MALAWI: Archbishop Msusa Calls for Pastoral Collaboration

Fr. Frank Mwinganyama – Communications Coordinator

Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa has called for pastoral collaboration among priests and the Religious serving in Blantyre Archdiocese. He hinted that all pastoral agents have a common mission which is to bring Christ to the people of God, hence the need for unity in service.

This call was made as the archbishop presided over Holy Mass on the Solemnity of the Annunciation which was also an occasion for the celebration of the first and final professions of Sisters of the Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary (SBVM) at Maryview in Chiradzulu. On this occasion, seven novices made their first vows and three Sisters made perpetual vows during High Mass which had Bishops Peter Musikuwa of Chikwawa, Alfred Chaima of Zomba and Alessandro Pagani emeritus of Mangochi, as concelebrants.

Archbishop Msusa stated that he desired a situation where Parish Priests allow Religious Sisters and brothers in their parish community to share their gifts with the faithful. He also asked the Religious congregations to make their members available for pastoral work.

“It is easy for us to keep the vows within our community, forgetting to serve the faithful outside the convent. I wish to see young Sisters, who apart from serving in offices, academic institutions and hospitals, have time to accompany the youth, children, women and the elderly”, said Archbishop Msusa. He hinted that he had already noticed this collaboration in some parishes, but he wished it was the normal working relationship in the entire Archdiocese, saying this is necessary for effective evangelization.

To the newly professed Sisters, Archbishop Msusa told them to be happy servants. “You have not been forced to join this life. As you work with others in the Lord’s vineyard, show happy faces.”

The piece of advice is like what Pope Francis told some Missionary Sisters in January this year. The Pope had asked them to ‘leave behind vinegar faces and show joy’ when serving.

The Mother Superior of SBVM, Sr Elizabeth Namputha announced that the congregation has spread its activities in all areas of pastoral work. She highlighted the work the Sisters do in educating children who are born with speech and hearing challenges. She similarly requested collaboration even from the laity.

The SBVM is numerically the biggest women Religious congregations serving in the Archdiocese of Blantyre. Their sisters are currently offering services in six of the eight dioceses in Malawi.