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Malawian-born Jesuit Priest Who Ministered in Zambia Eulogized as “a devoted advocate for justice and dignity”

By Jude Atemanke

Blantyre, 11 November, 2024 / 8:28 pm (ACI Africa).

Fr. Alexander Muyebe, the Malawian-born member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) who died on November 8 has been eulogized for his commitment to justice and human dignity in Zambia, where he served as the Executive Director of the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR).

Fr. Muyebe “passed away peacefully following a short illness” on November 8, members of the Jesuit Province of Southern Africa have announced in a statement.

“A native of Malawi, Fr. Muyebe was a dedicated member of the Southern Africa Province of the Society of Jesus and faithfully served as a Priest for 21 years,” they say in the statement which the Provincial, Fr. Leonard Chiti signed.

They add, “Fr. Muyebe led the JCTR over the past four years, during which time he became a beacon of hope, advocating for the rights of the marginalized and tirelessly working for social justice across Zambia.”

“His leadership was marked by a profound commitment to faith, justice, and intellectual engagement with critical societal issues, which strengthened JCTR’s impact in policy advocacy and public engagement,” Jesuits in Southern Africa say.

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They continue, “His life embodied the Jesuit mission to serve with compassion and solidarity, reflecting our commitment to justice and the transformation of communities.”

They further say, “Fr. Muyebe’s passing is a significant loss to the Society of Jesus, the JCTR, and the countless lives he touched through his ministry.”

“He leaves behind a powerful legacy of service, marked by an enduring commitment to justice and a compassionate heart. His work and memory will continue to inspire all who strive for a more just and peaceful world,” Jesuits in Southern Africa say.

They extend their “deepest condolences to Fr. Muyebe’s family, friends, and colleagues at the JCTR.”

“We are grateful for his life, his ministry, and his enduring legacy. May God grant him eternal rest, and may his spirit continue to guide us in our mission,” they implore.

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Born in July 1968 in the Catholic Archdiocese of Blantyre, Fr. Muyebe was ordained a Priest in July 2003.

He served as the pioneer Director of the Jesuit Centre for Ecology and Development (JCED) based in Malawi.

In a message issued on November 8, JCTR members describe Fr. Muyebe as “a devoted advocate for justice and dignity in Zambia.”

“Over the past four years, Fr. Muyebe led JCTR with compassion, championing the rights of the marginalized and working tirelessly for a more just society,” they say.

JCTR members add, “Please join us in honoring his legacy and celebrating a life that inspired so many. His spirit of service and faith will continue to guide our mission.”

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In another statement, members of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) announce that his “burial ceremony will start with the Requiem Mass on 12 November 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Ignatius Parish in Lusaka.”

“Eternal rest grant unto Rev. Fr. Alexander Muyebe O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace,” ECM members implore.

Fr. Muyebe through JCTR has been vocal about the high cost of living and the debt crisis in Zambia.

Earlier this year, Fr. Muyebe said taking strategies to empower the rural populations in view of stemming rural-urban migration can help address the recurring challenge of cholera in Zambia.

He emphasized the need for change of behavior in the management of solid waste, especially in Zambia’s capital city, where he says hygiene practices have to be fostered if cholera is to be prevented.

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In a statement issued in March 2023, he said the high cost of living in Zambia is likely to push low-income citizens “into abject poverty”.

Fr. Muyebe, who attributed the high cost of living to delays in the country’s debt restructuring process, and climate change, among other factors says families have had to reduce their daily meals and compromised the meals’ “nutritional content”.

Jude Atemanke

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.