Zambia covers 683,689 KM2 (larger than France) and has approximately 11.7 million inhabitants whose two thirds are Catholics. 17 SMA missionaries are present in two of the ten dioceses (Lusaka and Ndola), and 11 SMA priests from Zambia are on mission across Africa.

The Bernard Wieggers’ Formation House
The Society of African Missions (SMA) opened in 1995 in Kabwe a formation house for preparing future Zambian SMA missionaries: the Bernard Wieggers House. The students at this house engage in philosophical studies which prepare them for theological studies before ordination. Ten young men are presently at the house, accompanied by two priests in the formation team: Fr. Arthur Solomon (Ghana) and Robbin Kamemba (Kenya). For three years, the SMA candidate engages in studies while developing his personal commitment to Christ and the Church to become capable of sharing the charism of the SMA: to be a missionary among Africans, especially among the most neglected. As a Priest, he will live this missionary vocation in commitment to celibacy and lead a simple life, in an international and intercultural apostolic community.

A turning point
Within the SMA, Zambia is part of the district-in-formation of the Great Lakes Region which includes South Africa, Angola, Congo-Kinshasa, Kenya and Tanzania. In 2008, the SMA leadership considered giving the Bernard Wieggers Formation House a new direction: to become an interregional preparatory year center which would receive SMA candidates from five anglophone countries of the district-in-formation for one year. This program will involve personnel from other missionary institutes present in Kabwe (the SVD Fathers, Salesian Fathers, Sisters of Charity, Holy Family Sisters) and St. Augustine’s diocesan seminary. This program will begin in the academic year 2010-2011. Henceforth, SMA students from Zambia will continue their philosophical studies in Nairobi (Kenya).

Some challenges
The Bernard Wieggers Formation House consists of four main buildings: Two students’ blocks, the chapel and the formation team house. One of the students’ block has eight rooms (each capable of keeping two students). It also has a kitchen, a dining room, a library and a small computer room. The other students’ block has three small rooms and enough space to create two more rooms after some modifications of the building. Generally speaking, the structures are still standing strong and very utilizable. However, it is time to do major renovations on the buildings so as to prolong their life and maintain their aesthetic value. The roofs of both the students’ blocks and the chapel which leak at various points during the rainy season need to be fixed. A number of cracks on both students’ blocks have appeared which need to be attended to before they become bigger. It is time to repaint all the buildings in the property. This presents a major financial challenge for us Moreover, in the dry season, water is a problem. The 2,500-liter tank is barely enough to cover needs. Only a well will ensure a continuous supply. The arrival the new SMA candidates will greatly increase the demand for accommodation space and water.

An appeal
The various works mentioned above present a major financial challenge for us. We have estimated spending about USD100,000 for all the house to be fully refurbished. We are appealing to the generosity of all those interested in the development of the Gospel in Africa. Anyone willing to assist can contact Fr. Robbin Kamemba for further details.