MALAWI: Pope Francis’ Food Relief Aid Distribution Exercise rolls out Nationwide
The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) through its relief and development arm, Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) has embarked on food distribution exercise in all the eight dioceses in the country.
His Holiness Pope Francis donated $500 000 (about 365 Million Malawi Kwacha) to the hunger-stricken families in Malawi who were affected by the dry spell during the pastoral visit to Malawi by His Eminence Fernando Cardinal Filoni in November last year.
Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa, Chairman of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) announced the Pope’s donation during the consecration of St Joseph the Worker Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Karonga.
“His Holiness has decided to give $500 000 to Malawi to assist in drought relief as a sign of love for the poor and the marginalized,” said Archbishop Msusa.
Launching the program in the area of Traditional Authority Kyungu in Karonga on Monday, His Lordship Martin Mtumbuka commended Pope Francis for his timely donation to the people of Karonga and Malawi as a whole.
“Pope Francis is always closer to the people hence the donation. Be assured that not only Catholics will benefit from this program. We will support people of all denominations for we are were all created in the image of God,” said Bishop Mtumbuka.
He said the Catholic Church through CADECOM is also encouraging farmers in the country to adapt to modern farming methods and at the same time not relying on maize only as a way of fighting hunger.
District Commissioner for Karonga, Richard Hara commended the Catholic Church in Malawi for
complementing government’s efforts in uplifting the socio-economic welfare of people.
“We would like to thank Pope Francis through the Catholic Church in Malawi for the support rendered. We don’t take this gesture for granted and as such, let me encourage others to emulate the spirit of sharing,” said Hara.
According to the national CADECOM Secretary, Martin Mazinga each diocese received money based on the needs assessment that was conducted earlier on.
“For instance, Karonga diocese received 40 Million Kwacha (USD 55,128.-) while Zomba and Blantyre Archdiocese received 42 Million Kwacha (USD 57,885.-) and 50 Million Kwacha (USD 68,910.-) respectively. All this was done based on the needs of each diocese,” said Mazinga.
By Prince Henderson
