Catholic Missionary Priest in Zambia Posthumously Honored for Works in Art, Education

Ndola, 26 October, 2022 / 8:50 PM

The late Fr. Miha Michael Drevensek, a member of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, (OFM Conv.), is among the three recipients of the President's Insignia of Honor, which the President of Zambia awarded during the country’s 58th Independence celebration Monday, October 24.

Instituted in 1997, the presidential decoration is awarded to residents of Zambia who have offered valuable services worthy of special recognition and to those who, by their loyal and laudable conduct, have been of exceptional benefit to the Southern African nation.

In a statement read out during the 58th Independence Investure Ceremony on October 24, President Hakainde Hichilema said Fr. Miha’s contribution to development, education and art “deserves special commendation”.

The President of Zambia said that the Catholic Priest who died in 2011 pioneered the construction of Kalumbwa Secondary School and St. Joseph Secondary School in Zambia’s Lufwanyama District.

“Fr. Miha provided education for vulnerable children from primary to tertiary education,” President Hichilema during the independence celebration that was held at State House in Lusaka.

Fr. Miha “had a passion for art, especially music and supported the Mukuba awards,” the Zambian President said about the Slovenian-born Conventual Friar who died at the age of 65 years at the Miramar Private Hospital where he was being treated for a heart problem.

The Catholic Priest who served in the Southern Africa nation from 1973 also sponsored several musical bands and was instrumental in the establishment of Radio Icengelo of Zambia’s Catholic Diocese of Ndola.