter with the risen Christ all testify that death has been conquered. The fear and sorrow of the disciples are transformed into joy and mission. “Do not be afraid,” the risen Lord says, sending them to share the good news. The Resurrection is not only the victory of Christ but also the foundation of Christian hope.

Taken together, these readings form one continuous story—the story of a God who creates, tests, liberates, restores, and ultimately raises to life. The Easter Vigil allows the Church to relive this story not as distant observers but as participants. Each believer is invited to recognise their own journey within this larger narrative: from darkness into light, from sin into grace, from death into life.

As we conclude, the Easter Vigil reminds us that the light of Christ cannot be overcome by darkness. No matter how deep the night may seem, God’s promise of life remains certain. This holy night calls us to renew our faith, to trust in God’s saving power, and to live as people of the Resurrection. Having walked through the great story of salvation, we are now sent forth to bear witness that Christ is truly risen and that in Him, new life has begun.

CELEBRATION OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD (GOOD FRIDAY LITURGY)First Reading: Isaiah 52:13–53:12Second Reading: Hebrews 4:1...
03/04/2026

CELEBRATION OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD (GOOD FRIDAY LITURGY)

First Reading: Isaiah 52:13–53:12
Second Reading: Hebrews 4:14–16; 5:7–9
Gospel: John 18:1–19:42

Today the Universal Church gathers in silence for the solemn celebration of the Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord, a central moment within the Paschal Triduum in the life of the Church. Unlike any other day, the liturgy is marked by simplicity and depth: there is no celebration of the Eucharist, the altar stands bare, and the faithful are invited into contemplation of the mystery of the Cross. This day is not merely a remembrance of suffering but a profound encounter with the love of God revealed through the Passion of Christ. The readings for today draw us into this mystery of suffering, obedience, and redemption.

The first reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah presents the figure of the Suffering Servant, one who is despised, rejected, and afflicted, yet who bears the sins of many. The Servant’s suffering is not meaningless; it is redemptive. “By his wounds we are healed.” This prophetic text reveals a God who does not remain distant from human pain but enters into it. The Servant takes upon himself the burden of others, offering his life as a sacrifice for sin. In the light of Good Friday, the Church recognises this figure as the person of Christ, who freely accepts suffering not as defeat but as the path through which salvation is accomplished. The suffering described here is not imposed helplessly but embraced in love and obedience.

This theme is deepened in the reading from the Letter to the Hebrews, where Christ is presented as the great high priest who sympathises with human weakness. Unlike distant or inaccessible mediators, Christ knows suffering from within. He has experienced anguish, prayer, and obedience in the face of trial. The text reminds us that Jesus “learned obedience through what he suffered”, not because he lacked obedience, but because his obedience was fully expressed in real human struggle. Through His suffering, He becomes the source of eternal salvation for all who follow Him. This gives believers confidence: we do not approach God as strangers but through One who understands our weakness and intercedes for us with compassion.

The Passion narrative from John’s Gospel brings this mystery into full view. From His arrest in the garden to His final breath on the Cross, Jesus remains in control, freely embracing His mission. There is a quiet strength in His silence before Pilate, a dignity in His suffering, and a deliberate purpose in every step toward Calvary. Even in His crucifixion, Jesus is not merely a victim of circumstance but the one who lays down His life willingly. His final words, “It is finished”, do not express defeat but completion—the fulfilment of the Father’s will and the accomplishment of redemption.

In John’s account, the Cross is not only an instrument of suffering but also a throne of glory. It is here that the depth of God’s love is revealed most fully. The one who is lifted up draws all people to Himself. Blood and water flow from His side, symbolising the life of the Church and the sacraments that sustain believers. In this moment, what appears to be loss becomes the source of new life.

Taken together, these readings reveal that the Passion of Christ is not simply a tragic event but the centre of God’s saving work. Isaiah speaks of the Servant who suffers for others. Hebrews presents Christ as the compassionate High Priest who shares in human weakness. John shows the fulfilment of this mission in the concrete reality of the Cross. Theologically, the Cross stands as the ultimate expression of divine love—a love that gives itself completely for the sake of humanity.

With this in mind, Good Friday invites each believer to stand before the Cross and contemplate this mystery personally. It challenges us to recognise both the reality of sin and the greater reality of God’s mercy. The Cross reveals that love is not measured by comfort or success but by the willingness to give oneself for others. As we venerate the Cross today, we are invited not only to honour what Christ has done but also to allow His sacrifice to transform our lives. In the silence of this sacred day, we come to understand that what appears as suffering is, in truth, the triumph of love.

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