MALAWI: Celebrating the Role of a Catechist in Catholic Church

Demetria Banda

The Episcopal Conference of Malawi through the office of Pontifical Mission Societies has challenged priests and Christians in all the parishes in Malawi to normalize celebrating the role of the catechists in their parishes saying they play an important role in the Catholic Church although they are not well recognized.

These remarks were made by National Director for Pontifical Mission Societies Fr Vincent Mwakhwawa on Sunday in Salima Parish during the Celebration of 30 years of service of the Catechist Francisco Chibenthula of Salima Parish.

“A Catechist is a very important and strategic person in the Catholic Church in Malawi because he is the one who stays with people in the rural communities. He is the one who teaches the people about Catholic doctrine and also prepares them for sacramental life. Catechists also give ongoing formation to the baptized so that they grow strong in their faith. They are custodians of the Church and needs to celebrated,” said Fr Mwakhwawa

Fr Vincent Mwakhwawa described Catechist Fransisco Chibenthula as a zealous and committed person to his work, saying his journey as a catechist is an inspirational to many, including himself.

“He is a true reflection of servant leadership. I was here in Salima sometime back as a deacon, he taught me how to lead and teach the community. He is a person always available to people in rural areas and he always interact well with the people,” said Fr Mwakhwawa.

He later advised other Catechist out there to understand that being a catechist is a calling hence they have to discern, reflect and accept seriously their role and give themselves committedly because they work with the people and people expect them to me exemplary.

In his remarks Catechist Francisco Chibenthula said his journey which started 30 years ago has since been a moment of grace.

“My journey as a Catechist has been a moment of Grace because I am here now and still serving people because of God’s Grace. It’s not easy to be a catechist, as we meet a lot of challenges during our work since we work with different people. I thank God for always being there to guide me ever since I started this work,” said Chibenthula in an exclusive interview with ECM Communications Commission ahead of his celebration.

Chibenthula was very happy and he expressed his gratitude to the Christians at Salima parish and the priests for celebrating with him and showering him with many gifts.

“I am really happy today; people have shown me love and proved that they care about me. I encourage everyone to keep that heart of celebrating each other’s success,” said Chibenthula.

In his remarks, Vice Chairman for Salima parish, Jerad Safali said the Catechist Francisco has been a hardworking person and so many people have joined Catholic as a result of his teaching.

He further instructs all catechist in Malawi to be good listeners as they deal with people of different cultures hence the need to be friendly to anyone.

“They should also encourage Christians everywhere to pray every day and to financially support the Church by giving a tithe for the money. This is what helps the Church to keep going. They should also promote unity among the Catholic lay faithful,” said Safali.