CICM African Mission Stations

ZAMBIA

Land Area: 743,390 Km2 (287,024 sq. miles) Official language: English

Population: 18,233,839 (as of Mar 21, 2020) Culture: Zambian culture
What makes this country famous for?

• Zambia is considered to be one of the most stunning, friendly,

varied and untouched countries in Africa. It is also one of the few
destinations in Africa that is recommended by all just based on
how incredible its natural beauty is.
• Apart from its iconic Victoria Falls, the country has a lot of natural
water resources compared to other southern African nations.
Others attractions include the famed Zambezi River, numerous
national parks, vast species of wildlife and birds, and as well as
the vibrant culture of the country.
Victoria Falls is famed as the
largest waterfall in the world,
and this site is a perfect
description of its local name,
Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means
“The Smoke that Thunders.”
South Luangwa National Park is
one of the numerous national
parks in the country. It is famed
for its abundant wildlife,
ranging from numerous species
of birds, hippos, elephants,
leopards, and rare Thornicroft
giraffes.
The Kuomboka is an annual
celebration, it is usually marks
the ceremonial journey of the
King of Lozi (Litunga) from his
summer capital down to his
winter house on higher ground.
Kuomboka ceremony features
large wooden canoe, vast war
drums, and about 100 paddlers
wearing a lion’s mane piece and
skirts from animals skins.
Lake Tanganyika is a source of
pride to the people of Zambia.
Regarded as the world’s second
oldest freshwater lake, as well
as the second deepest. Records
also show it’s the longest
freshwater lake in the world
with a length of 673 kilometers. 
West Lunga Naitonal Park, the
remote wildlife paradise that
can be found in a thick forest in
Zambia’s Northwestern
Province. Lying between the
West Lunga River and the
Kabompo River, this famous
park covers about 1700
kilometer square.
Zambezi River is Africa’s
fourth-longest river, as well as
the longest east-flowing river in
its continent. It is also the
largest river that flows from
Africa into the Indian Ocean.
Blue Lagoon National Park is a
little wildlife paradise in the
northern area of the Kafue Flats
in the Central Province of
Zambia. Covering around 500-
kilometer square, it can easily
be accessed.
Lower Zambezi National Park
lies in the southern border
between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
You can find the Zambezi River
valley in this park and it houses
a wide variety of wildlife, which
includes elephants, buffalos,
and fish eagles.
• Zambia is home to over a million orphaned children, most of whom
will never receive an education or legitimate health assistance.
Despite being a Country rich in natural resources, but most
Zambias must work in agriculture to survive. Over 60% of the
population lives below the poverty line and the phenomenon of
corruption is really rampant. The Catholic Church has been
strongly present in Zambia for over 100 years engaged in social
and political activities.
What is the contribution of CICM in this
country?

• The Missionaries of Scheut (CICM), Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of

Mary, offer assistance to the victims of HIV and AIDS in Zambia: many of
them are orphans, homeless children who do not have access to health
care.
• In 2007, Belgian missionary Fr. Pierre Ruquoy arrived in Zambia. Due to the
death threats he received and the expulsion from the Republic of Santo
Domingo, CICM sent him on a mission to the central province of Zambia,
where there was nothing, there was not a parish, a church. In this very
inhospitable place the missionary founded the Sunflower, an orphanage that
currently hosts over a hundred children and offers food and shelter to the
most vulnerable children. The priest dedicated himself to caring for AIDS
orphans, helping them to equip them with hope and education in an
attempts to contribute to the reconstruction of Zambia.
• Fr. Peter Koh, a Missionhurst missionary in Zambia, helped a congregation of
Catholic sisters establish an informal school system so that children could
receive a basic education. Koh helped this fledgling educational program
expand into a multifaceted educational opportunity for the community, which
now includes a library and a computer center. What began as an elementary
school program is now recognized as Catholic primary school with trained
educators.
Fr. Charles Phukuta Khonde,
CICM has been elected as the
New CICM Superior General.
Father Khonde has served on
many boards and committees,
including two terms on the
Missionhurst provincial finance
committee and one term on
the U.S. provincial council. He
also served on the board of
directors for the Africa Faith
and Justice Network,
headquartered in Washington.
Fr. Pierre Ruquoy launched a
home for orphans in the capital
of the Zambian Central Province
called “The Sunflower Family
Center.”
Fr. Peter Koh, a Orphan children in Zambia
young Catholic missionary in
Zambia, helped a congregation
of Catholic sisters establish an
informal school system.
SOURCES

https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/zambia-population/

https://lets-travel-more.com/10-things-zambia-is-famous-for/

http://www.fides.org/en/news/64144-AFRICA_ZAMBIA_The_commitment_of_a_
missionary_who_gave_his_life_for_Christ_the_Church_and_the_poor

https://www.missionhurst.org/featured-mission-zambia?hsCtaTracking=331dec7f
-76b7-4b97-a458-cc889f69b526%7C8bb8a139-2cd4-417a-9701-c0ce886fd678