By Deogratias Mmana:
Vice President Saulos Chilima has asked the faith community in Malawi to pray for the Tonse Alliance administration’s leadership so that it serves the people well.
Chilima made the appeal at Nsipe Catholic Parish in Dedza Diocese on Saturday, when there was a golden jubilee eucharistic celebration for small Christian communities (malimana/ miphakati) in the Association Member Episcopal Conferences for Eastern Africa (Amecea) region.
Amecea is composed of nine countries which include Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia and delegates from all these countries graced the occasion.
“The government appreciates the Catholic Church for complementing the government’s efforts. We appreciate and rely on you to pray for us to serve the people well,” Chilima said.
He also commended small Christian communities for improving spiritual lives and contributing to national development, urging Catholics to make use of the communities.
In his homily, Episcopal Conference of Malawi Chairperson Archbishop George Tambala discouraged selfishness if small Christian communities are to grow.
He challenged the faithful to make sacrifices for the good of small Christian communities and the church at large.
Amecea Chairperson for Pastoral Ministry, Bishop Rogath Kirimaryo, said small Christian communities are there to promote the use and development of unique charisms within the communities throughout the world.
He said this is done by sharing information, stories and professing faith.
The jubilee was held under the theme ‘Small Christian Communities: 50 Years of Building the Church As The Family of God in the Amecea Region’.
