By: ECM’s Stella Kaferapanjira
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| Rt. Rev. Martin Mtumbuka Bishop of Karonga Diocese conveying the speech |
Catholic children in the country have been advised to accept the love of our Lord Jesus Christ, pray together and offering services that preach the Gospel so as they grow into fully formed citizens.
Rt. Rev. Martin Mtumbuka Bishop of Karonga Diocese said this when he presided over the celebration of the Solemnity of the Epiphany of The Lord, a feast for children as missionaries to the whole world.
During the event, the Bishop Mtumbuka encouraged children to let the practice of praying together, reading the Bible and serving others grow in them.
“Epiphany of The Lord is of great significance for us as it confirms that the Church loves and cares for you our dear children. Jesus was revealed to non-Jews and he has also been revealed to us. As children, you should learn to open your hearts, pray together and contribute the little you can together with all the people of good will. The Holy Father Pope Francis uses such contributions to continue preaching the Gospel to the whole world through various pastoral and humanitarian endeavors,” said Bishop Mtumbuka.
He also condemned the bad practices that are commonly happening in the surrounding communities of the Diocese and the country at large, citing the killing of old people whom the community members allege to be witches.
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| Children pose with Bishop Mtumbuka |
“Beliefs in witchcraft are a result of ignorance and poverty. People who believe in witchcraft are often not educated enough and so they lack critical thinking. I urge each and every parent to properly take care of their children by giving them good education and guiding them spiritually so that they grow into fully formed citizens of the country,” continued Bishop Mtumbuka.
On his part the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) National Director, Rev Fr. Vincent Mwakhwawa said children should grow in true faith and never be carried away by harmful practices and beliefs.
“We want children to grow in and with the love of God. That is why this year is declared by our bishops ‘The Year of The Bible.’ The Church wants to help children to grow in love and concern for others, emulating the example of our Lord Jesus Christ,” said Fr. Mwakhwawa
This year’s Epiphany of the Lord was cerebrated under the theme Children Are Baptized and Sent to Preach the Word of God.
National celebrations were held at St. Joseph The Worker Cathedral in Karonga Diocese. Children prayed for fellow children, offered services and contributed money for fellow children who are in need in various parts of the world.