Gender-based violence, divorce cases worry Bishop Ryan
Bishop John Ryan of Mzuzu Diocese of the Catholic Church has said rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) must prompt stakeholders to do more.
Ryan said this Sunday at St Dennis Parish in Rumphi District, where activities marking this year’s Vocation Sunday were held under the theme ‘Hearts on Fire, Feet on The Move’.
“Marriage is one of the sacred movements in the church, apart from three other vocations of priesthood, sister and brotherhood and single life and, thus, families need to be strengthened. People are living in a world full of confusion and, sadly, families are involved in the mix-up, which is a cause for worry for future generations.
“Gender-based violence is very bad as it destroys the family, the home and children. So, on our part, we have the justice and peace department which is trying to raise awareness on these issues. We want people to be aware of the dangers of GBV,” he said.
On the day, youths are introduced to the four key vocations in the church, namely priesthood, marriage, brother or sisterhood or single life and how they can go about them.
In recent times, it has been observed that few youths have been taking up the call to priesthood, sisterhood and brotherhood which, according to Father Philip Shaba, Director of Pontifical Missionary Society at Mzuzu Diocese, has created a gap.
He said most youths are afraid of the many years it takes for one to become a priest as compared to college programmes.
“The only difference is that this is a calling and not a career,” he said.
Commenting on the development, Father Peter Ndolo, who is the Mzuzu Diocese Vocational Director, said they have embarked on awareness campaigns in schools and churches.
“In the church, there is a team which periodically goes around parishes and secondary schools, even colleges, to raise awareness on vocation,” he said.
This is now the sixtieth time that Catholics have been celebrating World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which Saint Paul VI established in 1964.
