Radio Icengelo

28/12/2024

ARCHBISHOP PHIRI TO CELEBRATE HOLY FAMILY MASS AT CATHEDRAL

The Archbishop of Ndola Dr. Benjamin Phiri is scheduled to celebrate Mass on the Feast of the Holy Family in the Cathedral of Christ the King, Ndola.

Mass is set to start at 09:00 hours.

28/12/2024

*Saturday December 28, 2024*
*HOLY INNOCENTS, Mm (FEAST)*
Vestment: Red
Today’s Rosary: The Joyful Mystery
(1 John 1:5-2:2,Matthew 2:13-18)

TODAY'S REFLECTION
Why did God allow the slaughter of those infants? Honestly, I can find no answer. Just as I find no plausible explanation for the death of so many innocent people in our world almost every day. Human beings have always tried to unravel the mystery of innocent suffering. Herod thought that he could do away with the “King” with the power of the sword! A messenger is sent to Joseph instructing him on how to protect his son. Could not God protect His Son in some other way without the family having to flee from the enemy? It must have been a tremendous test of faith for joseph. Thank you, Lord, for giving me to realize that cooperating with God’s plan calls for sacrifice and struggle as it did in the case of Joseph.

THE HOLY INNOCENTS, Martyrs Feast
The Church remembers the Holy Innocents who died in Bethlehem at the hands of King Herod’s soldiers. The evangelist Matthew composes the story to parallel that of Moses, thus establishing the role of Jesus as the new leader, the one who is to guide God’s people into freedom and salvation.

Who can explain suffering, especially the suffering of innocent children? Herod's massacre of children who gave their lives for a person and a truth they did not know seemed so useless and unjust. What a scandal and stumbling block for those who can't recognize God's redeeming love. Why couldn't God prevent this slaughter? Suffering is indeed a mystery. No explanation seems to satisfy our human craving to understand.

*First martyrs for Christ*
These innocent children who died on Christ's behalf are the first martyrs for Christ. Suffering, persecution, and martyrdom are the lot of all who chose to follow Jesus Christ. There is no crown without the cross. It was through Jesus' suffering, humiliation, and death on a cross, that our salvation was won. His death won life - eternal life for us. And his blood which was shed for our sake obtained pardon and reconciliation with our heavenly Father.

Suffering can take many forms - illness, disease, handicap, physical pain and emotional trauma, slander, abuse, poverty, and injustice. Paul the Apostle states: We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called to his purpose (Romans 8:28)? Jesus exclaimed that those who weep, who are reviled and persecuted for righteousness sake are blessed (Matthew 5:10-12). The word blessed [makarios in the Greek] literally means happiness or beatitude. It describes a kind of joy which is serene and untouchable, self-contained and independent from chance and changing circumstances of life.

Supernatural joy in the face of suffering
There is a certain paradox for those blessed by the Lord. Mary was given the blessedness of being the mother of the Son of God. That blessedness also would become a sword which pierced her heart as her Son died upon the cross. She received both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow. But her joy was not diminished by her sorrow because it was fueled by her faith, hope, and trust in God and his promises. Jesus promised his disciples that "no one will take your joy from you" (John 16:22).

The Lord gives each of us a supernatural joy which enables us to bear any sorrow or pain and which neither life nor death can take way. *Do you know the joy of a life fully given over to God with faith and trust?*

"Lord Jesus, you gave your life for my sake, to redeem me from slavery to sin and death. Help me to carry my cross with joy that I may willingly do your will and not shrink back out of fear or cowardice when trouble besets me." *Wishing you an awesome Saturday and stay blessed*

28/12/2024

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28TH 2024

FEAST OF HOLY INNOCENTS, Martyrs.

FIRST READING
_“The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.”_

_*A reading from the first Letter of Saint John (1ST JOHN 1: 5 - 2: 2)*_

Beloved: This is the message we have heard from Jesus Christ and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not live according to the truth; but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, I am writing this to you so that you may not sin; but if any one does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the expiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

_*The Word of the Lord.*_

_*RESPONSORIAL PSALM*_
_Taken from Psalm 124: 2 - 3, 4 - 5, 7b - 8 (R.) 7ab_

_*R/. Our life, like a bird, has escaped from the snare of the fowler.*_

If the Lord had not been on our side
when men rose against us,
then would they have swallowed us alive
when their anger was kindled.” *R/.*

Then would the waters have engulfed us,
the torrent gone over us;
over our head would have swept the raging waters.” *R/.*

Indeed, the snare has been broken, and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth. *R/.*

_*GOSPEL ACCLAMATION*_

*Alleluia.*
_We praise you, O God; we acclaim you as the Lord; the white-robed army of martyrs sings your praise._
*Alleluia.*

_*GOSPEL*_
_“Herod killed all the male children in Bethlehem.”_

_*A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (MATTHEW 2: 13 - 18)*_

When the Wise Men had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called my son.” Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the Wise Men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the Wise Men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

28/12/2024

Our life, like a bird, has escaped from the snare of the fowler

28/12/2024

Mass with Fr Chalwe Chonde

27/12/2024

WELCOME TO OUR REFLECTION FOR DECEMBER 27th 2024. WHICH IS THE FEAST OF SAINT JOHN THE APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST*

*READINGS OF THE DAY*
1 John 1:1-4
Psalm 97:1-2,5-6,11-12
John 20:2

*LITURGICAL COLOUR*
WHITE

*THEME OF THE HOMILY*
The Beloved Disciple of Jesus.

