Catholic leader discusses charitable mission

Rabbi Yaakov Glasman of St Kilda Shule hosted Catholic Bishop Edwin Mwansa Mulandu of Zambia in what was the Bishop’s first ever visit to a synagogue.

The meeting, which recently took place at East Melbourne Synagogue with permission from Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, included a tour of the synagogue where Bishop Mulandu showed particular interest in the Torah scroll.

Bishop Mulandu was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Mpika by Pope Francis in April 2021, and he is visiting Australia as part of the Catholic Mission’s drive to support women in Zambia.

“Bishop Edwin spoke with deep sincerity about his mission to support vulnerable young women through education and shelter, especially those who walk long distances each day just to attend school,” Rabbi Glasman said.

“His passion for building a dormitory to provide them with safety and dignity was incredible.”

The meeting also included Melbourne’s Catholic Archbishop Peter Comensoli at the Catholic Diocese offices in East Melbourne.

During discussions about pastoral care, Rabbi Glasman told the Bishop that St Kilda Hebrew Congregation has around 1500 members, which he noted was quite large by Australian standards.

When he asked Bishop Mulandu about his congregation, the response was striking.

“He replied 300,000! I was blown away. He is a pastoral carer also to fellow pastoral carers, and his love for his people is nothing short of inspirational,” Rabbi Glasman said.

Bishop Mulandu has implemented numerous initiatives in his rural diocese to address poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, food insecurity, and lack of proper medical equipment.

These include the Maize Mill Project to provide food and income for families, hospital equipment projects, and a boarding school project.

Following the meeting, Bishop Mulandu expressed gratitude for the interfaith exchange.

“Dear Rabbi Yaakov, thank you for your generous friendship and for sharing the needs of my people with your community,” he said.

“Your generosity and willingness to work with us in mission is a true expression of interfaith solidarity and compassion. I am sincerely grateful. Shalom and thank you very much.”