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Likuni Parish CCJP Urges Chiefs to Champion Political Tolerance Ahead of Malawi’s General Elections

The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) at Likuni Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe has urged local chiefs to promote political tolerance as Malawi prepares for its general elections on September 16.

This call was made during a meeting at the Parish, where CCJP and chiefs gathered to discuss how best they can foster peace and unity among different political parties in their respective areas during the campaign period.

Likuni Parish CCJP chairperson, Francisco Lead, emphasized the crucial role chiefs play in holding politicians accountable while also educating their communities on the importance of coexistence.

According to Lead, CCJP and chiefs have agreed to convene a debate among all political candidates contesting in Likuni, where the candidates will sign a social contract, committing to the promises they will make during campaign period regarding the constituency’s development.

Francisco Lead Likuni Parish CCJP chairperson

“We organized this meeting to engage chiefs on political tolerance and the promotion of peace. We have observed that some political parties exploit funerals in various areas to conduct campaigns, which is highly inappropriate, especially since the official campaign period has not yet begun,” Lead stated.

In his remarks, Group Village Head Malili commended Likuni Parish CCJP for facilitating the discussion, stating that it has empowered chiefs to take an active role in peacebuilding efforts within their communities.

GVH Malili emphasizing a point

Malili also urged fellow chiefs to take the lead in condemning political violence occurring in their areas.

The meeting brought together chiefs from different areas under Likuni to strategize on ways to uphold peace and ensure politicians remain accountable ahead of the general elections.

By Titus Jata Phiri

 

 

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CHAMINADE MARIANIST SECONDARY SCHOOL HELPS THE ELDERLY PEOPLE

Educational institutions across the country have been urged to prioritize the welfare of vulnerable people living near their schools, thereby providing effective education and fostering the holistic development of students.

Perpetual Chimwala, Secretary in the Chaplaincy department at Chaminade Marianist Secondary School in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, made this statement on Saturday, May 24, after a successful charity event held at the institution.

Chimwala highlighted the importance of a holistic education, encouraging students to apply what they learn in school to positively impact their communities.

“It’s important for school administrations to involve learners in almsgiving activities so they can follow Jesus Christ’s teachings,” she said. “He said, ‘let little children come to me,’ so besides teaching them academic work, they also need to do charity work. This will fill their school and home communities with love.”

She further explained that while the charity work was initially planned as a Lenten season activity, it was deliberately held later to teach students that almsgiving isn’t limited to a specific time of year.

In his remarks, one of the beneficiaries, Davison Chimphepo from Chinkhoko village, expressed profound gratitude for the donations.

“I’m speechless. This is my first time receiving such gifts,” Chimphepo said. “This school is truly helping us by encouraging our children to work hard. We hope the management will consider supporting even more children from around the school. We, the elderly, feel encouraged and thankful to God.”

Through its Chaplaincy department, Chaminade Marianist Secondary School students, staff, and management distributed essential items such as maize flour, sugar, soya pieces, salt, and soap to approximately 23 elderly beneficiaries in the surrounding community.

By Alex Nasoni

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Ken Zikhale Ng’oma to represent Nkhatabay south constituency on MCP ticket

Incumbent Member of Parliament for Nkhata-Bay South Constituency, Ken Zikhale Ng’oma has been unanimously confirmed as the Malawi Congress Party’s candidate for the upcoming elections, standing unopposed.

Ng’oma’s has been confirmed on Sunday at Chifira Primary School in his constituency.

Ken Zikhale Ng’oma signing sheet

 

Affectionately known as Nyama Zikuluzikulu in political circles, he has expressed gratitude for the trust bestowed upon him by his constituents and their confidence in the leadership of President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera.

In light of his re-nomination, Ng’oma has pledged to continue advancing development projects in the constituency if re-elected.

He has also urged residents to maintain their support for the Chakwera-led government.

“I want to thank President Lazarus Chakwera for the development initiatives in this area, which have contributed to my unchallenged position in the primary elections,” Ng’oma stated.

In regard of this, he has announced that his campaign will be launched soon, emphasizing his commitment to ensure that Nkhata-Bay district is represented by more Members of Parliament.

Additionally, at the same event, shadow councillors for Mbamba Ward, Job Chirwa, and Tukombo Ward Councillor, Mauka Chirwa, have also been confirmed as candidates without opposition.

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Church News

Some chiefs hail catholic church’s role in guiding the youth

Catholic Chiefs at St. Mathias Lumbadzi Parish

Some chiefs in the country have commended the Catholic Church for its commitment to organizing youth gatherings aimed at assisting them to reflect on their lives and further the development of the church and the country.

Village headman Matswana, who is also the chairperson of the association of Catholic Chiefs in St. Matthias Lumbadzi Parish, said this during the vocation day celebration on May 10th at Lumbadzi Parish in Lilongwe.

Catholic Chiefs at St. Mathias Lumbadzi Parish during mass celebration 

 

Village headman Matswana stated that youths are very instrumental in development activities in their villages, the country, and the church, which calls for their responsible behavior.

