By Ellen Hambuba
Emeritus Archbishop of the Lusaka Archdiocese, TELESPHORE MPUNDU, has died at the age of 78.
Archbishop MPUNDU served as Archbishop of Lusaka from 2006 until his retirement in 2018.
Lusaka Archbishop ALICK BANDA has announced his death in a notice addressed to the faithful, clergy, religious communities and people of goodwill.
Archbishop BANDA said Archbishop MPUNDU served the Catholic Church with distinction and devoted his life to pastoral service and national leadership.
He said Archbishop MPUNDU was born on 21 May 1947 at Kapatu Mission and was ordained to the priesthood in 1972 before being installed as Bishop in 1987.
The late cleric served as Bishop of Mbala, now Mpika Diocese, for 19 years before being appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Lusaka in 2004.
Archbishop BANDA said Archbishop MPUNDU also served several terms as President of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops -ZCCB- and was widely respected for his views on governance, social justice and national affairs.
He said the late Archbishop defended truth and justice while guiding the faithful with compassion and wisdom.
Meanwhile, Archbishop BANDA has directed all parishes and religious communities in the Archdiocese of Lusaka to hold a Mass of Suffrage for the repose of Archbishop MPUNDU’s soul.
The funeral programme is expected to be announced later.
ZNBC