The Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe has called on the lay faithful to continue supporting missionary work through prayer and offerings as a way of strengthening unity and solidarity within the Catholic Church.

 

Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Right Reverend Vincent Frederick Mwakhwawa, made the call on Sunday, October 18, at St Francis de Sales Manyani Parish in Kasungu district during a Eucharistic celebration marking World Mission Sunday and 100 years of the Propagation of the Faith, which he presided over.

Bishop Mwakhwawa said the Catholic Church promotes unity and solidarity through collective prayer and material contributions, adding that the faithful’s shared commitment has contributed to the growth of the Church.

 

“Let me say here that, as the universal Church, we believe that unity and solidarity can be achieved through praying together as lay faithful in order to accomplish the mission of evangelisation in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe,” said Bishop Mwakhwawa.

 

Meanwhile, Archdiocesan Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) Director Fr Geoffrey Chikapa has expressed gratitude for the turnout of the lay faithful at this year’s World Mission Sunday celebration, describing them as important partners in the Church’s missionary activities.

 

Fr Chikapa said the faithful’s offerings and participation in missionary activities, including mission animation, demonstrate that they are increasingly understanding the teachings of the Church.

 

“I’m grateful for the turnout of the lay faithful of St Francis de Sales Manyani Parish. This has given hope to the PMS office that they now really understand the teachings of the Church,” he said.

In his remarks, Manyani Parish Vice-Chairperson Zakeyo Ngoma thanked the PMS office for helping the faithful understand missionary activities, saying the initiative will help to deepen their faith.

 

Ngoma said he will encourage fellow Christians to continue participating in Church activities to fulfil the mission of evangelisation.

 

“We will make sure that we put into practice what we have learned in order to continue serving God,” he added.

This years World Mission Sunday, has been held under the theme “One in Christ, United in Mission’’.

By Peter Dumayo