Medardo Joseph Mazombwe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Medardo Joseph Mazombwe |
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|---|---|
| Archbishop Emeritus of Lusaka | |
| Archdiocese | Lusaka |
| See | Lusaka |
| Appointed | 30 November 1996 |
| Reign ended | 28 October 2006 |
| Predecessor | Adrian Mung'andu |
| Successor | Telesphore George Mpundu |
| Other posts | Cardinal-Priest of Santa Emerenziana a Tor Fiorenza (2010-13) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 4 September 1960 |
| Consecration | 7 February 1971 by Emmanuel Milingo, Firmin Courtemanche, M. Afr., and James Corby, S.J. |
| Created Cardinal | 20 November 2010 |
| Rank | Cardinal-Priest |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Medardo Joseph Mazombwe |
| Born | 24 September 1931 Chundamira, Zambia |
| Died | 29 August 2013 (aged 81) Lusaka, Zambia |
| Buried | Lusaka Cathedral |
| Parents | Joseph Adrian Mazombwe Eugenia Phiri |
| Previous post |
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| Alma mater | University of Lusaka |
Medardo Joseph Mazombwe (born September 24, 1931 – died August 29, 2013) was a very important leader in the Catholic Church. He was from Zambia and became the first person from his country to be named a Cardinal. A Cardinal is a high-ranking official in the Catholic Church, just below the Pope.
He served as the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lusaka from 1996 to 2006. Before that, he was the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Chipata from 1970 to 1996.
Contents
Who Was Cardinal Mazombwe?
Cardinal Medardo Joseph Mazombwe was a respected figure who dedicated his life to serving people through the church. He was known for his leadership and his efforts to help his community.
His Journey in the Church
Medardo Joseph Mazombwe was born in Chundamira, Zambia. He decided to become a priest and was ordained on September 4, 1960. Later, he became a bishop on February 7, 1971.
He served as the Bishop of Chipata for many years. In 1996, he became the Archbishop of Lusaka, which is a very important role in the church in Zambia.
Becoming a Cardinal
On November 20, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI chose Mazombwe to become a Cardinal. This happened at a special ceremony called a consistory. As a Cardinal, he was given the title of Cardinal-Priest of Santa Emerenziana a Tor Fiorenza. This was a huge honor for him and for Zambia.
Important Roles and Campaigns
Cardinal Mazombwe held several important positions in the church. He was the president of the Zambia Episcopal Conference three times (1972–1975, 1988–1990, and 1999–2002). This group helps guide the Catholic Church in Zambia.
He also led the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (A.M.E.C.E.A.) from 1979 to 1986. This organization brings together church leaders from many countries in Eastern Africa.
Cardinal Mazombwe was a strong supporter of debt cancellation for Zambia in the 1980s. This meant asking other countries to forgive the money Zambia owed them, so the country could use that money to help its people. He was part of a campaign called the Jubilee movement. He also started many new projects to help communities develop in different parts of Zambia, including the Mumpanshya area in Chongwe.
Legacy
After Cardinal Mazombwe passed away on August 29, 2013, people remembered his contributions. A foundation and a school in Chipata were named after him. This was done to honor his memory and his work in education and community development.
