Malawi Catholics in fundraising drive: Morntfort to be James Chiona High School

Catholic faithfuls in Blantyre gathered at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre on Friday for a Valentines ball and used the event to raise funds for the Montfort Press to settle its loan.

It was disclosed by Vicar General Fr Boniface Tamani during the fundraising that the Morntfort Press Complex in Blantyre will soon be  turned into a James Chiona High School in honour of late archbishop James Chiona who  died  on 18 Aug 2008 .

Archbishop Chiona and the six other bishops were the signatories of a Lenten pastoral letter read out in Roman Catholic churches across the country on Sunday 8 March 1992, which criticized the Kamuzu Banda’s MCP one-party government’s human rights record and blew the wind of change for Malawi from dictatorship to democracy.

During the fundraiser, Archbishop Thomas Msusa announced a pledge of K2 million n international well-wishers. Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) director General Ralph Kamoto and his wife Dr Kelita Kamoto donated K1 million and former minister John Bande and his wife gave K200,000 cash.

Others guests made pledges through registers circulated at the event.

“Let us own the church and be free to express your ideas on what we can do,” Fr Tamani said.

Former minister Bande was honoured as chief guest and recognised for his positive role he plays in fundraising and committmen tfor church work.

“Hon Banda has always been helpful to the church despite being busy as a politician,” Fr Tamani acknowledged.

Bishop Msusa also acknowledged the support Bande give to the church.

Bande’s  late father worked for Montfort Press as personnel and administrative manager.

In his remarks he thanked Vigar General for the “transparency” in the running affairs of the church.

Oswald Mumba, the chair for the fundraising from St Pius Church pledged transparency and accountability for the funds.