Chikwawa diocese Jubilee celebrations in August: Bishop Musikuwa appeals for support

Bishop Peter Musikuwa of Chikwawa Diocese has called on various individuals, companies, government and other well wishers to offer their support to the church as it is to mark its 50 years this year.

Musikuwa made the remarks at the bishop’s house in Chikwawa when he organized a press conference in order to brief members of the media on the preparations of the silver jubilee celebrations that has been earmarked for August 29 this year (2015).

The bishop told reporters that preparations for the day started in 2014 where a number of activities were lined up.

“Formation of diocesan committee and celebrations of Holly Mass which the first missionaries set has already been done.  We therefore would like to appeal for any help whether in kind or cash so as to make the celebrations colourful. We also wish to let the public know that there is a cloth for the occasion which shall be sold not only to Christians but also to everyone who would be interested to buy it,” he said.

He further narrates that the diocese is facing a number of challenges to meet the demands of the growing numbers of Christians in the districts.

“We have a shortage of priests, sisters and catechists to serve the growing numbers of our Christians in the district.  There is also lack of adequate and reliable transport and funds to pay fees for seminarians in the major seminaries as well as the upkeep for priests. Therefore we have very minimal resources from the Christians due to economic crisis as a result of this year’s January devastating floods,” he added.

He also added by asking government and development partners to urgently make full utilization of Shire River in order to reduce the looming hunger and improve water supply to people of Chikwawa and Nsanje.

The Episcope of Chikwawa diocese said it was sad to note that lack of expertise and financial resources to promote extensive irrigation farming have exposed people to face acute food shortage and portable water.

The bishop went on to indicate that the church will continue strengthening collaboration with government in the area of social development.

The diocese therefore highlighted a number of initiatives to support people in the lower shire in promoting their wellbeing and intensify a spirit of self-reliance among people.  It is therefore intending to construct a technical college and a youth centre, promote agriculture and disaster risk management, build a new cathedral, promote early childhood development and inter faith dialogue among others.

“For all these projects to happen there is need to have money and expertise and that is why I call on Christians and other well wishers including government to support the golden jubilee’s preparations and future lined up projects,” he indicated.

He said the 50 years celebrations in August has been budgeted to a tune of K2, 900,000 and that any contributions made towards the activities or any other should be made to the account details; Chikwawa Diocese, Account number 809055, Victoria Avenue Service Centre, Current Account-Corporate, National Bank of Malawi.

Chikwawa diocese has 12 parishes with only 26 priests serving over 1.2 million Christians and the celebrations this year, will be based on the theme “Evangelization, True Conversion and being rooted in the gospel of Christ.”

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