MALAWI: Be United to be More Effective: Bishop John Ryan asks Religious Associations

Stella Zulu

The Bishop Chairman for the Association of Men Religious in Malawi (AMRIM), the Association of Women in Religious Institutes of Malawi (AWRIM) and the Association of Diocesan Catholic Clergy of Malawi (ADCCOM), Right Reverend John Ryan has asked Religious men and women associations in the country to be united in order for them to do their work of evangelization effectively.

Speaking at a meeting held on 14th December, 2022 at the Catholic Secretariat of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, bishop Ryan said the leaders of these associations need to work hard and create a self-reliant Church in the Eight (8) dioceses of the country.

“In unity is strength, your goal is the same, and that is to do the evangelization work of the Church. Unite to be more effective and use the modern means of communication to further your unity and efforts. Work hard in creating a self-reliant Church and stop looking at the northern hemisphere where help is dwindling. The Church relies on you”. Said bishop Ryan

On his part, Rev Fr. David Niwagaba, the National Treasurer for AMRIM said the emphasis by the Bishop on the need for collaboration among the associations is important and it will lead to great achievements.

“Bishop Ryan has encouraged us as Men and Women religious and Diocesan Clergy to work as collaborators in the ministry of evangelization and not as competitors. This is because in addition to lack of resources, our work is also greatly affected by the problem of working in isolation which affects the evangelization efforts of the Church, but we can achieve a lot by working as one which will address gaps in our evangelization work. Moving forward, we will build our synergies and work in unity in all our evangelization efforts,” said Fr. Niwagaba

The main agenda of the meeting was for the associations to interact with Rev Fr. Alfred Chaima, the ECM Secretary General who recently resumed office and to submit reports on achievements, challenges and plans for the next year. Present at the meeting were the ECM secretary General and the National executive members of AMRIM, AWRIM and ADCCOM