MALAWI: Mission Sunday Preparations Impresses PMS National Office

Judith Sonkho

The National office of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) has expressed satisfaction with the progress so far made on the preparations for this year’s World Mission Sunday celebrations.

PMS National Director Fr Vincent Mwakhwawa said this on Sunday 12^th September 2021 when he visited St. Vincent de Paul-Katamba parish in Zomba Diocese, the parish which will host this year’s Mission Sunday celebrations slated for 24th October, 2021.

Fr. Mwakhwawa said he was impressed with the progress made so far. He also commended the good work the parish is doing in making sure that Christians are able to understand what Mission Sunday is all about.

“I am very delighted with the reports that Christians of Katamba parish have presented that show how the preparations for this big day are going on. Let us continue sharing ideas on how we can spice up this day in line with the three pillars of Mission Sunday which are: praying through Novena and Mission Rosary, teaching each other; and making contributions,” added Fr. Mwakhwawa.

According to the PMS Director, the reports highlight issues such as what the Church is doing in preparing for the day, the challenges they are facing and the way forward.

Some of the groups that presented their preparations progress reports were outstation churches, the parish pastoral team, Catholic Family Movement, Catholic Women Organization, the youth and Catholic Commission for Justice and peace.

However, the Director said that although the preparations are progressing well, his office still needs to distribute more Mission Sunday literature materials that can assist Christians to better understand the concept of Mission Sunday and participate fully in the forthcoming celebrations.

Speaking later at the meeting, the Parish Moderator Mr. Enock Matope, said there are so many activities that are taking place in the parish in making sure that people understand the meaning of Mission Sunday, although they are facing some few challenges.

“There are some challenges like low turn up of people during meetings, but we are trying to find better ways of encouraging them in order for us to have a successful Mission Sunday event. There are some activities that are taking place in the preparations, like prayers, trainings as well as contributing towards Mission Sunday,” continued Mr. Matope.

Pope Francis’s message for World Mission Sunday this year reflects on the theme: “We cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).