Grotto improvements help accommodate parishioners

(MissionNewswire) St. John Bosco Church in Kazembe, Zambia, has completed construction and repairs of a grotto thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The work included roofing, plaster work and painting. Funds also provided for the installation of a PVC ceiling.

The Salesian parish is vast with 13 small churches, and parishioners may visit the main St. John Bosco Parish for special feasts and celebrations. With close to 6,700 people across the 13 locations and 570 people attending the St. John Bosco church, the structure needed improvements to accommodate everyone. The grotto will also help many Catholics to grow in their devotion to Mother Mary.

The whole community came together to help support the construction. Salesians report that parishioners came out to feed the bricklayers and those working to fix the ceiling. People have also stepped forward to offer volunteer services to help with maintenance.

Parishioner Martin Mulenga said, “Once the church was completed in 2004, it was left without the ceiling, and this brought a lot of challenges to the congregants due to overheating and rain. This project has resolved these challenges and parishioners can pray in a very conducive environment.”

He added, “The ceiling has also contributed to the beauty of the sacred Church, and many people who visit are very impressed with it. We thank the donors for the great support.”

Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.

Poverty is widespread in Zambia with 64% of the total population living below the poverty line. For those living in rural areas, the poverty rate rises to 80%, according to UNICEF. Over the past three decades, incomes in Zambia have fallen steadily, and people do not have enough money to meet basic needs such as shelter, nutritious food and medical care.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia