Pope’s envoy commends Mangochi Diocese on development

Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia, Archbishop Julio Murat has commended the Mangochi Diocese for taking a very active role in complementing government in its various development programmes.

Murat said apart from evangelism and spiritual guidance the church has taken on an important step of development initiatives in the areas of education, agriculture and health among others.

“I must say that I am very impressed with the different programmes that the Diocese of Mangochi is embarking on…apart from feeding people with the word of God, the church has also gone a mile further to look at the general welfare of people without regard to their religious affiliation,” Murat pointed out.

He said was particularly pleased with attendance of church services and generous giving, observing: “This is a beautiful example that is not only coming to me but to all because the people are giving with joy and an open heart.”

However, Murat advised Catholic workers in health and education to serve people better considering that their responsibility was not only to help in spirituality but also to improve the welfare of people by adhering to human values.

Murat was speaking on Sunday when he presided over the Holy Mass on Ascension Sunday at Mangochi Cathedral at the end of his three days pontifical visit to the Diocese.

The Archbishop further said the domination of the church in development activities was an important entry point for the growth of the same.

He added that Christians have a moral and spiritual obligation to work for the growth of the church.

In his sermon during the mass, Murat encouraged the Catholic faithful to strive at having a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ and also attempt to live a holy life.

“Christianity in broad sense is about knowing Jesus and trying to live Christ’s life by being active in various vocations in the church. We are being called to serve as apostles and missionaries in different positions,” preached Murat.

He, therefore, appealed to parents in particular to help their children realize their different calling to serve in religious vocations such as priesthood, saying: “the vineyard is huge with just a few servants.”

On a lighter note, Murat said he was amused by the singing talents displayed by most choirs in the establishments he had visited during his three – legged tour of the diocese, noting that such talent if put on CDs/DVDs would surely move the Holy Father to visit the diocese.

In his address, Bishop of Mangochi Diocese Right Reverend Montfort Stima disclosed that the Cathedral Parish clocked 50years last year and that the anniversary celebrations would be held in October this year thereby extending an invitation to the Apostolic Nuncio to the same.

“Your Excellency, 50 years ago there was no Mangochi Diocese since at that time it fell under Zomba until in 1973 when it was named to become an independent diocese. The forthcoming celebration, therefore, is important because we shall also be celebrating the growth of the diocese from nine parishes at inception to 24,” Stima bemused.

Stima, therefore, boasted that the Catholic Church has set its footprints in the three districts of its jurisdiction and that the authorities would strive at seeing it growing from strength to strength.

Representative of Mangochi Diocese Laity Council, Linga Moya said the entire Catholic community in the diocese was greatly honoured with the high profile visit, which would, on one hand, inspire and motivate the faithful.

Moya noted that the Diocese has been divided into five deaneries of Balaka, Mangochi, Ulongwe, Nankhwali and Mpili for easy management of its affairs.

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