Southern Africa Jesuits

Southern Africa Jesuits Jesuit Province of Southern Africa / Província da Companhia de Jesus da África Austral. Fr. He was a Frenchman on his way to Siam as an astronomer-teacher.

Jesuits in Southern Africa work as university and school chaplains, priests, lecturers in philosophy and theology, spiritual and retreat directors, teachers in seminaries and with refugees and those most marginalised in our Society. Members of the Society of Jesus have been serving the Catholic Church in South Africa continuously since 1875 when they were invited to Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape

. For one hundred years we have worked in various parts of South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe in education, missions and parishes, and trained others who were on their way to jobs north of the Limpopo River. Guy Tachard SJ, was the first Jesuit to set foot in South Africa when he landed at Cape Town in 1685. Although the Dutch authorities did not allow Catholics to disembark, because the governor of the Cape Colony wanted astronomical readings taken, he was allowed ashore. In 2021 the Jesuits of South Africa, Zambia-Malawi and Zimbabwe-Mozambique united to form the Jesuit Province of Southern Africa.

FR. CHARLES CHILUFYA SJ LAUNCHES NEW BOOK ON RENEWING FAITH AND VOCATIONFr. Charles Chilufya SJ from Southern Africa Pro...
30/01/2026

FR. CHARLES CHILUFYA SJ LAUNCHES NEW BOOK ON RENEWING FAITH AND VOCATION

Fr. Charles Chilufya SJ from Southern Africa Province has launched his latest book, “Rekindle the Flame: Reclaim the Joy of Your Faith and Vocation,” a timely and inspiring work that calls believers to rediscover the original spark that once animated their spiritual journey.

Grounded in Ignatian spirituality and enriched by Fr. Chilufya’s pastoral experience, the book addresses the quiet struggles that affect many people of faith, thus, the religious, the clergy, and the lay Christians, who at times lose zeal or grow spiritually weary.

In the book, Fr. Chilufya highlights three central themes. First, he urges readers to return to the source by reconnecting with God through prayer, reflection, and renewed inner freedom. Second, he reflects on the need for healing and inner renewal, acknowledging the emotional fatigue and pressures of ministry that often dampen one’s spiritual vitality. Third, he encourages believers to reclaim purpose and joy, offering practical steps and spiritual exercises to revive a vibrant and hope-filled Christian life.

Uplifting and deeply pastoral, “Rekindle the Flame” serves as a guide for anyone seeking to renew their faith, rediscover their calling, and embrace their vocation with fresh gratitude and enthusiasm

PASSIONIST PROVINCIAL LEADS JESUITS ON TOUR OF HISTORIC GABORONE SITESThe Provincial of the Congregation of the Passion ...
30/01/2026

PASSIONIST PROVINCIAL LEADS JESUITS ON TOUR OF HISTORIC GABORONE SITES

The Provincial of the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ (Passionists), Fr. O’Brien Chanda CP, warmly welcomed and guided the Jesuits of the Southern Africa Province through key historical landmarks in Gaborone, Botswana.

Originally from Zambia but long based in Botswana, Fr. Chanda offered rich insights into the nation’s story as the group visited the Botswana National Museum and the celebrated Three Dikgosi Monument. The monument honours Chiefs Khama III, Sebele I, and Bathoen I, whose leadership and unity were instrumental in safeguarding Botswana’s land and advancing the country’s path toward independence.

The visit forms part of the Jesuits’ ongoing efforts to renew their historic relationship with the people of Botswana. As they explore the possibility of re-establishing a mission in the country, the Jesuits aim to offer pastoral care, educational support, and social engagement in continuity with their wider mission across the Southern Africa region

JESUIT PROVINCIAL MEETS COMPANIONS IN CHRIST DURING BREAKFAST GATHERING IN BOTSWANAThe Provincial of the Jesuits of the ...
30/01/2026

JESUIT PROVINCIAL MEETS COMPANIONS IN CHRIST DURING BREAKFAST GATHERING IN BOTSWANA

The Provincial of the Jesuits of the Southern Africa Province (SAP), Fr. Leonard Chiti SJ, held a warm and engaging breakfast meeting in Botswana with members of Companions in Christ, a group committed to living and promoting Ignatian spirituality.

The gathering comes as the Companions in Christ celebrated 10 years of existence in Botswana in 2025, a milestone that highlights their dedication to prayer, discernment, and service rooted in the Ignatian tradition.

Fr. Chiti commended the group for sustaining Ignatian spirituality in the country, noting that their faithfulness has kept the Jesuit charism alive even in the absence of an official Jesuit presence.
He encouraged them to continue deepening their spiritual journey and accompanying others in their communities.

