The Catholic Diocese of Zomba, on 22 October 2023, joined the rest of the Dioceses in Malawi and beyond in celebrating World Mission Sunday.
Rt. Rev. Alfred Mateyu Chaima, Bishop of Zomba Diocese, led priests, the religious and the faithful in celebrating this special day with a Holy Mass that took place at Holy Trinity-Matawale parish in the Diocese.
In his speech, Bishop Chaima urged the clergy and the Christians themselves to seriously reflect on this year's Mission Sunday message by Pope Francis whose theme is hearts on fire, feet on the move. (Luke 24:13-35).
Bishop Chaima emphasised that it is only through reflecting on Pope Francis's message that people can properly understand their responsibilities and fully participate in Mission work at different levels of the Church.
The Local Ordinary then called upon everyone to take part in proclaiming the Gospel through different vocations which they belong to.
“We do not want passengers in our Church! Let us join hands and do something for the growth and sustainability of our Church,” added Bishop Chaima.
He also reminded the Christians to always keep their eyes open, set their feet on the move and make every person a disciple of Jesus Christ.
According to the Holy Father, some of the key areas of Mission work are praying for mission activities of the Church in the whole world, teaching each other about the Missionary needs of the Church in the whole world and offering or collecting money for the Missionary needs of the Church in the whole world.
At the function, representatives of some of the religious congregations serving in the Diocese of Zomba had an opportunity to make presentations aimed at inspiring the youths to make proper choices and join various vocations within the Catholic Church.
Bishop Chaima also took advantage of the function to congratulate Christians of Holy Trinity parish for demonstrating a spirit of self-reliance as evidenced by their efforts in constructing their church which is now at tiles phase.
In his speech, the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) Director in Zomba Diocese, Fr. Henry Chiwaya, hailed Matawale parishioners for being organised and host this year’s Mission Sunday celebrations successfully.
World Mission Sunday celebrations fall on the penultimate Sunday of the month of October every year.