MALAWI: As Pilgrims of Hope Catholic Cleric Urges Christians to Embrace Unity
Monsignor Patrick Thawale knocks the Parish Door
Sam Kalimba
Monsignor Patrick Thawale has called upon his parishioners to prioritize unity of purpose as they embark on the Year of Jubilee. Speaking during the official launch at St. Andrew Kaggwa Parish in Lilongwe on January 5, Thawale emphasized the importance of unity in the face of challenges facing Malawi.
“The message from Pope Francis is clear: we must be agents of hope. This invites us to embrace the unity of purpose and consider our neighbours as equals. Once we recognize our equality in God’s eyes, it becomes difficult to inflict pain on one another,” Thawale said.
Thawale also cautioned against provocative statements, especially in the lead-up to the country’s elections this year. He reiterated the importance of unity, citing the Epiphany celebration as a symbol of inclusion and equality.
The launch of the Year of Jubilee was a nationwide initiative, with all Catholic Parish Priests in Malawi directed to launch the year on January 5. The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) aimed to ensure the spirit of the Year of Jubilee is felt by all faithful across the country.
St. Andrew Kaggwa Parish has a total of 15,180 Christians and 87 catechumens from four centers. The Year of Jubilee is expected to promote unity, hope, and inclusivity among the faithful.
Prior to the parish launches, the 8 Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi launched the Year of Jubilee at their respective Cathedrals a week earlier. in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Archbishop George Desmond Tambala launched the Year of Jubilee at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Salima district, located on the lakeshore while Auxiliary Bishop Vincent Fredrick Mwakhwawa launched the Year of Jubilee at St. Joseph Parish in Kasungu Municipality, approximately 120 kilometers north of Lilongwe.
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