By Rev. Fr. John Enoch Kaliwamba dp
In a remarkable display of faith and solidarity, the Catholic Men Association (CMA) of Our Lady of Fatima (Salima) Parish has come together to bail out their brethren at Petulo Oyera Outstation by generously funding the roofing of their church, with a staggering contribution of four million kwacha.
The initiative, spearheaded by the CMA under the chairmanship of Mr. Michael Mtilatira, marks a significant moment of unity and collective action within the parish community. Recognizing the importance of supporting their fellow Catholics, the members of CMA mobilized resources and efforts to ensure the completion of the church construction project at Petulo Oyera Outstation.
“This act of solidarity embodies the true spirit of Christianity and the values we hold dear as members of the Catholic Church,” remarked Mr. Mtilatira, speaking on behalf of the association. “It is not merely about constructing a building; it is about manifesting our faith through tangible actions and serving as witnesses of Christ’s love to one another.”
Petulo Oyera Outstation had been facing financial constraints in completing the roofing of their church, posing a significant challenge to the progress of the project. However, with the timely intervention of the CMA, the community’s dream of a fully functional church is now within reach.
Fr. Peter Chatambalala, the Parish Priest of Salima Parish, conveyed profound appreciation to the steering committee chaired by Mr. Elias Magulama and parishioners for their generous support, both in cash and in kind, towards roofing the church. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our Christian community, especially to those skilled carpenters who, as devout Catholics, volunteered their God-given talents to roof the church without charge,” he stated. “Your selfless dedication and contributions exemplify the spirit of Christian charity and unity. Together, through our collective efforts, we have transformed our vision into reality. Your generosity will forever be remembered as a testament to our shared faith and commitment to serving one another.”
“The construction of a church is not just about erecting walls and roofs; it is about creating a sacred space where the faithful can come together to worship, pray, and strengthen their bonds of fellowship,” said Fr. Chatambalala. “The support from the CMA is a testament to the power of communal solidarity and the embodiment of Christian values in action.”
The completion of the church roofing project at Petulo Oyera Outstation serves as a shining example of how faith-based communities can come together to support one another and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Through their selfless dedication and generosity, the members of the CMA have not only helped build a physical structure but have also strengthened the spiritual foundation of the parish community.
Work in progress by some Catholic Carpenters who volunteered to do the work of roofing pro-borno