On June 1, 2026, Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral became the setting for a joyful celebration of grace, faith and gratitude as the Church of Montreal and local and visiting faithful gathered to mark the silver jubilee of Father Jean-Chrysostome Zoloshi. Twenty-five years ago, he was ordained to the priesthood by the late Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte, Archbishop of Montreal, the beginning of a life given entirely to the service of God, the Church and the people of God.

A native of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Father Zoloshi holds a singular place in the history of the Catholic Church in Canada: he is the first African priest ordained for the Archdiocese of Montreal. In doing so, he helped open the door to a growing African presence within the Montreal clergy and offered a living witness to the universal character of the Church.

His priestly ministry has been shaped by exemplary faithfulness and steady engagement with the Church's mission. Over twenty-five years, he has served successively as a parochial assistant, a pastor, secretary to the Archbishop of Montreal, and priest-in-charge of Notre-Dame d'Afrique de Montréal Mission (Our Lady of Africa Mission of Montreal). Through each of these roles, he has contributed to the pastoral care of the faithful, to the vitality of the local Church, and to the spiritual integration of African Catholic communities within the archdiocese.

Today, Father Zoloshi serves as Administrative Director of Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral and the Archbishop's Residence. Over the years, Father Zoloshi has earned a reputation for genuine pastoral presence. Those who know him speak of his availability, his gentleness, his attentive listening and his closeness to those in his care, qualities that have won him the respect of his brother priests, the affection of his parishioners and the regard of the wider Catholic community of Montreal.

The jubilee Mass was led by Archbishop Christian Lépine of Montreal and concelebrated by Bishop Vincent Tshomba Shamba Kotsho of the Diocese of Tshumbe, DRC. Also present was His Excellency Joska Kabongo Ngoy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of Congo to Canada. The celebration drew a large gathering of priests, men and women religious, lay faithful, friends, family members and representatives of the Congolese and broader African community across Canada. In an atmosphere of joy and thanksgiving, the assembly gave thanks for a fruitful ministry that, over twenty-five years, has touched and shaped the spiritual lives of many.

Among the most moving moments of the celebration was the presence of Father Zoloshi's parents. Twenty-five years after accompanying their son through his vocational discernment and standing beside him at his ordination, they were given the grace of being present once more to share in his jubilee. Their participation moved the assembly deeply and spoke to the irreplaceable role of the family in nurturing and sustaining a priestly vocation. Quiet and unassuming, their presence gave the celebration a human and spiritual depth that words could only partially convey.

Beyond its religious significance, this jubilee is also a source of pride for the Congolese community. In his life and ministry, Father Zoloshi embodies the values of perseverance, faithfulness, service and excellence that honour the Democratic Republic of Congo well beyond its borders. His witness speaks to the remarkable contribution of Congolese men and women to the spiritual, social and cultural life of the communities that have welcomed them.

In a world where lasting commitments have grown increasingly rare, twenty-five years of priestly faithfulness carry real weight. They remind us that selfless service, when sustained by faith, hope and charity, retains the power to transform individuals and communities alike.

In celebrating Father Jean-Chrysostome Zoloshi's silver jubilee, the Church of Montreal did more than mark an anniversary. She paid tribute to a life given in the service of the Gospel, to a fruitful ministry and to a man whose simplicity, faithfulness and pastoral leadership continue to inspire those around him and future generations.

May the Lord, who called him to his service a quarter century ago, continue to bless his ministry abundantly and accompany him in whatever missions lie ahead.

Professor Hervé Muyo, OMI, PhD
Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate
Professor and Researcher in Peace, Conflict, Governance and the Theology of Civic Engagement

Revisit the celebration here (available in French only):