15/08/2026
MY JOURNEY IN THE XAVERIAN MOVEMENT:
A Testament of Faith and Service - By Immanuel Bwembya Maiseke (Ibm)
Eleven years ago, I answered a profound call to service—a call that led me into the heartbeat of the Xaverian Movement. Today, as I look back on a journey marked by three years of the Silver Cross Promise and nine years of the Green/Bronze Cross Promise, I see more than just a personal timeline. I see the moving hand of God, the fire of youth ministry, and the undeniable power of perseverance in faith.
My journey began in 2014 at Kacema Musuma Parish - Kasompe in the Archdiocese of Ndola (then Ndola Diocese). Like many young souls seeking purpose, I entered the initial formation for the Uniform and First Promise. However, God’s plans often take us on unexpected detours. After writing my Grade 9 examinations in 2015, life relocated me to Kabwe. I left before I could make that first official promise, but the seeds of the Xaverian charism had already been deeply planted in my heart.
Arriving at Charles Lwanga Parish-Kabwe , I faced a spiritual desert: there was no active Xaverian Movement. While I sought community in the Altar Servers Club, my soul longed for the unique missionary fire of the Xaverians. True faith, however, does not sit still when it encounters an empty field; it cultivates it. Driven by the Xaverian spirit of zeal, two friends— Isaac and Raymond —and I set out to plant the seeds. Together, we recruited 81 eager members.
Recognizing our passion, Fr. Silvio Borges, SVD, gave us a challenge: remain consistent for two weeks, and the movement would become official. As the only one with prior knowledge, the responsibility of leading the lessons fell on my shoulders. It was a humbling reminder that God does not always call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Soon, the Holy Spirit brought laborers to the harvest. We were blessed to be joined by Joseph Chali (a dedicated, browsed member from St Veronica parish -kabwe diocese), the late Alike from Lusaka, Mr. Pearson from Mansa, and countless others. With the strong backing of our Deanery and Diocesan leaders like Hique and Petros, our small spark became a roaring flame.
On December 16, 2017, in Mkushi, at St Anthony of Padua parish mkushi, that flame yielded its first great harvest: 33 dedicated members from St. Charles Lwanga were officially browsed and made their Green/Bronze Cross Promises. Even when trials arose—such as the severe cholera outbreak that disrupted our schools and suspended gatherings—our resilience never wavered. We kept the movement alive because our mission was anchored in something greater than circumstance.
In December 2018, my path brought me back to Ndola, where I joined St. John The Baptist Catholic Church - New Kaloko. Embraced as a Teacher, I was given the beautiful privilege of guiding new souls, including Peter Chishimba, into the light of our movement. God continued to expand my territory of service, leading to my appointment as Assistant Commander of Bwanamkubwa Deanery Xaverian Movement. Working alongside dedicated teams led by leaders like abena Smith, abena Moses ba 3 Pin, and later abena Moses Sibusiku, I learned the true meaning of collaborative ministry.
The pinnacle of this chapter came on April 15, 2023, at St. Elizabeth under the Ndola Deanery, where I finally made my Silver Cross Promise. Today, the journey continues as I dedicate myself to preparing the next generation for their own Silver Cross Lessons.
To my fellow youth and companions in Christ: the Xaverian Movement is not just a Movement, a group or family; it is a life-transforming mission. It challenges us to be bold witnesses of the Gospel where we live, study, and pray. If you are seeking a place to grow in faith, to lead with integrity, and to serve Christ with radical joy, I encourage you to step forward.
My heart overflows with gratitude for every Promoter, Patron, Teacher, and fellow Xaverian across our various Arch/Dioceses, deaneries and parishes who walked this path with me. Special thanks to Fr. Mumbi, Fr. Jacob Daka, Fr. Silvio, and the many priests who have been our spiritual anchors. The list of those who shaped my faith is endless.
To my Xaverian brothers and sisters: let us keep the fire burning. If there are memories or milestones I have missed in this brief history, I warmly invite you to add your voice to this article. Let us continue to march forward, united in faith, for the greater glory of God!
