MALAWI: Mother of Late Archbishop Ziyaye Celebrates 100 YEARS OF LIFE: A journey of faith

Demetria Banda

Bernadina Ziyaye Zulu of Ludzi Parish, Mchinji, in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, celebrated her 100 years of life at a colourful ceremony on Saturday 9 October 2021 in Khombe village.

Born on 28th April 1920, the 101-year Bernadina acknowledges her long life to deep faith in God and positive attitude to people.

“It’s my love of the Lord that has kept me alive till today. He holds me in His hand. He leads me and guides me, that’s who I put my trust in. I also make sure I don’t cause harm to people’s lives but rather love everyone as I love myself,” said Ziyaye.

She then urged everyone to embrace prayer life for God is the owner of the life.

”Prayer is the only way to a successful life. If you want to live long like me, make God your best friend,” She added

She also says her greatest strength is the love to her children and grandchildren who have always taken good care of her.

Justina Pulumuka, her 10^th born daughter said her mother is well known for her love for God and for her passion to raise her children in a Christian way.

“My mother is a prayerful woman. A day cannot pass without her praying to God who she strongly believes is the reason she is still alive today. And because of her love for God, she managed to have some of her children serving the Catholic Church. These include the late Archbishop of Lilongwe Diocese Most Rev. Tarcisio Ziyaye, Sr Agatha Ziyaye and her grandson Fr Stephen Chikhasu,” said Pulumuka.

“Her character is the foundation of our family. All members of our clan are glad she’s still around. Despite her age, she makes sure her clothes are always clean and her room is always clean. I have also learnt a lot from her. She has taught me to always share with the less fortunate the things that God blessed me with, little though they may be,” added Pulumuka.

Fr Stephen Chikhasu, Ziyaye’s grandson, says that her family is blessed to have Bernadina still alive.

“As grandchildren, we are glad because she shares with us her wisdom, and her smiles are rays of hope for the family. It’s really special. She is an honest person and she has taught us to be honest, courageous and to speak the truth.

Bernadina’s motto is taken from Psalm 146:2 “I will praise the Lord all my life”

National Director for Pontifical Mission Societies, Fr Vincent Mwakhwawa said it is very important to celebrate the life of such a aithful woman who has lived and served God for many years.

“This occasion is very important because we are celebrating life of faith of a strong woman who has lived over 100 years with great faith. In this celebration we are looking at three aspects: her long life: her faith and her prayer life.”

“At the same time, we are also celebrating her life of commitment and missionary service. We have heard from the testimony that she has been a hardworking woman in family life as well as in Church associations such as the Legion of Mary. Her life of committed service as a believer in faith has also gone to the children and grandchildren,” explained Fr Mwakhwawa.

He later thanked the Ziyaye family for taking good care of Mrs. Bernadina Ziyaye and urged everyone to take care of elderly people where ever they as they need special care.

Bernadine got married in 1941 to Gervase Ziyaye who passed on in 2002 after 61 years in marriage). Together they had eleven children, now remaining with 5 children and 61 grandchildren.