By Masauso Mkwayaya.
Zambia’s first Republican
President Kenneth Kaunda was on Sunday 26 September ,at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross .
He was invited over to bid farewell to his long time young
friend, Reverend Father Edwin Mwanza, who has left the Cathedral to go and take
up his role as Parish Priest at the Anglican Matero Parish.
When he was called to
address the congregants by Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross Dean, Father
Charley Thomas, Dr. Kaunda who was seated in the front roll, jogged to the podium,
in his usual signature jog with his copper walking stick suspended from the
ground on his right hand.
His trademark, the white handkerchief
was loosely hanging and dangling on his left hand as the visibly emotional former
President tried to compose himself before he could start speaking.
Dr. Kaunda was seen
shedding tears before he could even say anything; leading the Church into a
somber silent mood with some congregants standing in ovation.
With tears rolling down on
his cheeks but quickly wiped out by his white handkerchief, Dr. Kaunda told
congregants in a faint but clear tone, that Zambian’s should not forsake their
God even amidst challenging economic
times.
The nonagenarian quoted
what has arguably become to be known as his favorite Bible verse, “love God
with all hearts and souls, love your neighbor as you love yourself.” The Bible passage is derived from the New
Testament book of Mathew Chapter 22 verses 37 to 39.
 |
| Dr, Kaunda addressing congregants at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Photo courtesy of Lusaka Times. |
Dr. Kaunda praised the
Church in Zambia for doing a good job in uniting Zambians. He said any kind
kind of success can only be guaranteed if people love their God.
And in his farewell sermon
to the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross congregants, Reverend Father Edwin
Mwanza also called on Zambians to join hands and pray for the country which is
currently faced with economic challenges .
Standing on the pulpit in
his white robe and a green cassock hanging at the back of his neck and his
broad shoulders, the confident and fluent Father Mwanza delivered a powerful
and moving sermon, based on Numbers 11 .
He said people who are in
the wilderness, which he referred to as challenges, should not forsake God
because no success is achieved without passing through difficulties.
After he concluded his sermon,
congregants gave him a glowing standing ovation, with some women and men heard
ululating and whistling with excitement.
Father Mwanza has served
at the Anglican Cathedral for the last six years.
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