MALAWI: AMRIM, AWRIM Marks Golden Jubilee of Service in the country
Group Photo of members of Association of Women Religious in Malawi (AWRIM)
By Prince Henderson, ECM Communications Officer
The Associations of Men Religious InMalawi (AMRIM) and Association of Women in Religious Institutes of Malawi (AWRIM) which are under the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) will on Saturday, October 22, this year celebrate their golden jubilee marking fifty years of existence in Malawi, both ECM and AWRIM Secretary Generals have confirmed.
AWRIM Secretary General, Sister Mary Magdalen Ndawala of Telezian Sisters Congregation says the celebration will be celebrated under the theme: AMRIM and AWRIM,50 Years of Service at the Heart of the Church. Rev. Sr. Ndala said that the two associations chose this theme in thanksgiving towards serving Jesus who called us to go and make disciples of all nations…Mt 28:19
Events marking the celebration will be climaxed by a Eucharistic Celebration to be presided over by the Bishop Chairman for AMRIM, AWRIM and Association of Diocesan Catholic Clergy (ADCCOM), His Lordship, Rt. Rev. George Tambala, Bishop for the Diocese of Zomba.
“We are going to celebrate this day at Maula Cathedral Podium in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe and so far we have invited quite a number of people including Bishops, Priests and the Laity. For those that may wish to share their gifts to the two associations, they are warmly welcome and their gesture would highly be appreciated,” She said.
Secretary General for ECM, Fr. Henry Saindi said the Celebration of the Golden Jubilee for AMRIM and AWRIM is valuable because the two associations, AMRIM and AWRIM have worked tirelessly in complementing the Government’s efforts in Education, Health and Spiritual matters. He emphasized the contributions of these associations to the success and achievements of the Catholic Church in Malawi, noting that they have supported the church, each according to their charisma.
This is the whole reason ECM bring together AWRIM and AMRIM in a forum called Mixed Commission to promote the good works of the religious. The current Bishop Chairman of Mixed Commission is Right Reverend George Desmond Tambala, Bishop of the Diocese of Zomba,” said Fr. Saindi.
According to Fr. Saindi, Bishops accompany them in good moments and times of sorrow by attending most of their functions be it during ordinations of deacons or ordinations to priesthood. They also celebrate Masses when some religious nuns and brothers are making their professions or taking their vows.
“ECM wishes AMRIM and AWRIM colourful celebrations on 22nd October 2016 as they celebrate 50 years of service to the Church of Malawi. May Mary the Queen of Apostles intercede for them to the almighty Father that they continue to serve not to be served,” he said.
Both AMRIM and AWRIM which are associations for religious men and women respectively make three vows of Obedience, Poverty and Chastity and they are under the leadership of a Superior, Provincial or Superior General. Their life is also characterized by living in community.
The two Associations which were officially formed in 1966 among others are comprised of religious congregations which include; the Marist Brothers, Montfort Fathers, MSOLA Sisters, MIC Sisters, Brothers of the Immaculate Conception, Sisters of Blessed Virgin Mary, Sisters of Charity of Ottawa (Grey Nuns) Daughters of Wisdom, Teresian Sisters just to mention a few.
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