MALAWI: Bishop Chaima Pleads Support for St. John’s Out-church
Luke Bisani
Around the mid-80’s, catching sight of a grass-thatched church was common for most of the churches in Africa. With the passing of time, Christians resorted to having modern church buildings with a classic look befitting a prayer house in modern times. Though that is the case, Catholic Christians at St. John’s Church under St. Agnes Mlombozi Parish continue to hold their prayers in a building that depicts the scenario of the 1980s.
In an effort to catch up with time, Christians from the remote St. John’s out church have been geared to build a modern church with bricks and iron sheets on the roof. Though this is a positive development, the project is moving at a snail’s pace considering the economic status of the Christian community.
Speaking after celebrating Easter Sunday Mass, the bishop of the Diocese of Zomba Rt. Rev. Alfred Chaima, said Christians from the church need financial support for them to complete constructing the church.
“On their part, they are trying; however, considering the economic status of most of the church members, the project might take years to be completed,” said the bishop.
He added that the church only managed to mobilize USD 575.94 for the project to kick-start with bricks and sand being provided by the Christians.
“Their parish priest has also been of help to them. Whenever he gets some financial support from people, he buys pockets of cement for the project. I came here to celebrate Easter Mass with them so that I could encourage them and appreciate their effort,” added Bishop Chaima.
Rt. Rev. Chaima also pledged to buy 25 bags of cement for the project to be completed on time. During the rainy season, church members from St. John’s face hiccups to have prayers due to the state of the old church.
St. Agnes Mlombozi Parish is among 20 parishes in the Diocese of Zomba.
