MALAWI: Liturgical Commissions Urged to Promote Sacred Liturgy
Bishop Musikuwa- Diocese of Chikwawa
Fr. Francis Damaseke
The Bishop Chairman of the Liturgical Commission of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), Right Reverend Peter Martin Musikuwa, has urged the Liturgical Commissions from all dioceses in the country to be functional and promote sacred liturgical celebrations in all dioceses, parishes, and Small Christian Communities (SCCs).
This he said on Wednesday, March 13, during the opening of a three-day training session for Diocesan Liturgical Commissions which is taking place at St. John’s (Msamba) Pastoral Centre in Lilongwe.
Bishop Musikuwa of Chikwawa Diocese said liturgical celebrations should lead to spiritual growth of the faithful and ensure that voices of the faithful are heard by God which is the sole purpose of the liturgy to the Glory of God and sanctification of the faithful.
“Ensure that musical compositions used for liturgical celebrations correspond to the criteria recommended by the Church. Examine texts destined for liturgical chant and devote special attention to evaluating and encouraging melodies that are truly suited to sacred music and are fitting for the dignity of the Church,” the Bishop said and narrated further, “Make sure the music can accompany the singing of the faithful and serve to edify them, thereby contributing to the Spiritual growth of the people of God.”
To achieve this, Bishop Musikuwa says there should be proper coordination between the priest celebrant, the acolytes, the altar servers, the Choir, and the assembly to ensure a proper Spiritual atmosphere that makes the liturgical moment truly shared and fruitful.
On his part, the Chairman of National Liturgical Commission, Fr. Bernard Chipole, said the training is timely and will help members of the commissions, especially those recently elected, to understand their roles and ensure proper discharge of their duties and responsibilities.
Among other things, the training session will be on a number of areas including functions of a Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, Liturgical Inculturation, Funeral Rites, Proper Celebration of Mass, and Guidelines for Catholic Choirs in Malawi.