The meeting offered an opportunity for open conversation, reflection, and renewed commitment to Ignatian values, as the Jesuits continue to explore ways of re-establishing their mission in Botswana

JESUITS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA PROVINCE INVITED TO RE-ESTABLISH PRESENCE IN BOTSWANAThe Society of Jesus (Jesuits) may soon ...
30/01/2026

JESUITS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA PROVINCE INVITED TO RE-ESTABLISH PRESENCE IN BOTSWANA

The Society of Jesus (Jesuits) may soon re-establish its presence in Botswana following an official invitation from Archbishop Franklyn Atese Nubuasah SVD, Bishop of the Diocese of Gaborone. The invitation was extended during a meeting with the Provincial of the Jesuits of the Southern Africa Province (SAP), Fr. Leonard Chiti SJ, held at Christ the King Cathedral (CKC) in Gaborone.

Archbishop Nubuasah described the encounter as particularly significant, noting the importance of dialogue with the leadership of the newly amalgamated Southern Africa Province of the Society of Jesus. “Botswana remains one of the few countries where the Jesuits are not yet present, and it would be remarkable if you were to discern the possibility of extending your mission to the local Church,” he said.

Fr. Chiti expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and the spirit of collaboration shown by the local Church. “Botswana holds a special place in Jesuit history,” he said. “We are happy to reconnect with the roots of our mission here and to explore how the Jesuits can once again contribute meaningfully to the spiritual and social landscape of this country.”

The Jesuits were among the earliest missionaries to evangelize Botswana in the 19th century. Although their first mission ended prematurely due to the deaths of several missionaries, the faith they planted continued to flourish, laying a foundation for the Catholic Church in the region. Their legacy remains embedded in the history of places such as Patayamatebele in the North East District, an early missionary site named for the route taken by Ndebele groups fleeing into present-day Zimbabwe after their defeat in 1837.

Fr. Chiti’s visit to Botswana was both pastoral and exploratory, aimed at assessing the needs of the local Church and discerning how the Jesuits could effectively serve today’s context.

As part of his visit, he met with the Vicar General of the Diocese of Gaborone, Fr. Andrew G. Makgetla CP, at Christ the King Cathedral (CKC. He noted with encouragement that Ignatian spirituality has been kept alive in Botswana through two active groups: the Christian Life Community (CLC), established in 1979, and the Companions in Christ, who celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2025.

In 2028, Botswana will mark 100 years of Catholic faith, first brought by the Jesuits. Fr. Chiti expressed hope that the Society of Jesus will participate in these centenary celebrations, particularly given their historic role in sowing the seeds of faith across the country.

With Archbishop Nubuasah’s invitation, the Jesuits of the Southern Africa Province aim to renew their historic ties with the people of Botswana, offering pastoral care, education, and social engagement in continuity with their broader mission across the region.

JESUITS’ CHIKUNI COMMUNITY RADIO NAMED SOUTHERN PROVINCE’S MOST RESILIENT MEDIA HOUSEThe Independent Broadcasting Author...
27/01/2026

JESUITS’ CHIKUNI COMMUNITY RADIO NAMED SOUTHERN PROVINCE’S MOST RESILIENT MEDIA HOUSE

The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has honoured Chikuni Community Radio Station of Chikuni Jesuit Mission as the Most Resilient Media House in the Southern Province of Zambia, celebrating its steadfast service, consistency, and commitment to community empowerment.

The award recognizes the station’s ability to continue broadcasting and serving rural communities despite limited resources, challenging conditions, and the evolving media landscape. The radio station, owned and run by the Jesuits, has been a lifeline for thousands in rural Monze and the surrounding areas.

Chikuni Community Radio began its operations in 2000, following initial test transmissions in 1999. Since then, it has grown into one of Zambia’s most influential community stations, offering programming in local languages, educational content, health information, and platforms for community dialogue.

The station is headed by its Director, Fr. Andrew Lesniara SJ, who expressed gratitude on behalf of the team, acknowledging that the award reflects the station’s mission-driven resilience and deep connection with the people it serves.

Over the years, Chikuni Radio has also received several recognitions, including awards for its commitment to community engagement, local-language programming, and innovative educational broadcasting, affirming its place as one of Zambia’s leading community radio models.

The latest IBA award reinforces Chikuni Radio’s reputation as a beacon of grassroots communication and a vital tool for development in rural Southern Province.

