MALAWI: Amidst Sharp Rise of Coronavirus Cases, Pastoral Office Suspends Celebration of Consecrated Life and PMU
Demetria Banda
The Archdiocese of Blantyre’s Pastoral office has canceled the celebration of Consecrated life and Pontifical Missionary Union at the Archdiocese level that was scheduled for 6th February, 2021 due to directives by the Ministry of Health.
Malawi’s Ministry of Health has directed that there should be no gathering in large numbers due to a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in the country.
In a press statement released on 22nd January, 2021 and signed by the Pastoral Coordinator of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Rev. Fr. James Mkwezalamba, this year’s cerebration has been suspended forthwith due to the current impact of Covid 19 on our country.
According to the press statement, a new date will be announced later through the office of the director of Pontifical Missionary Societies. “Priests and Religious are however encouraged to celebrate in their parishes the actual day, 2 February, 2021 by either sharing liturgical roles during the Mass and/ or meals where it is possible.”
Meanwhile in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Fr. Innocent Mtapaonga, the Parish priest at Chitedze Parish in his speech during the burial ceremony for late Fr Chipalamwazani on Tuesday 2nd February, 2021 said it is important to honour the celebration of the Day for Unity of Missionaries in different parishes as it enlightens and sensitizes God’s servants on the need for unity whilst serving the Church and to ensure cooperation in promoting missionary consciousness through four Pontifical Missionary Societies.
“Every year on 2 February we meet to cerebrate Consecrated life and Pontifical Missionary Union as a diocese but this year we will not make it due to Covid-19 pandemic which has claimed lives of our beloved brothers and sisters, including priests and nuns,” said Fr Mtapaonga.
