Chikuni, Zambia – March 16, 2025 – Under the golden sun of Zambia in the Jesuit Southern Africa Province, Chikuni Mission celebrated 120 years of transformative impact with a historic gathering attended by thousands, including Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema, Bishop Raphael Mweempwa, government officials, traditional leaders, clergy, and Catholic faithful from across the Diocese of Monze.

Held at St. Canisius High School grounds, the jubilee was a vibrant mix of prayer, cultural performances, and reflections on the mission’s enduring legacy. The event also marked 25 years of Chikuni Community Radio Station, a key pillar in the mission’s outreach.

Founded in 1905 by French Jesuit missionaries Fr. Joseph Moreau, SJ, and Fr. Jules Torrend, SJ, Chikuni Mission began with a humble yet bold vision—to bring faith, education, and sustainable development to the region. With the support of local leaders like Chief Moonze and early converts James Haatontola, Henry Jahaliso, Joseph Bbiinya, and Alfred Joojo, the mission became a cornerstone of progress.

In his homily during the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Mweempwa paid tribute to the pioneers:

President Hichilema, the guest of honor, praised Chikuni’s role in shaping Zambia’s development, particularly in agriculture, where Fr. Moreau introduced the ox-driven plough—a breakthrough that transformed farming nationwide.

“The story of Chikuni is not just a church history; it is a national heritage,” the President declared. “These missionaries and their local partners did not just preach the Gospel—they empowered communities with knowledge, tools, and resilience. Today, we see their legacy in schools, hospitals, and thriving farms.”

In a moving tribute, the President laid wreaths on the graves of Fr. Torrend and Fr. Moreau, honoring their enduring influence. He also held private meetings with mission leaders, including Fr. Gregory Mulobela, SJ (Rector of Chikuni Mission) and Fr. Virgilio Costa (Socius to the Jesuit Provincial of Southern Africa), reaffirming the government’s partnership with the Church.

As part of the celebrations, Bishop Mweempwa unveiled a five-year program leading to the mission’s 125th anniversary, calling for renewed commitment to service and evangelization.

“Let this be a moment of renewal,” he urged. “Like the disciples, we must continue the mission of witnessing to Christ in our communities.”

Bishop Mweempwa outlined key focus areas:

1. Deepening evangelization through parish renewal programs.

2. Expanding education and vocational training to empower youth.

3. Enhancing healthcare outreach, especially in rural areas.

4. Preserving Tonga culture through music, language, and heritage programs.

“This is not just a time to look back—it is a call to reimagine the future,” the Bishop said. “Like the disciples descending from the mountain, we must continue the mission with even greater zeal.”

Also, adding to the festivities, Chikuni Community Radio Station celebrated 25 years of broadcasting, furthering the mission’s outreach through media and education. The station, a lifeline for rural communities, has educated, informed, and evangelized through local-language programming.

The festivities featured traditional Tonga dances, choral performances, and testimonies from mission beneficiaries—former students, farmers, and healthcare workers whose lives were transformed by Chikuni’s work.

The Rector of the Chikuni mission Fr. Gregory Mulobela, SJ, expressed heartfelt thank you saying, “We stand on the shoulders of giants—missionaries, chiefs, and lay faithful who built this mission with their hands and hearts. As St. Irenaeus said, ‘The glory of God is the human person fully alive.’ Today, we celebrate that glory in our community.”

As the sun set on the jubilee, the message was clear: Chikuni Mission’s legacy is alive, and its mission continues. With renewed energy, the community now journeys toward its 125th anniversary, guided by faith and a commitment to serving those on the margins.