AFRICA/ZAMBIA - Thousands of youth from Missionary Childhood gather at the Marian Shrine in Lusaka: “It is gratifying to see that so many children in Zambia today pray, sing, love the church and make sacrifices so that other children of the world may come to know and love Jesus.”

Lusaka (Agenzia Fides) – On the 18th of October, thousands of children and 231 animators from 36 parishes of the Archdiocese of Lusaka gathered at the Marian Shrine, for a Mass presided by Vicar General of the Archdiocese, Fr. Oliver Mukunta. According to information sent to Agenzia Fides by the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Zambia, Fr. Bernard Makadani Zulu, the theme for the celebration was: “Evangelizing through Children to build and walk together in the light of Christ.” The children from Lusaka Cheshire Home, an institution for the children with disabilities, attended the event.
The entire celebration and reflections repeatedly emphasized the need for the church to intensify our pastoral care to the children, and to help them realize that they are missionaries with a responsibility to preach the Good News to the ends of the earth, and to make disciples for Jesus Christ. Missionary Childhood is a providential gift, which enables children to be good disciples. Through this ministry, the Church places into the hearts of children a special missionary calling in the children and expects them to give a generous response.
The Vicar General, Fr. Oliver Mukunta said, the Church is concerned with the development of children. The Archdiocese strives all the times to take keen interest in all signs of growth and continuous change in the direction of adulthood. He thanked the animators, priests, religious and laity for the their tremendous work. The potential of the children require guidance and this has to be assumed by someone who is prepared to help, somebody who is willing to assume responsibility. Without this help, children will not grow into responsible people.
The event emphasized the need for children to renew their commitment, to love the church, accompany her on her missionary journey, showing her the path of joyful generosity, giving her confidence and opening new ways for new evangelization and mission towards those who have not heard the Good News of Jesus Christ. The children also made a special collection for the spiritual and physical well being of children throughout the world. The PMS National Director pointed out that: “It is gratifying to see that so many children in Zambia today pray, sing, love the church and make sacrifices so that other children of the world may come to know and love Jesus.”(S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 20/10/2008)