MALAWI: Catholic Members of Parliament Urged to Always Seek the Holy Spirit’s Guidance
Demetria Banda
Catholic Members of Parliament in Malawi have been advised to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit while exercising their duties as guided by the Catholic Social Teaching (CST).
The call was made by the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) Parliamentary Liaison Officer Rev Fr. Henry Chinkanda on Wednesday, the 27th of May 2021, during the holy Mass which was celebrated with Members of Parliament (MPs) at the Parliament Buildings in observance of the feast of Pentecost.
Fr Chinkanda elaborated on the symbols the Christian doctrine subscribes to the Holy Spirit such as the fire, Dove and finger among others and further challenged Parliamentarians to realize that it was by the God’s finger that the people voted them into Parliament.
“Jesus says, it is by the finger of God that he carries out good works like casting out the devil. As Members of Parliament, always remember that it was by the finger of God that you got elected into this August House. Jesus also says, ‘You did not choose me, rather, it was I that chose you (in John 15:16)!’ This must always be clear to you that it is God himself who has chosen you as his servants, with a purpose, to lead his people,” said Fr Chinkanda
Fr Chinkanda further said fire has a transformative power and indeed, Malawi today more than ever before, needs transformative leadership that can direct the people in the country from the trap of continuous poverty and for this to be accomplished, there is need for harmony and unity of purpose between MPs so that they can serve the people just like how the apostles did on and after Pentecost day.
Speaking on behalf of all Parliamentarians Ms. Mary Livuza Mpanga MP from Phalombe south constituency who is also a coordinator for the Parliament Small Christian Community commended Fr Chinkanda for always organizing Eucharistic celebrations and training sessions saying that such activities bring the MPs closer to God who helps them when leading the Malawians in their respective constituencies.
“We believe that the Holy Spirit is very important in our life for He helps us discern and make right decisions during our discussions in Parliament particularly when it comes to making decisions on bills that are controversial or in disagreement with our Christian beliefs and values like the bill on abortion. We strive to be MPs who always put God first in everything we do,” said Livuza Mpanga.
Fr. Chinkanda was the main celebrant at an event which was held at Parliament Buildings under the theme “Even Politicians Need the Holy Spirit”. In attendance during the holy mass were parliamentarians from all political parties from all parts of the country.
