The Archdiocese of New Orleans has been made aware of the conviction of Michael Mulenga, a priest of the Diocese of Ndola, Zambia for simple battery. Mulenga was assigned here by the Neocathecumenal community and is not a priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Archbishop Aymond immediately withdrew his priestly faculties within the archdiocese when law enforcement informed us of the allegation. Mulenga has been out of ministry since January of 2020.
Mulenga had been living and serving as the chaplain at Roquette Lodge. In addition to not being able to minister as a priest, he was removed from his residence at Roquette Lodge pending the investigation. In full cooperation with law enforcement, the archdiocese agreed to provide a place for Mulenga to live within the archdiocese under supervision for the duration of the investigation.
We are very saddened by this situation. Our prayers are with the victim and the family.
Fr. Michael Mulenga should not be confused with the active pastor at St. Augustine Church in New Orleans of the same last name who remains in good standing.