Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lusaka (Agenzia Fides) – The Diocesan Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies of the Archdiocese of Kasama (Zambia), Fr. Lenatus Fisamu, has died following an accident in Lake Bangweulu. Another priest, Fr. Simon Matafwali, also lost his life in the accident.
The tragic event, news of which has only now reached Agenzia Fides, took place on May 13 when the boat that carried the two priests, along with another priest – Fr. Clemente Mukuka – and the pilot, capsized as a result of strong waves and heavy winds. At first, it was thought that there had been no survivors in the wreck. However, Fr. Mukaka and the pilot were soon found alive and rescued.
On May 16, Fr. Matafwali's body was found by a fisherman. His funeral was celebrated in Chilubula on May 17. Fr. Lenatus Fisamu's body was found May 19 and was buried the same day in Chilubula.
Fr. Lenatus Mutale Fisamu was born on November 15, 1977. He was ordained a priest on June 18, 2005 at the parish church of Kayambi. He received his first assignment to the parish of Malore, where he ministered until he was appointed pastor of the parish of Lwena on October 25, 2007. During this time, he was also appointed Diocesan Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. It was, in fact, as a result of his obligations as Director of the Diocesan PMS that Fr. Fisamu was crossing the Lake, to finalize several projects financed by the PMS on the island of Chilubi.
“The Archdiocese of Kasama has lost two young and dynamic priests who greatly contributed to the work of evangelization in their brief period of priestly service. They are mourned by all the priests and laity of the Archdiocese of Kasama and the entire country. May they eternally rest in peace,” Fides was told by Fr. Bernard Makadani, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Zambia. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 14/7/2009)
