The Mpunde Catholic Mission in Zambia was founded in 1960 amongst the BaLenje and BaLemba people by the then archbishop of Lusaka, Most Rev. Adam Kozłowiecki, SJ. Its considerable territory, covering over 180 km (or 112 miles) borders the marshy lands called the “Lukanga swamp”. Reaching the closest town, Kabwe, where one can shop for groceries, get mail or buy gas, requires driving over 40 kilometers (25 miles) on a bumpy and often muddy African road.

Even before establishing the mission, Polish Jesuits had built an elementary school in Mpunde. At the founding, another school for girls was built, as well as a small health center. It is easy to say that it is a Polish mission. During all these years, with a small break from 1981 to 1986, the mission has been under the care of first Polish Jesuits, and then priests from the Polish Fidei Donum Missionaries (diocesan priests).

Throughout the years thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our missionaries, new chapels have been added to the mission, where each Sunday the faithful gather for the Liturgy of the Word, and with a visit from one of our priests, they receive sacraments and attend Mass. During the week, our community also comes together for reading and reflection of the Bible in each of the prayer centers (currently 39). In more remote chapels, the priests are able to say Mass once every few weeks, and in the rainy season only after several months. Despite these difficulties and lack of access to the Sacraments, our people’s faith in God keeps on growing and more and more people join the Catholic Church. It is important to note that the territory of our mission resembles the size of territories of some dioceses, but only 2 priests, Fr. Jan Krzysztoń and Fr. Adam Pergół, provide all the necessary “services”.

Keeping in mind not only the religious life but also the basic development needs of our local population, we have been able to build 12 new chapels and 5 new elementary schools in the last 11 years. This was possible thanks to the help from our friends from Poland and Chicago (USA), from the Polish Episcopal Commission on Missions, as well as from those whom we have never met, but who fell in love with the African continent and our mission in Mpunde.

Today, the small health center in Mpunde, has become a hospital with 42 beds. The former elementary school for girls is now a secondary school with room and board for 400 girls. Next to the high school is a new grammar school. The hospital and both schools are administered by Zambian nuns from an order founded by Cardinal Adam Kozłowiecki SJ.

It is important to mention here that His Eminence Cardinal Adam Kozłowiecki SJ lived and served as an Associate Pastor on the Mpunde mission for over 15 years, until our Lord called him home in September 2007.