ZAMBIA: Apostolic Nuncio Advises Priests in Zomba Diocese to Maintain Special Relationship with God
His Excellency Gallone addressing the faithful in Zomba Cathedral
Mastone Peter
The Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia, Most Reverend Gianfranco Gallone, has advised priests in Zomba Diocese to maintain a special link and relationship with Jesus Christ through the Blessed Sacrament.
His Excellency Gallone was speaking at Zomba Cathedral where he presided over the Chrism Mass.
He said when priests celebrate Chrism Mass, they refresh their commitment to God. He also asked the priests to tap their strength from Jesus Christ when discharging their pastoral duties.
“This is the day for priests to say ‘present’ to the Lord and ask Him to send them everywhere to proclaim the Gospel which brings salvation to the faithful,” added the Nuncio.
He further added that priests are called every day to celebrate the Eucharist, however, they are not like workers that are in the office who can just start distributing the Eucharist: rather, they must maintain a special link and relationship with Jesus Christ.
As is the tradition during Chrism Mass, priests also had an opportunity to renew their priestly promises to God.
On the other hand, the Nuncio encouraged the faithful in the Diocese to take advantage of the ongoing Lenten season to revitalize their faith.
His Excellent Gianfranco Gallone is on an apostolic tour in Zomba Diocese where he is, among other things, expected to carry out a number of pastoral duties.
In his remarks, the Vicar General for Zomba Diocese, Monsignor Vincent Chilolo, who begun by officially welcoming the Papal Envoy in the presence of the faithful in Zomba Cathedral, said the Diocese is very grateful for the visit, adding that they don’t take it for granted.
The Vicar General added that the visit is a great honour to the clergy and faithful in the Diocese for it has come at a right time when the Diocese is implementing her first-ever five-year Strategic Plan, whose overarching theme is “Towards a Self-reliant Church”.
The ceremony was also attended by Bishop Emeritus of Zomba Diocese, His Lordship Allan Chamgwera.
