Catholic Youth on Annual Pilgrimage in Zambian Archdiocese Urged to Embrace Truth, Christ

Lusaka, 29 May, 2023 / 8:52 PM

Catholic youth taking part in the Annual Youth Pilgrimage in Zambia’s Lusaka Archdiocese have been challenged to “let the truth of Christ” guide their lives.

In his May 27 homily during the pilgrimage that was held at the Marian Shrine in Lusaka, Archbishop Alick Banda cautioned the youth against intimidation.

“Cultivate a deep and personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ,” Archbishop Banda said.

He challenged the Catholic youth in his Metropolitan See to familiarize themselves with the word on God in the Bible, saying, “St. Jerome was right when he said: ignorance of the scripture, ignorance of the Word of God is ignorance of God.”

“My dear young people do not be intimidated by anyone for doing what is right, what is correct,” the Zambian Catholic Archbishop further said, and continued, “Let the truth of Christ that bears with and sustains us lead all the way.”

“Be faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ even when the situation becomes difficult, be it in sickness, be it in death or even in delusion,” the 59-year-old Church leader who has been at the helm of Lusaka Archdiocese since April 2018 said.

He urged the youth to ensure the “protection of one another, the vulnerable, the neglected, and the distressed.” 

“Be ready to lend a helping hand to those in need; be resolved to do good that does not let itself be discounted, even the love of gratitude to those that receive your goodness,” the Catholic Archbishop said.

He implored, “It is my prayer for each one of you that God may let each one of you be instruments of peace instead of hatred and vengeance, that God makes you instruments of tolerance in a culture of hypocrisy.”