MALAWI: Msusa Challenges Pregnancy Termination Advocates
Luke Chimwaza
Archbishop Thomas Msusa of the Archdiocese of Blantyre says the Catholic Church’s stand on calls for legalization of pregnancy termination remains that it is illegal, it is criminal, and it is killing.
He said this at Bvumbwe Catholic Parish in Thyolo Tuesday September 29 as he presided over requiem Mass for late Sr Margarita Kamangira of the congregation of Daughters of Wisdom who succumbed to High blood pressure last Sunday.
Msusa who is also chairman for the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) said, “Sr Margarita was very instrumental for evangelization, full of faith, very dedicated to her work. She worked hard for the youth and to the Church. As we mourn her, let me stress that we are here today because our life started long ago upon conception; we are alive today because our parents took good care of us from the time of conception,”
“Let me remind all who are advocating for the killing of unborn children that life is sacred and comes from God; nobody has a right to terminate it whatever the circumstances. It’s totally illegal and criminal. The Catholic will continue protecting God’s will and plan,” he continued.
He was however quick to say that he believes that the teaching is coming from outside Malawi because abortion is also against Malawian culture which respects life and human dignity.
“When a woman is pregnant people celebrate, why should we change our mind, heart and culture that when one becomes pregnant we should be angry and plan against the unborn child? Malawians, let us stand against this strange teaching! I know it doesn’t come from us, it may be coming from somewhere outside Malawi, let us not accept it even if it comes with strings attached to it,” he cautioned.
In her eulogy, the Superior for Daughters of Wisdom Sr Mary Chimalizeni said late Sr Kamangira will be remembered for her dedication and love for her professionalism as a teacher; her dedication to the Church; her prayerfulness; and her commitment to her vocation as a Religious.
She further requested young girls who aspire to become a Catholic Sister respond to their calling in order to fill the gap left by Sr Kamangira.
Bishop George Desmond Tambala of Zomba, Bishop-emeritus Allan Chamgwera, Vicar General for Blantyre Monsignor Boniface Tamani were present at the funeral which was also attended by many priests of the congregation of Montfort Missionaries, other priests, nuns and Brothers from various dioceses.
Born on October 4, 1963 at Mkotamu village Traditional Authority Malemia in Nsanje, late Sr Kamangira who a secondary school teacher by profession, joined the congregation of Daughters of Wisdom on August 10, 1991.
During her life as a Catholic nun, she has served in different communities including Nguludi in Chiradzulo, Lunzu in Blantyre, Montfort Formation House in Zomba and died while heading Luntha Catholic Secondary School at Sitima Parish in Zomba.