St. Ignatius Jesuit Parish Feeding Program in Pictures @ Chainama Hospital in Zambia
25/01/2026

St. Ignatius Jesuit Parish Feeding Program in Pictures @ Chainama Hospital in Zambia

St. Ignatius Jesuit Parish Feeding Program in Pictures @ Levy Mwanawasa Hospital
25/01/2026

St. Ignatius Jesuit Parish Feeding Program in Pictures @ Levy Mwanawasa Hospital

ST. ANNA LAY GROUP FROM ST. IGNATIUS PARISH EXTENDS COMPASSION TO CANCER DISEASE HOSPITALThe St. Anna lay group from St....
25/01/2026

ST. ANNA LAY GROUP FROM ST. IGNATIUS PARISH EXTENDS COMPASSION TO CANCER DISEASE HOSPITAL

The St. Anna lay group from St. Ignatius Jesuit Parish joined this year’s parish-wide Feeding Programme by extending care and support to patients at the Cancer Disease Hospital (CDH) within the University Teaching Hospitals (UTH) complex.

Carrying food, words of encouragement, and a message of solidarity, the St. Anna members spent time with cancer patients and their caregivers, offering them comfort during a difficult period of illness and treatment.

The involvement of the St. Anna lay group underscores the collaborative nature of the St. Ignatius Parish Feeding Programme, which annually mobilizes parish groups, families, and volunteers to reach thousands across various hospitals, hospices, and homes in Lusaka.

CHILDREN JOIN “CHILDREN FEEDING CHILDREN” OUTREACH AT ST. JOHN PAUL II HOSPITALIn a heartwarming display of faith in act...
25/01/2026

CHILDREN JOIN “CHILDREN FEEDING CHILDREN” OUTREACH AT ST. JOHN PAUL II HOSPITAL

In a heartwarming display of faith in action, children from St. Ignatius Jesuit Parish in Lusaka took part in a special outreach initiative titled “Children Feeding Children” at St. John Paul II (Italian) Hospital. The activity formed part of the parish’s annual feeding programme, an effort that reaches thousands across health facilities in the city.

Under the guidance of parish leaders and volunteers, the children helped distribute food to young patients at the hospital. The initiative aimed not only to offer comfort to hospitalized children but also to instill in the young volunteers the importance of compassion, service, and proactive participation in their Catholic faith.

St. Ignatius Jesuit Parish noted that involving children in charity work allows them to witness firsthand the Christian call to love and serve others, especially those who are suffering. The experience also helps them appreciate the values of generosity and solidarity that lie at the heart of Catholic social teaching.

Parents and hospital staff expressed gratitude for the gesture, saying the visit lifted the spirits of young patients and created a joyful atmosphere in the wards.

The “Children Feeding Children” outreach continues to grow as one of the most meaningful components of the wider St. Ignatius Parish feeding programme, helping to form a new generation of Catholics committed to living out their faith through works of mercy

ST. IGNATIUS JESUIT PARISH IN ZAMBIA FEEDS OVER 7,000 PATIENTS, CAREGIVERS, AND HEALTH WORKERS IN ANNUAL OUTREACHMore th...
24/01/2026

ST. IGNATIUS JESUIT PARISH IN ZAMBIA FEEDS OVER 7,000 PATIENTS, CAREGIVERS, AND HEALTH WORKERS IN ANNUAL OUTREACH

More than 7,000 patients, bedsiders, and health workers across major health facilities in Lusaka have benefited from this year’s annual feeding programme organized by St. Ignatius Jesuit Parish.

The initiative, a long-standing tradition of the parish, was carried out at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital, St. John Paul II (Italian) Hospital, Chainama Hospital, Chirundu Hospital, and several other health institutions.

The programme aims to bring comfort and compassion to those in medical facilities, especially during the Christmas season.
Speaking during the distribution, Fr. Vincent Nchimunya SJ, Assistant Priest at St. Ignatius Parish and Coordinator of the programme, highlighted the scale and impact of this year’s outreach.

“This initiative reached over 7,000 people, including patients, caregivers, and healthcare workers across Lusaka,” he said. “It is one of the ways we live out our Christian call to serve, comfort, and accompany those who are suffering or caring for the sick.”

Fr. Nchimunya added that the programme extended its support to orphans, children living with disabilities, and elderly people in old people’s homes, ensuring that vulnerable groups beyond hospitals also felt the warmth of the Church’s solidarity.

He emphasized that the feeding programme is entirely charitable and made possible through the generosity of well-wishers, both Catholics and non-Catholics, who contribute food, resources, and time to bring hope to the community.

The initiative remains one of the signature acts of compassion at St. Ignatius Parish, reflecting the Jesuit mission of faith that does justice and care for those on the margins of society.

22/01/2026

Fr. Charles Chilinda SJ was a great preacher. He continues to preach to us from his grave. He died on 21st January 2021. God bless his soul.

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PO Box UNZA 46
Lusaka

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+260211291891

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