MALAWI: Catholic Church in Malawi Launches Mission Month of October

Judith Sonkho

“We cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). The Catholic Church in Malawi has urged its Christians to actively participate in the work of evangelization as the Church prepares to celebrate Mission Sunday at National level.

The Pastoral Coordinator for Zomba Diocese, Fr Innocent Chiwanda, was speaking on Friday during the opening of Mission Month of October held at St. Vincent De Paul (Katamba) Parish in Zomba Diocese.

Fr. Chiwanda said by virtual of baptism, every Christian is called to take part in proclaiming the Gospel in different ways and in different capacities and professions.

“We are all called to take part in the work of God by bringing Good News to people; be it spiritual or other capacities like teaching and medical, in that way we are also complimenting Government’s effort in bringing development to the people.

Fr. Chiwanda who represented Bishop of Zomba Diocese, Rt. Rev. George Desmond Tambala further said that as a Church it is important to carry out the mission of Christ in a practical way by being at the service of other people.

Speaking during the celebration, the National Director of Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Malawi Fr. Vincent Mwakhwawa said the month of October is very crucial to the Church as it has a lot of activities as we prepare for this year’s World Mission Day celebration with but prayer as a focal point.

“As Christian we have to be evangelists through constant prayer, preaching the word of God in word and deeds and also making sure that we are contributing monetary resources for successful commemoration of this Day which will fall on 24th October, 2021,” Continued Fr. Mwakhwawa.

On his part Fr. Henry Chiwaya the PMS Director of Zomba Diocese said the Diocese has lined up several activities to be done within the mission Month of October including the promotion of the vocations to the missionary work of the Church, praying the Rosary, doing charity work among others.

At the ceremony, Church moderators from all the eighteen parishes in the Diocese have been commissioned to work within the Mission month.

In his remarks, the Chairperson for Laity Council Mr. Vito Sandifolo said as Christians, they have welcomed the development and they are ready to join hands and promote the mission of the Church in this special month of October.

This year’s theme reflects the message from Pope Francis, “We cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). The actual day of the Mission Sunday is expected to be held on 24 October and to be closed on 31st of October this year.