Bishop Urges Balance Between Development and Environment
Mansa Diocese’s Bishop, Right Rev. Patrick Chilekwa Chisanga OFM, has called for the protection of natural habitats as development projects progress in various districts.
Speaking at the elevation ceremony of St. Peter the Apostle sub-parish to full parish status in Lunga District, Bishop Chisanga emphasized the importance of balancing development with environmental preservation.
Bishop Chisanga stressed that the government and stakeholders should avoid indiscriminate destruction of natural habitats.
He highlighted the crucial role of local leaders, including Chiefs and Members of Parliament, in ensuring the conservation of the environment.
The Bishop urged Lunga’s MP, Eng Chanda Katotobwe, to advocate for policies in Parliament that would regulate development activities to protect the ecological system.
He noted that Lunga District holds significant potential for tourism, which makes the preservation of its natural environment even more critical for future generations.
During the mass, attended by local leaders such as Chief Nsamba, Chief Kasoma Lunga, and councilors from Luapula Constituency, Bishop Chisanga also reflected on the Catholic Church’s history in Lunga.
He shared that missionaries from Santa Maria Parish in Chilubi first visited Lunga over 104 years ago, and he encouraged local Christians to stay faithful to God despite challenges.
Eng Katotobwe expressed gratitude to Bishop Chisanga for the elevation of the sub-parish, stating that this milestone would bring the community closer to God and deter negative behaviors.
Fr. Dominic Chalwe was installed as the new Parish Priest of St. Peter the Apostle Parish, which now serves over 4,100 Catholic faithful in Lunga District.
