MALAWI: Bishop Mwakhwawa Urges Clergy to Bring Hope to People
Brenard Mwanza
Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa of the Catholic Church in Malawi has stressed the need for the clergy to be ambassadors of hope among people in their respective communities.
Mwakhwawa, while quoting Pope Francis’ letter announcing the Jubilee Year (2025) that the world is in a state of helplessness and the loss of hope because of so many challenges being faced economically and socially, said the Church expects those anointed with the Sacrament of Holy Orders to bring the word of life to the people of God.
He made the sentiments on Sunday, December 15, 2024, during the ordination of Brother Keston Tongole who has been ordained a deacon to the Order of the Discalced Carmelites (O.C.D).
The ordination ceremony took place at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Kapiri Parish, in Mchinji.
“A deacon should be with the people so that they can, through him, experience the presence of Jesus Christ who is risen and is powerful to change things,” said Mwakhwawa, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.
He further urged the parishioners to love prayer “because it is the first missionary work; missionary activity” adding that prayer is the first apostolate.
“We want the families here to pray for the parish but also for the archdiocese and the whole world so that we can build a better place to live,” he concluded.
The Provincial Superior of the Order the Carmelites Discalced (O.C.D.) in Malawi Father Ludovic Bafuta, called on parents and guardians to aways encourage their children to pray and take part in the life of the church by attending masses.
“This will help them to develop the desire to serve God through religious life, and also through priesthood,” said Bafuta.
Deacon Tongole expressed his greatest excitement for the ordination and thanked God for leading him through his formation.
The diaconate, which is one year away from the priesthood, is one of the three degrees of Holy Orders along with episcopate and priesthood.
