As the Poverelle Sisters of the Catholic Church commemorated 150 years of existence on May 26, 2019, Bishop Montfort Stima of Diocese of Nzekokere has pleaded with families to consider dedicating sons and daughters to priesthood and sisterhood respectively.

Bishop Stima made the call on Sunday at St Charles Lwangwa in Kankao Parish where Poverelle sisters in Malawi commemorated 150 years.

It is not convincing to see that there are only 14 Poverelle Sisters despite being in the country for over 35 years.

I would like to urge parents to dedicate their daughters to the Lord and pray for their success throughout the journey,” said Bishop Stima.

The Bishop commended the Poverelle sisters for uplifting lives of the underprivileged in society through education, health and special needs care among others.

Sister Barbara Bhima who is the delegate for Poverelle sisters in Malawi and Kenya says they are geared to continue showing a face of love for the hopeless people who think all is lost.

She said:- “We are committed to continue taking care of the vulnerable society in our communities by showing them God’s love wherever possible.”

The Poverelle Sisters is a brainchild of an Italian wealthy R

oman Catholic priest Luigi Palazzolo, who in the year 1869 asked sister Teresa Gabrielli to take care of a poor-sick child resulting into formation of Poverelle sisters. 

Poverelle sisters came to Africa in 1952 first in Zaire (now Democratic republic of Congo), then Ivory Coast in 1974 and Malawi in 1983.

Bishop Alessandro Assolari of Diocese of Nzekokere  then, asked the Poverelle sisters to come to St Charles Lwangwa parish Kankao- Balaka, to take care of children with disabilities.

They have to date opened other formations in Mikoke in Ntcheu and Matumba in Dedza under the diocese of Dedza.

Poverelle sisters have constructed several community hospitals and schools among other developments.

‘HERE IAM SEND ME’ this is what the Seminarians of Kachebere Major Seminary were singing as the first years had their Cassocks blessed. The Church looked colourful when those who entered the church in trousers and shirts dressed their Cassocks immediately after the Bishop blessed them.

It was on 25^th May, 2019 when the Rt. Rev. Bishop Montfort Stima presided over the Eucharistic cerebration where the Seminary saw 78 young men (the first years) got their Cassocks blessed.

In his homily the Rt. Rev. Bishop Montfort Stima expounded that the Seminarians should carry their cross and follow Christ.  He also lamented that some deliberately choose to drag their cross and some touch the cross pretending to carry it. When we carry the cross with enthusiasm, zeal, hope and Faith in the Lord without turning back, we will be successful in our mission.

The Dean of students encouraged his fellow seminarians to be focused and to trust in God no matter how bumpy and rough the road might be.

In his speech the vice Rector Rev. Fr. Enock Kanjira indicated that the first years came in a large number totaling to 81 hence the seminary decided to extend their waiting period in order to know them much better.

In his speech the Rt. Rev. Bishop Montfort Stima encouraged the Seminarians to realize their call and follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ responsibly. He also reminded the Seminarians that their Bishops and Archbishops are working day and night to raise funds to pay for their studies. “Some Bishops attend Church organized dinner and dance to raise some funds, learn to appreciate and be committed to your studies. We expect you to inspire other young men especially when you go for pastoral experience in different parishes” the bishop strongly emphasized. 

Kachebere Major Seminary celebrates cassocks day annually where the cassocks for the first years are blessed and given to them as a liturgical attire.

The acting PMS Director for the diocese of Nzekokere, Fr. Philip Polokera had some time to explain to the students the history, the objectives and the rationale of vocations Sunday. In his presentation, Fr. Philip expounded the four Pontifical Mission Societies and the importance of celebrating the vocations Sunday in particular. Among other things, he emphasized that the church longs to pray for vocations, promote vocations and to raise funds to support seminaries and novitiates.

Being a good shepherd Sunday, the vicar general in his homily challenged all to emulate Christ the good shepherd. He also reminded all that amidst so many voices that the world amplifies, we should attend to the silent voice of the good shepherd.

“We should always be thankful to God for the different vocations and talents that we have in the Church, let us also continue to pray for the young people to have the courage to take a risk for God’s promise” emphasized Fr. Frank.

The diocesan vocations director and youth chaplain for the diocese of Nzekokere, Fr. Christopher Sichinga, commended the organizing team for the good preparations and for the guidance during the activities. He challenged the students to work extra hard in class, to build their faith on a very strong foundation, form their conscious and ignite change. Fr. Christopher also acknowledged the good job that YCS patrons/Matrons are doing in the schools. He requested them to continue to accompany the young people in their joys and sorrows.

