Ndola, 17 August, 2020 / 9:09 pm (ACI Africa).
On the occasion of his Episcopal installation as the sixth Bishop of Zambia’s Diocese of Ndola over the weekend, Bishop Benjamin Phiri indicated that he would be a “pastor” and a “father” to the people of God under his care, facilitating their relationship with God.
“To the lay faithful, I assure you that I come as your pastor and also your father. I will do my utmost to help you reach God and I will do my best to ensure that you receive the graces from God,” Bishop Phiri said Saturday, August 15 at his installation at Christ the King Cathedral, Ndola.
During the installation Mass attended by a limited number of people in adherence to COVID-19 guidelines, the Bishop said that he would be guided by the principle of the common good in his Episcopal ministry, expecting dedication and discipline on the part of the faithful.
“I will not give special favors to anyone. Just do the right thing and you will be my brothers and sisters,” the 61-year-old Prelate said during the Eucharistic celebration that was presided over by the Local Ordinary of Lusaka Archdiocese, Archbishop Alick Banda.
Bishop Phiri who had been serving as the Auxiliary Bishop in the Diocese of Chipata until Pope Francis appointed him as Bishop of Ndola on July 3 added, “I will not succumb to any manipulation or any way of putting me into whatever politics you may be having locally. I would rather we work together as the children of God.”
