Bishop Mwakhwawa Commissions 235 Adolescents as Missionaries at St. Francis Parish (Kanengo)
The Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe has made a strong call for parents to curb their children’s excessive use of social media and provide them with Bibles to nurture their spiritual development.
This appeal was a central theme of today’s confirmation Mass for 235 adolescents at St. Francis Parish in Kanengo, which has been presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa.
In his remarks, Bishop Mwakhwawa commissioned the newly confirmed youth as “missionaries.”
Bishop Mwakhwawa sharing his homily
His Lordship urged them to actively proclaim the Gospel and to remain dedicated to prayer, stating, “Prayer is a fundamental mission activity.”
He also issued a stark warning against the “evil” of modernization, specifically the “uncontrolled use of social media.”
The bishop stated that this can lead to addiction and “social psycho problems,” a trend he has witnessed in his pastoral work.
Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa confirms a new missionary for Christ
He also reminded the congregation of the holiness of the Eucharist, urging them to respect Jesus’ presence in the sacrament and to receive communion with reverence.
The new confirmed adolescent receives the Eucharist on tongue
Confirmands receive the sacrament of Eucharist
The Vice-chairperson of the St. Francis Parish Laity Council, Peter Chapola, has affirmed the council’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for the youth.
Mr Peter Chapola, Vice-chairperson of the St. Francis Parish Laity Council
He noted that the parish has various groups and has introduced Bible study classes to ensure young people “further their participation in church activities.”
Speaking on behalf of the newly confirmed, Xavierah Nthambi Likongwe shared her gratitude, stating that she and her peers are now “confirmed to go out and spread the Word of the Lord.”
Xavierah Likongwe, a representative of the confirmands, shares their journey to confirmation
She underscored the importance of Bibles and hymns as essential tools for their daily Christian lives.
In a symbolic act of promoting faith and knowledge, Bishop Mwakhwawa also blessed the parish’s new, not-yet-opened bookshop following the Mass.
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- New Bookshop Blessed by Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa
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- New Bookshop Blessed by Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa
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- New Bookshop Blessed by Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa
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- New Bookshop Blessed by Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa
The bishop concluded the day by interacting with members of the congregation.
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- Bishop Mwakhwawa takes time to interact with the animators following the confirmation ceremony
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- Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa concludes a memorable day by interacting with members of the congregation at St. Francis Parish in Kanengo
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- Bishop Mwakhwawa takes time to interact with the St. Bakhita Catholic Women Choir after confirmation ceremony
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- Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa greets and shares a word with the faithful after the confirmation Mass
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- Bishop Mwakhwawa takes time to interact with the congregation following the confirmation ceremony
By Eric Norman Mkwaira