MALAWI: Church in Malawi Launches 2024 Epiphany Celebration, Advocates for Children’s Rights
Bible procession during Epiphany preparation launch -Mzuzu Diocese
Susan Moyo
As per tradition every first Sunday of the year is Epiphany day, a day dedicated for the Children in the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church in Malawi has started the preparations for this day with a National Launch event held at St Albert the Great Parish in the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu on 5th November, 2023.
During the launch, children from the Catholic Diocese of Dedza who were the hosting Diocese of the 2023 Epiphany Celebration handed over the Epiphany Rosary and Candle to the Auxiliary Bishop of Mzuzu Diocese Rt. Rev Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda. This handing over of the two items symbolized the handing over of the Epiphany responsibilities and acceptance of leading the national Epiphany activities to the Children of Mzuzu Diocese.
Children from Dedza Diocese came to Mzuzu Diocese for this colorful event accompanied by their Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) Director Fr. Peter Madeya and their animators.
Speaking during the launching prayers, Bishop Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda emphasized the need for parents and church leaders to teach their children about the Catholic faith and traditions.
“Children have many questions about their Catholic faith, however most of the times we tend to ignore them. We do not give them proper answers to build up their faith, let us help them to grow strong spiritually, “ he said.
Bishop Nyirenda also commended efforts of non-governmental organizations which preach about children`s right while observing that there are still cases of child abuses in the country.
‘‘While we promote their rights, let’s not forget to teach them their responsibility so that they grow productive citizens,’’ he said
The PMS Director for Dedza Diocese, Fr. Peter Madeya, who represented the National Director of PMS Fr. Vincent Mwakhwawa said they are expecting a colorful celebration next year in the Catholic diocese of Mzuzu.
“As Mzuzu Diocese is leading this national event, let me encourage them to prepare well so that we should have wonderful Epiphany ceremony,’’ he said.
Speaking on behalf of the children of Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu, Michelle Chisusu from St Albert the great Parish expressed gratitude for being selected to host the 2024 Epiphany celebration.
“We will make sure that we put things in order so that we give out the best during the 2024 Epiphany celebration,’’ she said.
The national Epiphany celebration will be hosted by St Albert the Great Parish in the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu on Sunday 7th January, 2024.
The Epiphany day was set aside in special way in the Catholic church to engage and teach Children about the important of praying, their different roles in the church and society, and f their financial contribution towards needy children in the world through their money collections during this day which is sent to Pontifical Missionary Society of Holy Childhood in Rome.
The 2024 celebration will be held under the theme: “Go and invite everyone to the Banquet.”(Mat 22:9).
