By Fr Frank Mwinganyama
Catholic priests in the Archdiocese of Blantyre were on Monday 23rd March, 2020 drilled on the nature and impact of the current pandemic, Covid-19 in a session which was part of a special Presbyterium meeting that was officially opened the Metropolitan’s Ordinary Archbishop Thomas Msusa at Nantipwili Pastoral Centre.
“We priests are inside the tumult caused by this deadly pandemic for it has not only brought about socio-economic challenges but also spiritual challenges. Hence, the need for priests to have correct and relevant information for their pastoral planning,” said Archbishop Msusa in his speech, adding, “In any case, we have to follow both civil and ecclesiastical directives during this hard time.”
During the day long session, Ms Helen Mangochi, a research nurse with Malawi-Liverpool Trust, gave a presentation that touched on the nature, spread and preventive measures of Coronavirus that is causing Covid 19, a new disease that has already claimed many lives in many countries globally.
Ms Mangochi emphasized that priests need to pay attention to preventive measures because once the virus is discovered in Malawi, we may not be able contain it.
“We already have a poor healthy system coupled with our own poor hygiene. It will be difficult to manage high number of Covid-19 cases in our present situation.”
She therefore urged the clergy to assist in putting into practice the preventive measures among the populace.
Ms Mangochi further dismissed numerous misconceptions and half-truths about the new disease, saying we all can be affected and need to be on our guard.
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| Archbishop Thomas Msusa |
The information shared by the professional nurse has helped the clergy in the Archdiocese to make proposals for pastoral planning; how they are going to discharge their duties as Shepherds in this challenging atmosphere. Of major concern was the celebration of Holy liturgies and Easter festivities which attract many people in the Church.
“We are in a desperate situation which calls for desperate measures in our pastoral work. We need to be vigilant in prayer and at the same time encourage each other to take precautions,” said Fr Alfred Chaima, Pastoral Coordinator in the Archdiocese of Blantyre.
“Let us understand that it is not a sign of lack of faith to make some changes in our pastoral activities. Rather, we are bound to protect the Christians and the whole citizenry. God is on our side in this battle and we trust that He will intervene,” continued Fr Chaima.
The Catholic Church in Malawi was the first to release a statement with guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, adjustments in some areas of the Church’s life are under way to accommodate the directives pronounced by the Malawi government on the same pandemic which has almost shut down the world.
