MALAWI: Prison and Hospital Chaplaincy appeals for support.
The Prison and Hospital Chaplain for the Archdiocese of Blantyre has called on the general public to work together in transforming people found in conflict with the law and now in prisons and reformatory centres in the country.
The chaplain Fr Gervasio Namba made the appeal on Wednesday during a special discussion he had with a grouping in Catholic church called I’m a Catholic and I am Proud.
The audience was aimed at seeking clarification on how the chaplaincy operates, appreciates the challenges and gets advice on how to be helpful in the Apostolate.
At the meeting, it was revealed that the Prison and Hospital Chaplaincy for the Archdiocese of Blantyre is facing numerous challenges ranging from inadequate funding, society shunning prisons apostolate because of revenge mindset towards those who once committed the crimes against them, limited access to some prisons and hospitals among others.
While commending the efforts by some church groups, organizations and well-wishers, Fr Namba appealed to churches, government and all Malawians to work together in transforming the lives of inmates and ensuring that patients in hospitals are receiving adequate care and assistance.
On his part, the leader for I’m a Catholic and I am Proud in the Archdiocese of Blantyre James Khoromana said it is the duty of everyone to support the Prison and Hospital Apostolate so as to ensure that prisoners undergo the transformation processes and that care and support are provided to the needy patients.
While pledging support, Khoromana requested Catholic associations groups in the Archdiocese to put prisons and hospitals into serious consideration.
The Hospital and Prison Chaplaincy is responsible for spiritual welfare of all hospitals and prisons in the Archdiocese of Blantyre by conducting prayers, administering sacraments, offering counselling to the prisoners and the sick among other duties as required by the Church.
By Luke Chimwaza.