Vocations promoters from different congregations had a chance to promote their congregation through vocation promotion talks and vocation shopping time. Each participating school performed two best social activities based on the 2019 vocations Sunday theme. The Pontifical Mission society of St. Peter the Apostle, which is one of the four Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS), is responsible for leading the promotion of this day and its joyful celebration.

12.05.19

Written by Fr. Harry M. Phiri

12th May this year was fourth Sunday of Easter which is famously known as Good Shepherd Sunday. On the day, Bishop Montfort Stima reiterated his call to Namandanje parishioners to consider ‘hope’ as ultimate virtue by which all acts are to be driven by.

The Bishop made this call, in his homily at Mass to congregants of Confirmation Mass at the parish, before administering the Sacrament of Confirmation to 140 Catholics.

“As a Church and God’s people, we are all called to live in hope at all times. Our lives unveil the depth of hope in the risen Lord for it is thru what we do, alter, engage in, that the degree of hope in God, in the life to come and in the risen Lord is unfolded. We are the Easter people, and hope in the risen Lord propels our wellbeing and lasting anticipation for the world to come,” said Bishop Stima.

He added that the salvation we gladly celebrate each day and utmost in the Easter season is a gift which imparts us responsible roles by letting our hope be evident.

Bishop Stima also urged the young adults to ask themselves how they will use their gifts and talents to serve and transform their communities in after confirmation.

“The Holy Spirit received on baptism and on confirmation has given you and us all unique gifts for the service and salvation mankind. Therefore, we need to make proper use of these gifts. Selflessness and love for others are indicators that one lives in hope,” he added.

In very clear terms, the bishop urged the just confirmed Catholics to take their positions and make proper use of their talents in the church and at the service of people at large.

The Bishop encouraged the youth and Sunday school children to concentrate on school so as to grow into trustworthy adults.

Before administering the sacrament of confirmation, the bishop took time to listen to and speak with the candidates about their current and future aspirations, their questions about life and the challenges they face while trying to live their Catholic faith within their communities.

He further encouraged those present to hold on to their indigenous culture of supporting their priests. Particularly, he mentioned that the parish is of age and needs to play a model role.

“Namandanje Parish has come a long way. You just celebrated your golden jubilee last year. As a sign of growth, two parishes are born of you, and these being St. Mary’s (Ntanja) and Mofolo Woyera (Masanje) Parishes. May you be exemplary to these two parishes and of course some parishes elsewhere in all areas particularly on self-reliance,” he added.

The parishpriest of Namandanje Parish, Father Ernest Yola thanked God for the year’s harvest of 140 Catholics confirmed on the day. Out of the confirmed 197 are girls and the rest are boys.

Namandanje Parish was created in 1968 by Montfort Missionaries from Italy.

Young Christian Workers (YCW) movement in the Diocese of Nzekokere has now new leadership at the diocesan level. The movement had an extra-ordinary Annual General Meeting (AGM) from 07^th -09^th December 2018 at Nzekokere Cathedral in Nzekokere.

Innocent Gumulira from Monkey bay parish is now the new diocesan YCW president. Gumulira is replacing Patrick Mandala who has been leading the group for the past three years as the president.  The Vice Presidency is now headed by Peter Mkhori from Ulongwe Parish who will be taking over from Raymond Mwalwali. Gift Magalasi is now the new diocesan secretary and the vice secretary is Maria Ndawala. The new treasurer is Boniface Kadewere and the new leader at large is Patricia Kazembe. Committee members are as follows: Yacinta Machokero, Patrick Mandala, Dyson Hiwa and Mphatso Mulenga. 

Announcing the election results, the National representative Mr. Richard Mankwazi, said: “This process has been very transparent and all of us have been given the opportunity to participate. Congratulations to the newly elected team, and we pray that the Holy Spirit should guide you as you take up this challenge. We also give thumbs up to the outgoing team for a job well done,” he said.

In his farewell speech, Patrick Mandala the outgoing YCW diocesan president thanked all the members for their untiring support towards the outgoing team. “We had a very smooth run during our tenure of office because we received support from all the sections. We are appealing to you to continue rendering the same support to the in-coming team. Yes we have achieved some milestones, but there was a lot that we could do which will now have to be done by the newly elected office bearers,” he said.

Taking her turn, the in-coming leader at large Patricia Kazembe thanked the outgoing team for a job well done. She outlined a number of issues which the newly elected team should take note of and implement. She acknowledged that the outgoing team has done a very tremendous job.

The new team is expected to begin their mandate on 15^th January after the handovers that have been scheduled to take place at Ulongwe Parish from 9am. Apart from the hand overs the new team is expected to undergo an orientation ceremony on that same day.

