25/05/2026
MANSA DIOCESE RECEIVES THE APOSTOLIC NUNCIO TO ZAMBIA AND MALAWI
(Visitation of H.E. Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, 22–25 May 2026)
By Fr. Charles Chilambe
The Diocese of Mansa welcomed the Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi, H.E. Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, for a 3-day pastoral visitation from Friday 22nd to Monday 25th May 2026. This was the first visit by a Papal representative to Mansa since 2015, and the visit brought happiness to the Christian faithful of the Diocese.
1. Arrival and Official Welcome – Mansa Cathedral
The visit began at Mansa Airport, where a large gathering of Christians welcomed the Nuncio with hymns and ululation. Archbishop Perici first met with government officials and traditional leaders present at the airport, recognizing the collaboration between Church and state in Luapula Province.
From the airport, a procession accompanied the Nuncio to the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary in town. The cathedral grounds were filled with the faithful from various parishes of Mansa town.
Inside the cathedral, formal welcoming speeches were given, first by Fr. Costantino Mulenga, the Cathedral Administrator, who thanked the Nuncio for gracing the diocese with his visit. Then followed Msgr. Felix Chifumbe, Vicar General of Mansa Diocese, who spoke on behalf of the clergy. The Vicar General expressed gratitude to God for making the visitation a reality.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary of Luapula Province, representing the government, highlighted the importance of the Nuncio's visit to the Government. Noting that such a visit cements the relationship between the Catholic Church and the state. Chief Chimese, speaking for traditional leadership, thanked the Apostolic Nuncio for accepting to come to the Diocese of Mansa.
Welcoming the Nuncio, Rt. Rev. Patrick Chisanga, Bishop of Mansa, expressed joy for having the Papal Legate present in his Diocese. He hinted that such a reality, brought the Chair of St. Peter closer to the people of Mansa Diocese.
In his response, Archbishop Perici said he was deeply moved by the reception and described it as a sign of the living faith in Mansa. He thanked everyone for their kind words and imparted his apostolic blessing on the assembly.
2. Pastoral Visit to St. Mary’s Mission, Kawambwa – Friday, 22nd May 2026 - Afternoon
Immediately after the Cathedral ceremony, the Nuncio travelled approximately over 200 km to St. Mary’s Mission in Kawambwa by road. He was joined by the Bishop of Mansa, priests and some members of the Men's League.
En route, he made a stop at St. Joseph the Worker, Mushota Parish, where parishioners gathered by the roadside to greet the Nuncio and receive blessings.
At St. Mary’s Parish, Kawambwa, the Nuncio was received by a large crowd. In his welcome address, Fr. Kennedy Kashinga, the Parish Priest, updated the Nuncio on parish life, highlighting strengthened catechetical programmes, youth involvement, and the active role of Church groups in evangelisation.
After a meal, the Nuncio visited St. Mary’s Secondary and Primary Schools where he met teachers and pupils, encouraged them in their studies, and blessed the school community.
He then went to St. Mary’s Special School for the Visually Impaired and there he spent time interacting with students and staff, praising the mission’s work in inclusive education and affirming the dignity of every human being.
At Kacema Musuma Orphanage Centre Archbishop Perici brought words of encouragement to the children and caregivers, reminding them of God’s providence.
The Nuncio and the entourage left Kawambwa for Mansa at 19:00.
3. Lubwe Mission and Golden Jubilee of Kolibo Catechetical Centre – Saturday, 23rd May 2026
On Saturday, the Nuncio travelled to Lubwe Mission in Chifunabuli District, the cradle of Catholicism in Mansa Diocese. It was here that the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) first established the faith in 1905.
Accompanied by Bishop Chisanga, Archbishop Perici paid a courtesy call on Chief Chitembo of the Ng’umbo people, whose royal establishment welcomed the first missionaries over a century ago. The Chief expressed appreciation for the enduring partnership between the Church and the Ng’umbo people.
The Nuncio then proceeded to the historic docking site on the shores of Lake Chifunabuli at Mwali Centre, where the first missionaries landed. There, he planted a commemorative tree as a symbol of growth and continuity. From the shore, he crossed the lake by boat to Lubwe Mission harbour, reenacting the journey the pioneer Missionaries took to finally establish the mission at Lubwe. Upon arrival, he was received by a massive crowd and was carried shoulder-high on a traditional stretcher, a sign of royal honour in Ng’umbo culture.
The highlight was Mass celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Kolibo Catechetical Centre of Lubwe, named after Fr. Caulibault, one of the missionaries. During Mass, the Nuncio administered the Sacrament of Confirmation, commissioned new catechists for service in the Diocese.
In his homily, he praised the resilience of the Lubwe community and called on the faithful to remain rooted in the Gospel passed down by the early missionaries.
After Mass, the Nuncio visited Lubwe Mission Hospital, managed by the Sisters of Mercy on behalf of the Diocese. He acknowledged the hospital’s role in serving both Catholics and non-Catholics in the district.
The day concluded with evening prayers with clergy and religious at Spaita Pastoral Centre in Mansa, followed by a fraternal meal and informal interaction.
4. Pentecost Mass and Conclusion – Sunday, 24th May 2026
The pastoral visit reached its climax on Pentecost Sunday with an open-air Mass at Spaita Pastoral Centre in Mansa. The celebration brought together the five parishes of Mansa town: St. Christopher - Chitamba, St. Michael the Archangel - Namwandwe, St. James - Chimese, St. Francis of Assisi - Kapesha, and the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary. Hundreds attended, filling the grounds.
In his Pentecost homily, Archbishop Perici urged the faithful to remain steadfast in God’s word amid challenges. He also asked the Christians to pray constantly for their priests and the religious. He further encouraged candidates for confirmation to allow the Holy Spirit to guide their lives every day .
At the conclusion of Mass, Bishop Patrick Chisanga thanked the Apostolic Nuncio on behalf of the Diocese for his presence, encouragement, and blessing. He assured the Nuncio of the diocese’s prayers for his mission in Zambia and Malawi. The Papal representative in turn thanked everyone for the welcome they had gifted him.
After Mass, Archbishop Perici interacted with little children. He later visited St. Charles Lwanga (BAHATI ) Minor Seminary in the evening.
On Monday, 25th May 2026, Archbishop Perici departed Mansa Diocese for Lusaka to continue his apostolic duties.
End