*INTRODUCTION*
Today we celebrate the feast of Saint John, one of the Twelve Apostles, was a close follower of Jesus. He is known for his deep love for Jesus and his important role in spreading the Gospel. As one of the four Gospel writers, he is also called an Evangelist. His writings in the New Testament include the Gospel of John, three letters, and the Book of Revelation.

*THE BELOVED DISCIPLE*
John is often called the “Beloved Disciple.” This shows his special relationship with Jesus. He was present during key events, including the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. John was the only Apostle who stood by Jesus at the Cross, where Jesus asked him to care for Mary, His mother.

*FROM A FISHERMAN TO A DISCIPLE*
John was born in Galilee, likely in the town of Bethsaida. He was the son of Zebedee, a fisherman, and his mother was Salome. John worked as a fisherman alongside his brother James. They were part of a fishing partnership that included Peter and Andrew, who were also among Jesus’ first disciples.

*HOW HE MET THE LORD AND BECOME ONE OF HIS MOST FOLLOWER*
One day, as John and James were mending their nets by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus called out to them. He invited them to leave their work and follow Him. They immediately left their nets and joined Jesus. This moment marked the start of John’s journey as one of Jesus’ closest followers.

*BEING PART OF JESUS INNER CIRCLE*
John was part of the inner circle of the Apostles, along with Peter and James. This meant he witnessed several special events, like the Transfiguration and the raising of Jairus’ daughter. He was present at these important moments because of his dedication and closeness to Jesus.

*REMAINED FAITHFUL TO JESUS UNTIL AT THE CROSS*
John was the only Apostle who stayed near Jesus during the Crucifixion. While others fled in fear, John stood by the cross with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and a few other women. His presence during this difficult time showed his loyalty and courage. He did not leave, even when the situation was dangerous.

*AT THE LAST BREATH OF JESUS*
As Jesus was dying, He spoke to both John and Mary. Jesus looked at His mother and then at John. He told Mary to consider John as her son. He then told John to take Mary as his mother. In this way, Jesus entrusted Mary to John’s care. John accepted this responsibility, showing his dedication to Jesus’ wishes.

*ABOUT OUR FIRST READING*
In our first reading today, John emphasizes the truth of the Word of Life and invites the reader to join in the fellowship with the Father and Jesus Christ. The author’s aim is to complete their joy by sharing this message.

*ABOUT OUR GOSPEL READING*
We hear in our gospel reading that, Mary Magdalene ran to tell Simon Peter and another disciple that the Lord’s body was missing from the tomb. Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb and found the linen wrappings there, with the other disciple arriving first and believing upon seeing the scene.

*CONCLUSION*
Dear brethren, Saint John’s life teaches us about love, courage, and loyalty. As the “Beloved Disciple,” John was close to Jesus, showing a deep love that we are also called to have. He listened to Jesus, followed Him, and stayed near Him in difficult times. This reminds us that a personal relationship with Jesus should be at the center of our lives. Like John, we can deepen our faith by spending time with Jesus in prayer and reflecting on His words.

*Have a blessed day everyone, may Saint the apostle and Evangelist intercede for us.*

*Fr Deotacious Chikontwe SMA*

27/12/2024

UPND IN NDOLA RECEIVES PF DEFECTORS

Some Patriotic Front (PF) members in Ndola's Twapia Ward have reportedly defected to the ruling UPND.

But the PF leadership in Ndola District says the defections were stage managed.

Former PF member Zacharia Chomba said him and his over 300 colleagues have decided to join UPND because it is a progressive party.

Mr. Chomba said the PF started dying after the death of founding leader Michael Sata as new leaders abandoned his vision.

The defectors were received by Ndola Central Member of Parliament and Minister of Transport Frank Tayali.

UPND Ndola District Spokesperson David Zimba, Ndola Central Constituency and Twapia Ward officials and Twapia Ward Councilor Henry Ntambo Kabwebwe were present at the meeting.

But PF Ndola District Chairman Jones Kalyati has refuted the alleged defection of party members to UPND saying people paraded in Twapia were paid money to masquerade as PF members.

"It has come to my attention that wrong people who are not even our members are being paraded in PF regalia and given K200 each and portray a picture that they have defected. We know of an old man in Twapia who has been bought to defect from the party to the other party. Honestly it is not fashionable that someone would just defect so this person was bought and he organised a few members," said Mr. Kalyati.

The Ndola Mayor added:"My view is that people of Ndola go there and get ma K200 because it is your money being distributed and when leaving raise the Patriotic Front (PF) symbol. Chew the money in the name of defection and come back when I call for PF meetings in Ndola. Come for meetings so that we come and discuss the PF agenda for Zambia when we bounce back in 2026. We are ready to bounce back and be able to run the country with dignity without buying people in the name of defection."

