Canadian Jesuits International

  • Who we are
    • Vision, mission and values
    • CJI history
    • The Society of Jesus (Jesuits)
    • Provincial’s message
    • CJI board
    • CJI staff
    • Job opportunities
    • Tributes
  • International Programs
    • Education and Health
    • Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihood Support
    • Human Rights Defence and Community Organizing
    • Forcibly Displaced People and Humanitarian Action
    • Projects we support
  • Outreach
    • Youth for Others
    • Community engagement
    • Solidarity trips
    • Advocacy
    • Prayer
    • Your voices
  • Ways to give
    • Donate online
    • Monthly donations
    • One-time donations
    • Planned giving
    • Finances
    • CJI’s Privacy policy
  • Resources
    • Publications
      • Newsletters
      • Appeals
      • News archive
    • Multimedia
      • Video archive
      • Webinars
    • Our Partners
      • Project Partners
      • Jesuit Organizations
      • Sister Organizations
Donate
  • Home
  • 2020 Fall
  • Thank you Br Paul, welcome Fr Andrew!

Thank you Br Paul, welcome Fr Andrew!

08 September 2020 / Published in 2020 Fall

Thank you Br Paul, welcome Fr Andrew!

“Successful organic farming requires practical experience, an understanding of science and a keen eye to observe what is happening in nature.”

– Br Paul Desmarais SJ

The words “thank you” are not enough to express our gratitude for the nearly 50 years of service Br Paul Desmarais SJ devoted to Zambia and the Kasisi Agriculture Training Centre (KATC). Through his vision and leadership, KATC has helped hundreds of farmers attain sustainable livelihoods through organic farming. He has championed sustainable development and caring for the earth, our common home.

Br Paul first came to Zambia in 1971 and worked with the farmers in Kasisi Mission. After initially promoting conventional farming methods, he became an advocate of organic farming following the initial suggestion of Fr David Shulist SJ and after visiting organic farms in Ontario. Since 1990, all the produce coming from KATC have been organic.

In 2017, Br Paul wrote an article for CJI’s newsletter on his journey in Zambia. We share it again here with our friends and supporters: In Zambia: Looking back … looking forward.

We wish Br Paul the best as he moves on to his next adventure.

We also welcome Fr Andrew Simpasa SJ, the incoming director of KATC. Fr Andrew joined the Society of Jesus in 2010. He was Program Manager for the Socioeconomic Development Program at the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) in Lusaka, Zambia.  While at JCTR, he also served at St. Mary’s Parish in the Youth Ministry and Sunday Children’s services. He then studied Theology at Hekima College, Jesuit School of Theology, in Kenya, and undertook further studies at the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University in Berkeley, California. He was ordained a priest on August 6, 2019 in Lusaka.

Fr Andrew also brings with him over ten years of experience working for government agencies in the fields of human resources, risk assessment, budgets and program management.

We look forward to working with him at KATC.

 

Banner photo: Fr Andrew (left) and Br Paul during the turnover ceremony at KATC. Credit: Daniel Kalala. 

Author

  • CJI Staff

Tagged under: CJI news, Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre, KATC, zambia

COVID-19 Emergency Appeal

Nurses at Jesu Ashram undergo COVID-19 prevention and control training. Photo: Julius Kujur SJ

Bridging Borders

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Ways to give

  • Donate online
  • One-time donations
  • Monthly donations
  • Planned giving

@canadianjesuitsinternational

Follow us!
  • Who we are
  • International Programs
  • Outreach
  • Ways to give
  • Resources
Donate Now!

Follow us

Subscribe to our newsletter!


 Our Privacy Policy

Contact

Canadian Jesuits International

70 Saint Mary St
Toronto, ON
M5S 1J3
Canada

Tel: 416.465.1824
Toll Free (Canada and USA): 1.800.448.2148

Email: cji@jesuits.ca

© Canadian Jesuits International 2021

TOP
Resize font
Contrast
Accessibility by WAH