MALAWI: Lilongwe’s Auxiliary Bishop Urges Christians To Fulfill Pastoral Activities
The Auxiliary Bishop of Malawi’s Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe Rt Rev Vincent Frederick Mwakhwawa
Brenard Mwanza
The Auxiliary Bishop of Malawi’s Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe Right Reverend Vincent Frederick Mwakhwawa has challenged Christians to always fulfill their missionary obligations by carrying out practical pastoral activities.
Speaking over the weekend in two separate Eucharistic celebrations in Salima and Lilongwe, Bishop Mwakhwawa told the Catholics that the Church expects them to do more in sharing their faith and proclaim the good news of salvation.
On Saturday August 31, Bishop Mwakhwawa was at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Salima where he administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 662 Christians. On Sunday he was at St. Philip the Apostle Parish, Area 44 in Lilongwe and performed the similar duty, administering the Sacrament to 31 Christians.
During the two events, Bishop Mwakhwawa told the confirmed Christians to pray every day in private as individuals and in the community, especially participating in Eucharistic celebration and loving the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
“You should teach others the word of God and the teachings of the Church. In order to do that, you need to continue learning the catechism of the Catholic Church and read the Bible in your groups,” Bishop Mwakhwawa said.
The Prelate further asked the Christians to take interest in doing manual work at parish, home and school at their level as a service to Christ, citing visiting the sick and the old in homes to assist them.
“You should also embrace the spirit of Missionary charity by contributing money generously to the Church and support in the needs of the church and other people,” he said.
The Bishop encouraged the newly confirmed Christians that the sacrament of Confirmation will empower them to serve in the Church and the society as young missionaries in proclaiming the good news of salvation with courage, conviction and commitment.
Additionally, Bishop Mwakhwawa advised parents to encourage their children to attend post-confirmation lessons, cautioning the parents and leaders to stop telling children that after confirmation signifies that young people have finished Catholic formation.
“Catholic formation does not stop, even adults have to continue learning the Catholic faith in families and small Christian communities.” Bishop Mwakhwawa concluded.
In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized person is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and is strengthened for service to the Body of Christ.
It consists of a prayer to the Holy Spirit, the laying on of hands while the prayer is said and the anointing of the candidate with oil of Chrism.
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