Apart from having a fruitful deliberation and the elections, the delegates also had a chance to attend a spiritual reflection conducted by Fr. Davie Mambo. The reflection was based on the call to holiness as emphasised by Pope Francis in his apostolic exhortation (Gaudete et exsultate). In his presentation, Fr. Mambo challenged the delegates not to be afraid of holiness. “It will take away none of your energy, vitality or joy” he emphasised, quoting the exhortation.

Nzekokere YCW movement is set to begin a new chapter with the coming in of the new executive which is geared at making the movement better than before. The AGM ended with a shared vision that, it is possible to have a vibrant YCW in the diocese of Nzekokere.

Ahead of Christmas season and festivities; and of course as we draw close to the end of the year 2018, the clergy in the catholic Diocese of Nzekokere have been on a “holy week” (from 3^rd to 7^th of December) in the spirit of crowning the year gloriously.

On 3^rd December, 2018, members of the Association of Diocesan Catholic Clergy of Nzekokere (ADCCOM) gathered for their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the bishop’s residence in Nzekokere. During the meeting, members shared and evaluated an overall status of the association in the dying year, 2018. The gathering gave them a chance to make important decisions regarding the future activities and projects related to the association.

Speaking at the end of the AGM, ADCCOM Chairperson, Fr. Augustine Friday Phiri defined the AGM as a success. ‘This is one of the best conferences we have ever had. It was well organised. Members patronised it. Deliberations were constructive with lively participation. It was a marvel for us as a family.’ Said Fr. A.F. Phiri.

That very evening of 3^rd December, the clergy were closed up for a four days spiritual renovation at Montfort Lake House in Nzekokere. Bishop Alessandro Pagani, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Nzekokere preached the retreat on the theme ‘The possibility of attaining holiness’ basing his reflections on Sacred Scripture, lives of saints, encyclical letters and a little bit of situation ethics.

Finally, diocesan and religious priests in union with Bishop Stima collectively demonstrated their collaboration and collegial nature of their sacerdotal ministry as they came for a conclave on 7^th December at Namiyasi. This was the last of its kind this year. The clergy have been meeting quarterly as a presbyterium in 2018.

In his key note address to the presbyters Bishop Stima mention that every priests in the diocese has vital role in the running of the diocese. He however pointed out that the diocese has the strategic plan by which each priests and his need to be guided by in running of his pastoral affairs within the diocese. ‘Let us own the diocesan strategic plan‘. Bishop Stima said.

All anticipate a promising vigilance of Christ’s birth, lovely Christmas season and another set of 365 days of hidden graces to explore.  The extra Holy week outside the ideal Lenten Season has challenged the priests to continue to strive for their holiness amidst their challenges. Do not be afraid to be holy, emphasised Bishop emeritus Alessandro Pagani.

Catholic Bishops in Malawi have served Catholic flocks with a 16 point statement, instructing them on how best ‘the Extraordinary Missionary Month in October, 2019’ (EMM 2019) can be prepared for and celebrated.

It’s almost century now since the Catholic Church first engaged new, better and aggressive ways and means in reaching out the masses with the gospel as per commanded by Christ in the Sacred Scriptures. (Mk. 16:15)

In a papal document titled Maximum Illud, dated November 30^th 1919 by Pope Benedict XV, the pope spoke of the Church’s mission after World War I. The Holy Father underlined the necessity of proper preparation for the work in foreign cultures and the need to acquire language skills before going there.

Pope Benedict XV requested a continued striving for personal sanctity and praises the selfless work of female religious in the missions highlighting that pastoral mission is not only for missionaries, but that all Catholics must participate, through their Apostolate of Prayer, by supporting vocations, and by helping financially. The encyclical concludes by pointing out several organizations which organize and supervise mission activities within the Catholic Church.

100 years down the line Pope Francis urges all to celebrate the success of the mission and at the same time pray for the course of evangelisation.

Responding to the Pope’s call and Christ’s invitation to evangelize, Malawian bishops have issued a statement which has been on first Sunday of Advent in all Catholic prayer-houses in Malawi. In the communiqué, the senior pastors are direct the faithful to participate actively in the missionary initiative of the Holy Father, Pope Francis so as to achieve renewed missionary zeal and the objectives of celebrating the Extraordinary Missionary Month of October 2019.

In Diocese of Nzekokere, His Lordship Bishop Monfort Stima presided over a launch Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral where hundreds of Catholics congregated.   

Speaking on behalf of the congregation and all Catholics in the diocese, Mr. Kamwendo assured the bishop of their very active participation for the church to meet its expectations.