“Because youths are energetic, they are supposed to widen their knowledge of important information about their lives. As such, they need to refrain from all sorts of bad behavior like drinking beer, smoking, and sexual activities, which can jeopardize their vocations,” said village headman Matswana.

The chief added that such church gatherings give youths a chance to reflect and discern deeply and honestly about their vocations to family life, as priests, in religious life, and in single life as they develop the church and the country.

The chiefs attending a mass celebration

In his remarks, the chairperson of the youths in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Chrispin Limbe, thanked Monsignor Thawale and village headman Matswana for encouraging and enlightening them to work hard in school, be prayerful, and be hardworking, saying this can help them grow both physically and spiritually.

“We thank our church, the Catholic Church, for organizing these gatherings every year for us to appreciate various vocations. We learn a lot. I ask my fellow youths wherever they are to use the internet wisely for education and not for evil things. Youths are supposed to live a prayerful life so that they are helped to choose the right vocation for them,” Chrispin said.

The function, which started with mass led by Monsignor Patrick Thawale, took place at St. Matthias Lumbadzi Parish in Lilongwe under the theme “Youths as Missionaries of Hope.”

By Alex Nasoni

 

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Church News

Youths urged to find their calling through faith and learning

Monsignor Patrick Thawale

Youths in the country have been called upon to use their daily life activities to reflect on their vocations, using education, prayer life, and conscience as driving forces.

 

Monsignor Patrick Thawale of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, made the appeal on Saturday, May 10th, at St. Matthias Lumbadzi Parish in Lilongwe during the celebration of Vocation Day.

Monsignor Patrick Thawale

 

“Youths have to use their diverse talents and strengths in serving God and fellow human beings in their communities. For the youths who are into technology, I urge them to use it for education’s sake, which can help develop their communities, and not use it for bad intentions which can ruin their lives,” said Monsignor Thawale.

 

Monsignor Thawale added that youths are pillars of development in the Church and the country by using their energies and intelligence.

 

“Youths are supposed to continue to reflect on all things happening in their lives to choose their vocations as priests, sisters, religious, and single life in serving God and fellow human beings. As such, I urge all the youths to be prayerful and read various Catholic encyclicals which help to know God. They need to use that to develop the Church and the country through the guidance of the Holy Spirit in choosing their vocations,” added Monsignor Thawale.

 

In her remarks, Grace Phiri, from Salima Parish thanked the Monsignor for encouraging them to work hard in all aspects so that they choose their vocations wisely for the benefit of the Church and the country.

 

“Today’s function (Vocation Day) has helped us know the importance of hard work, education, and a prayerful life. It is true that when we pray hard and read the Word of God frequently, we shall ably choose the right vocations,” said Grace.

 

The Vocation Day took place at St. Matthias Lumbadzi Parish in Lilongwe under the theme “Youths as Missionaries of Hope.”

By Alex Nasoni

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Sisters of Charity of Ottawa Celebrate 180 Years of Existence

CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF LILONGWE

The Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe today celebrated 180 years of its existence worldwide, as well as 25 years of sisterhood for Sister Jenipher Machemba.

 

The celebration also included the first profession of vows for Sister Triza Kumbanda, Sister Rosaline Kanjeli, and Sister Prisca Letiyas at St. Joseph (Ludzi) Parish in Mchinji district.

 

The ceremony was led by the Auxiliary Bishop of Chipata Diocese of Zambia, Bishop Gabriel Msipu, who commended the sisters for their dedicated service in the Archdiocese.

Bishop Gabriel Msipu

Bishop Msipu emphasized the importance of recognizing the sisters’ contributions in various sectors of life, especially in Malawi, as the congregation marks 180 years of service.

 

“We should appreciate the sisters for their valuable work, such as in hospitals, schools, and other initiatives that greatly impact people’s lives,” he said.

 

His Lordship also encouraged the newly professed sisters to remain committed and contribute positively to the congregation’s mission.

In her remarks, Regional Animator of the congregation in Malawi, Sister Adelaida Jere, reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their work based on the congregation’s charism, which is Love and Compassion.

Sr. Jere

 

Sister Jere urged the sisters to stay dedicated to their chosen path in serving the Catholic Church.

 

“Let us remain focused on our mission and adhere to the congregation’s charism so we can serve the church effectively,” said Sister Jere.

During the ceremony, Sister Rosaline Kanjeli Wanga has been assigned to support development projects at St. Louis Convent, Sister Triza Kumbanda has been assigned to assist in hospital services at Holy Family Convent, while Sister Prisca Letiyas has been assigned to help with parish activities at Guilleme Parish.

 

The Congregation of Sisters of Charity of Ottawa was founded in 1845 and arrived in Malawi in 1946, establishing themselves in Guilleme Parish, Mchinji.

 

Currently, the congregation has 58 sisters serving in various parishes in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, particularly in the Mchinji deanery.

By Titus Jata Phiri