ARCHBISHOP GEORGE TAMBALA OF LILONGWE OPENS THE 46^TH PARISH IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LILONGWE

Parish priests of Nambuma and Namitete parishes handing over parish books to the new Parish priest of the new parish in the presence of the Archbishop

Archbishop Tambala on 19 November, 2022 led the congregation in the Solemn Mass of the opening of St. Bernadette, Chitula Catholic parish. The new parish has been created from the two other parishes of Christ, the King, Nambuma parish in Dowa deanery and St. Peter’s Namitete parish in Likuni deanery.

In his homily, based on the gospel according to Luke, chapter 23 from verses 35 to 43, the Bishop encouraged all the parishioners of the new parish to be united, not to segregate one another on the basis of the differences they have. Like on the cross of Christ, three languages were used; Greek, Latin and Hebrew, meaning; let all the differences benefit the Church. “The Romans spoke Latin, the Greeks in Jerusalem spoke Greek and the Jews spoke Hebrew. Jesus Christ on the cross unified all to himself. In Epiphany, we remember the manifestation of Jesus Christ to all the people. Therefore, let all of you be united,” he said. He continued to say that even at Pentecost, people from all sides of the earth, from Ponto, Phrygia, Egypt, Medes, Mesopotamia and other places who were in Jerusalem were able to understand the different languages because, with the Holy Spirit, we all become one.

Chiefs’ Committee with the Archbishop

At the same function, the Archbishop instituted the Catholic Chiefs’ Association. He already formed the Chiefs committee in an acting capacity. The committee comprises Senior Traditional Authority, Kalolo of Lilongwe, Senior Traditional Authority Khongoni of Lilongwe, Inkosi Zulu Jele of Mchinji, Traditional Authority Pinda, also of Mchinji and others. Monsignor Patrick Thawale is part of the committee, representing the Archdiocese. Fr. Deus Dedit Kanyambo, from the Archdiocesan tribunal and Fr. Steven Chikhasu has been appointed as Chaplain of the Catholic Chiefs’ Association. The Bishop encouraged the chiefs to promote tolerance among the people and allow everyone to freely display their talent in the communities.

Chiefs giving a gift of a goat to the Archbishop

His Grace gave hope to the people of Chitula of the developments that will come at the new parish. He promised that with the cooperation of other stakeholders a hospital and school are possible at the parish.

St. Bernadette, Chitula parish has five zones, 26 outstations and 95 small Christian communities. Of the 95 small Christian communities, 74 have come from Christ the King parish, Nambuma and 21 small Christian communities have come from St. Peter’s Namitete parish.

The new parish will be served by the St. Vincent de Paul priests, otherwise also known as the Vincentians, and Fr. Sojan John is the first Parish priest of the new parish, of Chitula.

Chitula new church building under construction

On the 25th of March, the Year of the Lord, 2022 at 6 pm, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe with the clergy and the faithful joined the Holy Father, Pope Francis in the prayers to consecrate to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Russia and Ukraine who are at war. The prayers took place in Maula Cathedral.

The prayer session of consecration commenced with the prayers of the Rosary led by the Catholic Women Organisation, followed by the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary. After the prayers of the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the celebration of the Holy Mass followed. The Holy Mass was presided over by His Grace, George Desmond Tambala, the Local Ordinary of the Archdiocese.

The participation in the prayers was very positive. A good number of the faithful turned up to participate despite the short notice. His Grace sent information to all the clergy and the faithful in the Archdiocese to join him in his Cathedral as requested by Pope Francis to pray to God through the Blessed Virgin Mary for peace in the war-torn regions of Ukraine and Russia.

In his homily, during the Mass of the consecration of Russia and Ukraine, His Grace, George Tambala expressed deep concern about what is happening in Ukraine, thousands of men and women and children being displaced. This has caused misery and despair amongst many, especially in Ukraine. He said the tension between Russia and Ukraine has a great potential to escalate to other countries in the world, and Malawi could be greatly affected.

Prayers through our Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary can work wonders. The Virgin Mary, with her Son, Jesus Christ never fails.

The Archbishop also expressed some joy at how the neighbouring countries are welcoming with love and open hands the displaced victims. He encouraged the participating congregation and everyone to learn lessons from the countries that are doing charitable work with regard to the thousands who are being displaced.

The prayer session for the consecration of Russia and Ukraine was broadcast on the Archdiocesan Radio Station, Radio Alinafe, and Luntha TV.

Fr. Louis Chikanya
(Communications Coordinator, Archdiocese of Lilongwe)