27/12/2024

MORE CHRISTIANS CONFIRMED AT BWANA MKUBWA PARISH

Archbishop of Ndola Dr. Benjamin Phiri celebrated Christmas Day Mass at St. Mathias Mulumba Parish in Bwana Mkubwa, Ndola.

During Mass, Archbishop Phiri conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation the lay faithful from St. Mathias and surrounding Outstations.

Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Winfield K***a and Ndola Archdiocese Liturgical Manager Rev. Fr.Francis Mulenga, OFM Conv were part of the Mass celebration.

27/12/2024

MAIN NEWS

27/12/2024

https://youtu.be/mN7BHUF3lLY

The Holy Family speaks to the reality of every family. Their love, brought the love of God in the person of Jesus to birth.

27/12/2024

CHURCH BUILDING COLLAPSES AT LUANSHYA'S CHILABULA OUTSTATION

The Church building at Luanshya's St Peters - Chilabula Catholic Out-station has collapsed after rainfall.

The Outstation is under the Sacred Heart Parish Of Roan Section 1, Luanshya.

The rainfall equally affected some nearby houses and a community centre.

Sacred Heart Parish Priest Rev Fr Nicholas Mubanga has visited the collapsed building to check on the extent of the damage.

(Pictures from Nathan Chanda Bwalya)

27/12/2024

Rejoice in the Lord, you just

27/12/2024

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27TH 2024.

FEAST OF SAINT JOHN, Apostle and Evangelist.

_*FIRST READING*_
_That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you._

_*The beginning of the first Letter of Saint John (1ST JOHN 1: 1 - 4)*_

Beloved: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life — the life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing this that our joy may be complete.

_*The Word of the Lord.*_

_*RESPONSORIAL PSALM*_
_Taken from Psalm 97: 1 - 2, 5 - 6, 11 - 12 (R.) 12a_

_*R/. Rejoice in the Lord, you just.*_

The Lord is king, let earth rejoice;
let the many islands be glad.
Cloud and darkness surround him;
justice and right are the foundation of his throne. *R/.*

The mountains melt like wax
before the face of the Lord,
before the face of the Lord of all the earth.
The skies proclaim his justice;
all peoples see his glory. *R/.*

Light shines forth for the just one,
And joy for the upright of heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, you just;
To the memory of his holiness give thanks. *R/.*

_*GOSPEL ACCLAMATION*_

*Alleluia.*
_We praise you, O God; we acclaim you as the Lord; the glorious band of apostles sings your praise, O Lord!_ *Alleluia.*

_*GOSPEL*_
_“The other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.”_

_*A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (JOHN 20: 2 - 8)*_

On the first day of the week: Mary Magdalene ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went towards the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed.

The Gospel of the Lord.

27/12/2024

OVERFLOW OUTREACH MINISTRIES PRESENTS "CROSS OVER NIGHT OF LATTER GLORY"

27/12/2024

DAMIANO MUTALE TO SUE FAZ OVER ELECTION DATE?

Controversial Mufulira football administrator Damiano Mutale is threatening to sue the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) over the recently released roadmap for the 2025 elections.

According to the roadmap, the FAZ elections will start with provincial polls on March 15 with the national election taking place on March 29.

But Mutale said the FAZ National Elections should be held not later than 28 February 2025 in line with the electoral regulations.

Mutale, who has previously sued FAZ, has given the association a 14 days ultimatum in which to reverse the date for election.

"We have given Mr. Andrew Ndanga Kamanga ultimatum of 14 days to reverse the roadmap. I am sure we will go back to court. There is no doubt we will go back to court," Mutale said.

He said the delay in the election process undermines the credibility of FAZ.

"This decision is evaluated against the FAZ constitutions which govern the timeliness and process for electing the president at the annual general meeting.The FAZ constitution provides key guidelines that the president is elected during the AFM for a term of four years," Mutale said.

27/12/2024

CHESTER GOES KU KATEMBULA PLEASURE RESORT IN LUFWANYAMA.....

27/12/2024

ST. JOHN, THE BELOVED DISCIPLE.

😇 Today, December 27, is the feast of St. John the Apostle, the "beloved disciple" was the only one of the 12 who did not forsake the Savior during His Passion. He stood at the cross when Christ made him the guardian of His Mother.⁣ Pray for us. 🙏

Learn more: 👉 https://hubs.la/Q0302pyZ0

27/12/2024

JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE LOADING IN NDOLA ARCHDIOCESE

The Catholic Archdiocese of Ndola has announced that it will officially launch the Jubilee Year of Hope on 11th January, 2025 at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Ndola.

Pope Francis launched the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope on 24 December 2024 as he opened the Holy Door of Saint Peter's Basilica.

According to the Vatican, the Ordinary Jubilee will conclude on 6 January 2026, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.

In Ndola Archdiocese, Mass for Jubilee Year of Hope launch is scheduled to start at 10:00 hours with Archbishop Dr Benjamin Phiri as the main celebrant.

According to Archdiocese of Ndola Director of Pastoral Programmes Rev Fr Ephraim Mulenga Mapulanga, Priests, the religious and lay faithful are invited for this launch.