MALAWI: Do Not Pay a Blind Eye to the Poor and the Needy, Bishop Nyirenda to Newly Consecrated Religious Brothers
File photo
By Susan Moyo
Hundreds of Christians gathered at St Peters Cathedral Jubilee Square in Mzuzu, Malawi on Saturday 18 November, to witness the Solemn Profession Vows of two members of the order of Brothers of Hospitaller of St John of God.
The two brothers who were taking their Vows for life were Cornelius Banda from Holy Family Parish, Mzuzu Diocese, and Louis Slate Kuyokwa from Chiphyanya Parish, Diocese of Dedza.
In his homily, Bishop Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda the Auxiliary of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu asked the candidates to be consecrated to follow the legacy of their founder St John of God who was dedicated to caring for the poor, the needy, and the sick.
‘’We have so many needy and sick people around our communities, my advice to you is that do not pay a blind eye to these people, help them, do not run away from them, comfort them so that they should not lose trust’’ the Bishop said.
He thanked the parents and guardians for the support rendered to these brothers during their formation.
On His part Brother Donatus Forkan, the Provincial Superior of the West European Province of St John of God echoed the Bishop’s message and encouraged the brothers saying, ‘’My advice to the consecrated brothers is that they should show love and respect to the poor and marginalised. They should bring good news to them and should not feel rejected by the communities because of their sickness or their status.”
After taking his solemn vows Brother Banda appreciated God for his guidance through his formation and pledged to support the needy and the sick, following the path of St John of God who is the founder of the Order.
Hospitaller Order of St John of God Brothers was established in Mzuzu in 1993 in response to an invitation from the Diocese to establish a Community-Based Mental Health service as part of the Church’s response to the unmet healthcare needs of the people of the Northern region.
In 2019, St John of God Hospitaller expanded their services to Lilongwe the Capital city of Malawi.
