Malawi VP Chilima in pre-Valentine fundraising dinner: Pleads with Catholics to ‘adopt a Seminary’
State Vice-President Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima attended a Pre-Valentine Dinner and Dance organized by the Archdiocese of Blantyre to raise funds for the two major Catholic seminaries – Kachebere and Saint Peter’s – and appealed to all Catholic faithfuls in the country to contribute to the running of two of education institutions.
Chilima, a devout Catholic himself, said it remains the duty of every Christian in the country to hold hands and ensure the sustainability of these two seminaries.
He said the archdiocese alone cannot mandate to sustain such facilities without the help of the Christians and this was the right time to come in and help in running them.
“Every Christian has mandate to give and contribute to the sustainability of these two and other seminaries in the country. We want to train more priests and no one can do that for us if we do not take a leading role,” explained Chilima.
The Vice President added that the church and the government work hand in hand in the education sector, be it formal or informal, to reduce literacy levels.
“As government, we do appreciate the role that the church plays in fostering education development in the country. The fundraising is going towards such kind of education and this is the right way of doing things,” said Chilima.
Chairperson for the Organizing committee for the function, Peter Nkata, said the “Adopt a seminarian” program will assist many seminarians and the money from the fundraising will be channeled towards this.
He said the seminaries have about 60 seminarians who need about K150 000 every term to cater for school fees, learning materials and groceries.
Funds amounting to K8 million is said to have been realised in pledges and contributions.
Ask the Vatican to donate money for the running of Kachebere and Saint Peter’s seminaries.