HISTORICAL NOTES
Missionaries of Africa (M.Afr.), generally known as White Fathers (WF), entered Zambia in 1991 through Kayambi Mission. Their task was to evangelise the Bemba speaking region that includes the present day Mansa Diocese. They first established Lubwe Mission in 1905 from Chilubi Mission Island and later on created Chibote in 1910, Lufubu in 1931, and Kabunda near Mansa (Fort Roseberry) in 1932. Three years later, in 1935, Mapula mission was created followed by Kasaba in 1942, Nsakaluba in 1946 and then Mansa in 1955. St. Paul’s (1961), Chembe, Twingi (1938), Samfya (1964), St. Mary’s (1956), St. Theresa (Kazembe) and Chimese followed. In the recent years the diocese has created more parishes namely, St. Francis of Assisi in Kapesha (2014), St. Christopher in Chitamba (2014), Michael the Archangel (2014) in Namwandwe and St John Paul II (2014) in Mabumba, others at St. Monica (2016) at Musaila, then Kacema Musuma Parish (2016) in Chipili, St. Joseph the Worker (2016) in Mushota and St. Peter’s (2014) in Nchelenge.
On 10th July 1952, the Church authority separated Luapula region from the Bangweulu Vicariate Apostolic and consequently erected the region into the Prefecture Apostolic of Fort Roseberry. Fr. Rene Pailloux (M.Afr) became its first Prefect Apostolic. The Prefecture was raised to the status of a Diocese (11th February 1961) of which Mgr. Pailloux was consecrated Bishop (18th June 1961). On 28th November, 1967, the government changed the name of Fort Roseberry to that of Mansa and accordingly, the name of the diocese changed too. Bishop Pailloux retired as Bishop of Mansa on the 3rd of July 1971 and Bishop Elias Mutale succeeded him. On 17th September 1973, Bishop Elias Mutale moved to Kasama Archdiocese, and Fr. James Mwewa Spaita was appointed Bishop of Mansa and received the Episcopal ordination on 28th April 1974. The death of Archbishop Elias Mutale prompted the Holy Father to transfer Bishop James Spaita to the vacant See of Archdiocese of Kasama on 28th December 1990. Mansa Diocese curia elected Very Rev, Fr. Joseph Musonda as its Vicar Capitular on 26th February 1991. Mgr. Musonda directed the Diocese until the appointment and Episcopal ordination of Right Rev Aaron A. Chisha on 3rd November, 1993, and 12th December, 1993, respectively.
The pastoral care of the faithful forms the main activity of the Diocese, which varies from parish to parish according to local conditions and situations. The diocese is also deeply involved in uplifting the living standards of the population especially in agriculture and industrial development, in education and health sectors. To direct these sectors, the Diocese has several Commissions such as Development, Catechetical, Liturgical, Biblical, Justice and peace; other departments are Pastoral, Education, Health, and Communications.
Small Christian Communities (SCC), Lay Organisations and Movements are an enormous help in the life of the Diocese. That is why the formation of lay leaders is one of the pastoral priorities. The Diocese has umbrella bodies for Men, Women and Youth Councils at all levels merely to encourage the involvement of faithful in the running of the Church. Mansa is a Diocese with numerous priestly and religious vocations and supplies a good number of professors to the National Seminaries.
