Bishop of the Archdiocese of Blantyre, Thomas Luke Msusa has recommended members of the Catholic Church within the diocese for demonstrating resilience amidst Covid-19 pandemic.
He made the remark on Saturday at St. Montfort Catholic Institute (CI) Parish throughout the ordination of 5 deacons to priesthood which coincided with Silver Jubilee celebrations of three monks in Blantyre.
The 5 ordained as monks are; Fr. Augustine Chochoma, Fr. Vincent Matewere, Fr. Richard Chikumbu, Fr. Francisco Malata and Fr. Cyril Nkhoswe whereas those that celebrated Silver Jubilee have been Fr. Peter Phiri, Fr. Ignatius Gazani and Fr. Charles Manyenje.
Msusa stated that, “I’m very impressed with the resilience demonstrated by the Christians within the archdiocese regardless of the results of Covid-19. It has introduced a variety of social and financial challenges which didn’t spare the church.”
He stated it was not simple for the pastoral workplace to mobilize sources for various actions within the church as a consequence of Covid-19 restrictions, noting that the ordination and the Silver Jubilee had been profitable, however.
The Prelate who’s Chairperson for the Episcopal Convention of Malawi (ECM) recommended the archdiocese fundraising committee for being instrumental in mobilizing contributions in direction of the 2 occasions.
Msusa appealed to the Catholic religion within the archdiocese to contemplate supporting the medical scheme initiative for monks, saying the intervention dubbed ‘undertake a priest’ might be embraced by people, wards or parishes.
“To this impact, I’ve written letters to particular person members of the church looking for assist to the medical scheme of our monks,” he added.
On the institution of Kuwala Radio by the archdiocese to be airing on FM 101.3, the Bishop stated it was essential to make a whole lot of noise for Jesus Christ and never essentially taking on the mandate of different radio stations already in existence like Radio Maria Malawi.
“The target of creating a radio station within the archdiocese is to broadcast the excellent news of Jesus Christ and in addition to amplify the voices of various organisations of the Catholic Church,” he added.
Earlier, in his homily, Msusa stated the ordination of 5 monks within the diocese was a logo of progress whereas the silver jubilee for the three monks was a milestone which referred to as for celebration.
He referred to as for the monks each previous and new to stay trustworthy to the vows of chastity, obedience and celibacy which have been the cornerstones of priesthood, saying: “In reality, priesthood isn’t just about serving God however serving his flock with undivided consideration.”
Join free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the most recent in African information delivered straight to your inbox
Msusa requested monks specifically and the Catholic trustworthy on the whole to try at emulating the instance of Jesus Christ as outlined in John 10:7-14; whereby, Christ teaches on a Good Shepherd.
“From the small Christian group to the parish, we have to have leaders who’re organized to steer and direct Christians to salvation,” he stated, including that everybody is baptized and despatched to be shepherd which is additional complemented by the Sacrament of Affirmation.
Blantyre Archdiocese Vocations Director, Fr. Cuthbert Mkwezalamba stated regardless of dealing with a number of challenges within the 12 months simply ending with Covid-19 rating extremely, it was not simple to arrange the ordination and the silver jubilee.
“I’ll fail in my obligation if I do not point out what we have learnt from you (deacons) by means of your perseverance… the ordination was scheduled to happen in July 2020 however was delayed as a consequence of Covid-19. Your endurance could be very excellent,” he stated.
In the meantime, Fr. Chochoma has been posted to Bangwe Parish whereas Fr. Matewere will serve at Chisitu as Fr. Chikumbu can be heading to Pius VII Minor Seminary and Fr. Malata can be at Limbe Cathedral.
Fr. Nkhoswe who belongs to the Pallotine Spiritual Congregation returns to South Africa to finish his research.
