By: Stella Kaferapanjira Zulu
| Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.  |
| Malawi story- Hon Francis Kasaila receiving the Ash |
Catholic Parliamentarians in the country have been urged to assist the poor and those suffering in various ways more especially the elderly, following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ
This appeal was made by the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) Parliamentary Liaison Officer Rev Fr. Henry Chinkanda during the Eucharist celebration of Ash Wednesday with the Members of Parliament (MPs) that marked the beginning of Lenten season for the Catholic faithful in the world.
Fr. Chinkanda challenged the parliamentarians to realize that Jesus Christ is still suffering today, evidenced by the suffering of old people in the country. He inspired the MPs with a reading from the book of Mathew 6:1-6, 16-18 and stressed the need for the MPs to dedicate Lenten season to understand better the challenges old people are facing and carry the responsibility of taking care of them.
“In the past, old people were supported by the traditional family system which is no longer the case these days. Due to old age, the elderly are economically disempowered and are often times discriminated against,” said Fr. Chinkanda.
Fr. Chinkanda also asked the Parliamentarians to support the bill which is meant to protect the elderly during their proceedings in Parliament so that it is passed into law. The Holy Mass was celebrated soon after Wednesday deliberations at Parliament under the theme Recognizing the Suffering Christ as Catholic Politicians in Old People’s Plight.
Speaking on behalf of all Parliamentarians, Hon. Francis Kasaila commended Malawi Bishops for instituting the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office. He said the office brings the MPs closer to the Church and God Almighty.
“We as MPs will abide by what we have been advised by Fr. Chinkanda through his homily. We will strive to be Parliamentarians who love prayer. We also wish to continue having such gatherings in the future,” he said.
In attendance during the Holy Mass were Parliamentarians from all political parties in Parliament, Independent MPs and Cabinet Ministers. All Mass proceedings were led by the MPs themselves.
