MALAWI: Catholics Called to Stand Strong Amidst Political Attacks
The graduating students
Catholics have been urged to remain strong and be proud of their Catholic identity and participate in general governance of the country through various careers of their choice despite the political attacks the Church is currently facing as the country is preparing for Tripartite General Elections of May 2019.
Conference of Malawi and Bishop of Karonga Diocese
Chairman of the Catholic University Council in Malawi Rt. Rev. Bishop Martin Mtumbuka made this call at the graduation ceremony of the 16th Congregation of the University which took place at its grounds at the Montfort Campus, Nguludi, on 26th September 2018. Bishop Mtumbuka, who is also Vice Chairman of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, said Catholics should not be shy or afraid to pursue political careers, just because they are ‘Catholics’.
“We wish to condemn in strongest terms possible the resent uncalled for attacks on Catholic politicians and the Catholic Church in the country. When a particular district or area is hit or affected by natural disasters, we go as Catholics and assist as much as we can, anybody in need regardless of creed or ethnicity. Regarding democracy, Catholics in this country have contributed at high risks. Our institutions, including this University, are at the service of everyone regardless of creed, gender or ethnicity. For which of these acts of charity, faith and bravery are you attacking us?” wondered Bishop Mtumbuka.
He dismissed the claims that the Catholic Church may cause civil chaos in Malawi arguing that, it is the vice of one tribe trying to control national resources and power, and treating others as door-mats, that causes conflict and civil chaos in a society.
Bishop Mtumbuka has urged all Catholics not to crouch down in fear of being ridiculed for standing for their faith and their Church but to be brave and strong wherever they are, regardless of the humiliations they are subjected to.
“Remember that enemies of your Church are enemies of your faith; enemies of your faith are enemies of your liberation; and enemies of your liberation are agents of the devil”, added Bishop Mtumbuka.
On the role of the Catholic University, Bishop Mtumbuka said that under the prevailing conditions in the country, the Institution should help young men and women to become pillars of hope for the Catholic Church and society through adherence to the Catholic Social Teaching (CST).
He further said that the education the University offers should not only be informative by merely communicating factual data, but rather it must be performative and creative so as to change the lives of both the staff and students.
He then urged the graduands to be men and women of integrity in work places and the community.
In his capacity as Vice Chancellor of the Catholic University of Malawi, Rev Fr. George Buleya said that the University will continue to focus on quality and holistic education. He therefore challenged the graduands to carry across the society leadership qualities and values that they have received during their stay at the Campus.
“As you graduate today, carry with you the values of accountability and respect for human dignity; values that promote community service and encourage innovation; and values that strive to promote integrity and respect for human life,” said Fr. Buleya.
And speaking on behalf of the Catholic University Alumni Association, Hellen Chabunya acknowledged that as 1st Congregation of the University, most of them went out and performed and that they continue to safeguard the University’s reputation by being exemplary, following the Catholic Social Teaching. She then urged the graduands to join the Alumni Association as it is their responsibility to promote and protect the brand of the Catholic University
The university awarded Diplomas and Degrees to 381 men and women from Faculties of Education, Social science, Commerce, Law, Theology, Nursing and Midwifery and Science.
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By: Stella Zulu
