Candle Light Mass Across Lusaka to go Ahead- Archbishop Alick Banda

Candle Light Mass Across Lusaka to go Ahead ARCHDIOCESE OF LUSAKA REAFFIRMS CANDLELIGHT PRAYERS FOR PEACE WILL PROCEED AS SCHEDULED The Archdiocese of Lusaka has noted the concerns contained in the letter dated 6th August 2026 from the Secretary General of the United Party for National Development (UPND) regarding the Candlelight Prayers for Peace scheduled […]

Candle Light Mass Across Lusaka to go Ahead

ARCHDIOCESE OF LUSAKA REAFFIRMS CANDLELIGHT PRAYERS FOR PEACE WILL PROCEED AS SCHEDULED

The Archdiocese of Lusaka has noted the concerns contained in the letter dated 6th August 2026 from the Secretary General of the United Party for National Development (UPND) regarding the Candlelight Prayers for Peace scheduled for Wednesday, 12th August 2026.

We wish to state, unequivocally and without ambiguity, that the Candlelight Prayers for Peace will proceed as scheduled in all parishes across the Archdiocese of Lusaka.

This position is consistent with the communiqué issued by the Rector of the Marian Shrine, Fr. Felix Banda, dated 4th August 2026, which clearly explained that the proposed candlelight prayers are purely spiritual and intended to invoke God’s peace upon our nation throughout the entire electoral process. The prayers have no political connotations whatsoever and should neither be interpreted nor portrayed as supporting or opposing any political party, candidate, or interest group.

Furthermore, the candlelight prayers form part of the ongoing Novena of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which commenced on 6th August 2026 and will conclude on 14th August 2026, on the eve of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Novena is currently being observed in every parish throughout the Archdiocese of Lusaka and is also being broadcast daily by Radio Maria Zambia – Yatsani Voice. It is a longstanding devotional exercise of the Catholic faithful centred on prayer, repentance, hope and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

To attribute political motives to this sacred devotion is both unfortunate and a complete misunderstanding of its purpose. The Archdiocese therefore reiterates that the prayers scheduled for 12th August are an integral part of this Novena and remain entirely spiritual.

As earlier communicated, the Candlelight Prayers for Peace will take place in all parishes of the Archdiocese of Lusaka. The faithful are encouraged to participate prayerfully and, after the conclusion of the prayers, donate the candles used to their respective parishes so that they may continue to serve in the liturgical life of the Church.

The Catholic Church has, from the earliest centuries of Christianity, employed candles in her worship and devotional life. Their use is deeply rooted in Sacred Scripture and the Church’s liturgical tradition. Candles symbolise Christ, “the Light of the World” (John 8:12), who dispels the darkness of sin and death. Our Lord Himself declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12).
Likewise, the faithful are reminded of Christ’s instruction, “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14–16)

The Church’s liturgical tradition also recognises the profound symbolism of light. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), No. 117, directs that candles are to be used in every celebration of Mass “as an expression of reverence and festiveness.” During the Easter Vigil, the liturgy proclaims Christ as the Light who triumphs over darkness through the lighting of the Paschal Candle, from which the faithful light their own candles as a visible sign of sharing in the light of Christ.

Similarly, the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that visible signs and symbols are employed in the Church’s liturgy to signify invisible spiritual realities (cf. CCC 1145–1152). The use of candles is therefore not an innovation, nor does it carry hidden political symbolism; rather, it is a sacred expression of prayer, hope, vigilance and faith in God’s saving presence.

For time immemorial, the Catholic Church has used candles during the celebration of Holy Mass every single day, during Eucharistic Adoration, baptisms, funerals, weddings, processions, Marian devotions, the Easter Vigil, and numerous other liturgical celebrations. There is therefore nothing unusual, suspicious or sinister about the planned Candlelight Prayers for Peace.

Indeed, candlelight prayer services have long been a recognised expression of Christian solidarity with those who suffer and a means of praying for important national and global concerns. Every year, for example, many Catholic communities commemorate World AIDS Day on 1st December with candlelight prayer services in remembrance of those who have died, in solidarity with those living with HIV and AIDS, and in prayer for healing and hope. Such gatherings have never been understood as political events but as moments of Christian compassion and intercession.

The Archdiocese respectfully submits that prayer should never be politicised. Prayer is neither the property of any political party nor the preserve of any ideological persuasion. Every Zambian, regardless of political affiliation, stands in need of God’s peace, wisdom and protection.

The Catholic Church does not organise prayers to advance partisan interests. Her mission remains the proclamation of the Gospel, the sanctification of God’s people, and the promotion of peace, justice, reconciliation and the common good. Whenever the Church calls the faithful to prayer, she does so in fidelity to her divine mandate and pastoral responsibility to entrust the nation to God’s providence.

The Archdiocese therefore respectfully urges all political stakeholders and members of the public to refrain from assigning political motives to genuine acts of worship and devotion. Instead, all people of goodwill are invited to join in praying that Zambia continues to be blessed with peaceful elections, mutual respect, national unity and lasting reconciliation.

The Archdiocese of Lusaka remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering peace, dialogue and national unity through prayer and will continue to fulfil this sacred mission without fear or favour.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9).

Issued by

ARCHDIOCESE OF LUSAKA
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE