Malawi Catholic youth told not to fear when choosing a vocation

Monsignor Dennis Chitete of Karonga Diocese has challenged Malawian youths to rely on a prayer whenever they are considering of serving God through a vocation which ranges from priesthood, family life or being a religious brother or sister.

“A prayer is the only weapon for your achievement in realizing whatever dream you think of. This even applies to the vocation you want to follow, be it priesthood, religious man or woman and even family life. By prayer to God, you may even be able to find a good partner in marriage life for example,” said Monsignor Chitete during a national mass celebration for Vocation Sunday at St. Steven’s-Kasantha Parish in Kapolo, Karonga diocese.

Chitete said its high time youths in Malawi consider of joining different vocations especially the priesthood and sisterhood which has few numbers of people so far.

He said the Catholic Church is fast growing in terms of its membership but servants of God like priests and nuns continue to be defeated by the growing population hence parents and guardians should strive to encourage their children to join these vocations.

“I also urge you to pray for the existing priests, religious men and women so that they leave to their vocation and love it. Mind you, without priests for example, it means there are no sacraments as well,” he said.

For his part, national director for Pontifical Missionary Society (PMS),Fr. Vincent Mwakhwawa said the vocation Sunday which is the world Day of Prayers for vocations is an important day in the Catholic Church world over-saying it is the day that even Pope Francis encouraged the youths to go into various vocations.

He said the Pope is challenging youths in the Church not to fear either when they have a calling from God for He is there to protect them all.

“Pope Francis is always encouraging you to go into vocations. Do not therefore fear for he is there to guide and protect you. Strive to pray rosary everyday and mother Mary is going to help you achieve a vocation of your choice,” said Fr. Mwakhwawa.

In a message for the day, Bishop Chairman of Pastoral Commission and Pontifical Missionary Societies, His Lordship Bishop Peter Musikuwa of Chikwawa Diocese said the Pope, through the society of St. Peter the Apostle, reminds all the Catholic faithful about their Christian responsibility in cooperating with Christ in missionary work.

He said every Christian has a duty to cooperate with Jesus Christ by offering prayer which will help in the whole work of evangelization. He said every Christian must discern his vocation and offer his or her life for the mission.