Here are some interesting links on Zambia :

CIA The World Factbook

The Free Encyclopedia Wikipedia

This continent has a population of almost 800 million of very diverse cultures and traditions, and its independent States form the African Union. Malawi and Zambia include several ethnic groups of the Bantu stock, which is found in most of the territory south of the Equator. Eighty percent of the population of these two countries lives on the produce of their lands and on cattle raising. They are by nature cheerful and ingenuous people who love life and are very fond of colours and music. Dance is a favourite way for them to express their vitality and rich sensitivity. Aware of the richness of their culture, they transmit it faithfully from generation to generation. Africa has had great civilisations and the history of its peoples and cultures abounds with glorious chapters. There are still today, on this continent a few countries in search of democratic governments and regions where the struggle against poverty, ignorance and disease must be carried on.

In 1954, it was Bishop Firmin Courtemanche, M. Afr., of the diocese of Chipata, Zambia, whose request was, in turn, responded to. He welcomed our Sisters in the parish of St. Anne of Fort Jameson. With zeal and determination, our missionaries learned the local languages of the regions where they worked and immersed themselves in the daily life of the people. They lived close to the people to familiarize themselves with their culture and customs. The mission of evangelization was coupled with the establishment of projects that responded to local needs. Schools were opened, dispensaries welcomed the sick, domestic science centres assisted young women in their role as wives and mothers, catechism classes were offered and the parish ministry was organized.

The African Soul

The people of Africa are gifted with natural and cultural values propitious to the acceptance of the Gospel. They believe in a God who is the creator and master of life and death. They have a dynamic view of the universe in which the spiritual and material worlds constantly interact. The social aspect of their lives rests on the principles of justice and respect of authority. The reality of evil, in its individual or social forms, is alive in the consciousness of the people, hence the existence of rites of purification within their clans to restore communion among the living and with the ancestors. Their relation to nature is one of respect, veneration and fear, for it is from nature that they get everything they need.

The revelation of a loving, personal and merciful God made flesh in Jesus Christ, responds to the deep aspirations of the Bantu soul. It casts away fear and reinforces every aspect of LIFE. However, adherence to the new faith is a demanding proposition, requiring adjustments in the practice of certain customs and cultural rites. The Good News is a seed of life. When it is received, it takes root in the culture of the people and integrates genuine human values, purifying them and restoring them to the fullness of their meaning. The Spirit of God makes all things new in the hearts of those who welcome Him with an upright and sincere soul.

Text MIC MISSION NEWS (October-November-December 2002)
Louise Denis, m.i.c.