Zambia: The Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Zambia successfully concluded their Annual National Council Meeting for Diocesan Directors, held from March 13 to 16, 2026, at the Kasisi Retreat Centre within the Archdiocese of Lusaka.
The gathering brought together ten diocesan directors along with the National Holy Childhood Coordinator, creating a platform to reflect on missionary progress and strengthen collaboration under the theme, “One in Christ, United in Mission.”
Delivering the keynote report was Bishop Edwin Mulandu, who serves both as PMS National Director and Bishop of the Diocese of Mpika. In his address, he highlighted that despite the country awaiting the appointment of a new national director, the PMS National Office has remained steadfast in advancing missionary activities across all dioceses.
Bishop Mulandu underscored the continued commitment of the national office to fostering missionary awareness and action, noting that it has actively carried out initiatives aligned with its ecclesial mandate. These include organizing missionary animation programs in all eleven dioceses, participating in international PMS engagements, and overseeing the administration and equitable distribution of funds from the Universal Solidarity Fund in accordance with directives from the global secretariat.
He further pointed to key liturgical and missionary events such as World Mission Sunday, World Day of Prayer for Vocations, and Epiphany Sunday as central pillars of missionary animation. These efforts, he noted, have contributed to a notable increase in Zambia’s contributions to the Universal Solidarity Fund, reflecting growing engagement among the faithful.
The council also provided an opportunity for diocesan directors to present individual reports, outlining achievements, ongoing challenges, and strategic plans to enhance missionary formation and outreach in their respective regions.
Beyond administrative discussions, the meeting fostered a deep sense of spiritual unity and fraternity. Participants gathered daily for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and the communal recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours, reinforcing their shared mission in service of the Gospel.
Held in the serene environment of Kasisi Retreat Centre, the assembly concluded with renewed commitment among Zambia’s missionary leaders to strengthen cooperation and continue advancing the Church’s evangelizing mission across the nation.