Malawian Catholic Families (CFM) gathered for an annual General Assembly from November 24th to 25th in Nzekokere, St. Augustine Cathedral. During the assembly, the full body of Catholic Family Movement leadership from 7 dioceses addressed a variety of topics including ethical and religious directives for Catholic families, responsible parental-care, social teaching of the church on marriage and family life and elected new office bearers for a conventional period of three serving term.

Bishop Montfort Stima who graced the whole occasion with an inaugural High Mass called on all families to respect the sacramental nature of Christian marriages. ‘…the presence of Christ in your families elevates an ordinary union of man and woman to a sacramental state. Christ who chooses to be amongest his flock finds Himself a member of your families. Therefore, respect the sacramental nature of your union by look-uping to Him; and love each other as members of Christ’s body, the Church’, Bishop Stima said.

National Pastoral Director at the Episcopal conference of Malawi, Fr. Tseka spoke strongly against the trend by many working class parents who provide for their children and wards but spare no time them as parents. ‘Children do not just lookup for material support from parents, they also need moral and spiritual support. They need your time…lots of children that are out of hand arent coming from poor families. No! they are from able families whose parents have no time for their kids. Will this assembly look into this not just as a social issue?‘. said Fr. Tseka.

Prof. Moira Chimombo, emeritus professor at the Malawi’s constituent educational institution, Chancellor College (CHANCO) and author of The Power of Discourse: An Introduction to Discourse Analysis, addressed the indaba on ‘Responsible Parenthood from Catholic Families‘. Fr. Cosmas Kinley, Director of Likulezi Catechetical Centre & Director of Catechetical Commission in the Catholic Archdiocese of Blantyre, ably presented on the Social Teaching of the Church on Marriage and Family Life.

On close of the day, the indaba resolved that Catholic families be helped to be parental; exemplary to children and other families; raise and train children for their better future, that of the Church and nations; accommodate other couples who are not members of any group related to marriage; make efforts to learn more on Church’s doctrines related to Marriage and family life; that members get registered and begin to subscribe with intent of promoting the movement etc…

Out of the AGM, the following members were elected in different offices:

• Kelvin & Eunice Chifunda from Archdiocese of Blantyre, National President Couple Family.
  
• Francis & Stella Namulu, from Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Vice President Couple Family.
  
• Ignatius and Patricia Monjeza, from Archdiocese of Lilongwe,National Secretary General.
• Syveria Palanjeta, from Diocese of Dedza, Vice-General General Bruno’s Family.
• Emmanuel and Opinion Chizinga, from Archdiocese of Blantyre, National Treasure Couple Family.
• Robin & Mercy Ngalande, from Diocese of Dedza, Vice National Treasure Family.

These officers will serve in their respective offices for a period of three years on approval by the relevant authorities.

]]> http://www.dioceseofNzekokere.org/news-design-media-magazine/catholic-agents-to-respond-to-domesric-violence-in-malawian-catholic-families/ Sat, 10 Nov 2018 18:06:46 +0000 http://www.dioceseofNzekokere.org/?p=6188 BE LIKE THE MARTYRS: BISHOP STIMA ADVICES FRIENDS OF MATYRS OF UGANDA. Read More »

Many of us consider ourselves generous when we shower our gifts on others. Yet, not for one moment do we feel thankful to the one who receives what we give. Giving is fine, yet receiving is more dignifying and carries with it delightment even though the receiver demonstrates humility by accepting gracefully.

On November 4^th 2018, on the occasion of administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation and commemoration of St. Martin de Porres who is patron saint of Nsanama Parish, Bishop Stima reprimanded Catholics from the parish to be witnesses of the gospel, their Christian faith and Jesus Christ in all their undertakings. Alluding to St. Martin de Porres as perfect example of a man who witnessed the Gospel, the bishop implored the congregation to emulate him. ‘St. Martin de Porres was intelligent, not self-centered, educated and gifted person who didn’t count what he was and what he had but instead worked so hard for and with the nobodies. This is how he was a perfect witness.’ Said Bishop Stima.

In an interview with our correspondent after the Eucharistic Celebration, Bishop Stima substantiated his point when he said the Holy Spirit receipt on Confirmation spares no one with its sacred gifts. ‘Like the three men of the parable of talents in the Synoptic Gospels, some who receive sacred gifts on Confirmation choose to either invest while others bury or abuse the talents. Read your Bible.’ He said.

In his message to all, Fr. Matthews Likambale, Parish Priest of Nsanama Parish sounded gratified for the bishop’s acceptance to administer the sacrament.

Hundreds of Catholics from the 22 outchurches of Nsanama parish came to witness the reception  tongues of fire by the 210 disciples of Christ.