We Are Going Ahead With Candlelight Prayers – Roman Catholic Church

132 Views The Archdiocese of Lusaka has reaffirmed that its Candlelight Prayers for Peace will go ahead as scheduled on Wednesday, 12th August 2026, in all parishes across the Archdiocese. In a press statement released today, the Archdiocese said it had noted concerns raised in a letter dated 6th August 2026 from the Secretary General […]

132 Views

The Archdiocese of Lusaka has reaffirmed that its Candlelight Prayers for Peace will go ahead as scheduled on Wednesday, 12th August 2026, in all parishes across the Archdiocese.

In a press statement released today, the Archdiocese said it had noted concerns raised in a letter dated 6th August 2026 from the Secretary General of the United Party for National Development regarding the prayers.

The Archdiocese stated unequivocally that the prayers will proceed as planned. It said the position is consistent with a communique issued on 4th August 2026 by the Rector of the Marian Shrine, Fr. Felix Banda, which explained that the candlelight prayers are purely spiritual.

According to the statement, the prayers are intended to invoke God’s peace upon the nation throughout the entire electoral process. The Archdiocese stressed that the prayers have no political connotations whatsoever and should not be interpreted or portrayed as supporting or opposing any political party, candidate, or interest group.

The statement further noted that the candlelight prayers form part of the ongoing Novena of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Novena began 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.

It said 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. The Archdiocese described it as a longstanding devotional exercise of the Catholic faithful centered 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 statement read. The Archdiocese reiterated that the prayers scheduled for 12th August are an integral part of the 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 have been encouraged to participate prayerfully and, after the conclusion of the prayers, to make donations.

This was after the United Party for National Development (UPND) had written to the Catholic Archdiocese of Lusaka requesting the cancellation of a planned candlelight prayer programme scheduled for August 12, 2026, a day before the General Elections.

In a letter addressed to Father Felix Banda, UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda expressed concern that the event could be misconstrued as political due to its timing and symbolism.

Imenda said that while prayer and candlelighting are part of the Christian tradition, holding such an event on the eve of the elections raises serious concerns.

“Our serious concern which needs your urgent attention is that while prayer is key in our Christian Nation at such a critical moment, the timing, the activity of lighting candles and linking such an activity to politics and peace arouses serious anxiety,” the letter stated.

He further noted that a candle and a lamp are official symbols submitted to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) by some political parties contesting in the 2026 General Elections.

“Simply put, the temptation is that the planned activity may arouse and attract political party members using a candle or lamp as their symbol to make it a political procession,” Imenda stated.

He added that such a development could create political anxiety among church members and citizens who do not subscribe to political parties whose symbols include a candle or a lamp.

According to Imenda, the planned undertaking risks giving the event political overtones rather than maintaining its intended religious character, as it may be associated with official political symbols used by parties participating in the 2026 General Elections.