Vicar General Confirms 109 at Sitima, Calls for Bold Christian Witness

The celebration of the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time was a memorable occasion for Christians of Sitima Parish in the Catholic Diocese of Zomba as 109 candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The sacrament was administered by the Vicar General of Zomba Diocese, Monsignor Bernard Chipole, who represented Rt. Rev. Alfred Mateyu Chaima, Bishop of the Diocese. The candidates radiated joy as they received the anointing with Sacred Chrism and the seal of the Holy Spirit, a visible sign of God's grace at work in their lives.

In his homily, Fr. Chipole encouraged the newly confirmed to embrace their Christian vocation with courage and to put their God-given gifts at the service of the Church, particularly within Sitima Parish. He also challenged the wider Christian community to become positive role models for the newly confirmed.

The colourful celebration brought together Christians from all the eight outstations that make up the parish, the two priests serving the parish-Fr. Owen O'Donnell and Fr. Innocent Mwanoka, Br. Ronald M'mora, religious sisters, parish leaders and various Church groups, reflecting the unity of the Body of Christ in worship.

The Parish Priest, Fr. Owen, encouraged the faithful to deepen their Christian commitment by making full use of the sacraments and participating actively in the various pastoral initiatives that the Diocese continues to make available.

Speaking on behalf of the parish, the Parish Moderator, Mr. Ignacio Katungwe, thanked the Vicar General for presiding over the celebration and conveyed their appreciation to Bishop Chaima for his continued pastoral care and leadership.

"Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love."