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| A section of the Congregation that turned up for the celebration |
Thousands of Catholics and non-Catholics from all dioceses of Malawi gathered at CIVO Stadium to join over two hundred delegates of the 18th Plenary Assembly of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), at the official opening of the 18th plenary that took place on Thursday July 17 2014.
Gates of the stadium opened at 7 o’clock in the morning as people flocked in the stadium for Mass.
The celebration was honored by the presence of the head of State Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, Honourable Saulos Chilima - the Vice President, Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia His Excellency Julio Murrat, the President of SECAM Most Rev Gabriel Mbilingi, leaders of other churches and many other dignitaries.
Government security was tight throughout the celebration, which enabled people to participate freely during the celebration of Mass that was presided by His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, with concelebrants that included the Patron of AMECEA, Archbishop Vincenzo Pagli, the President of the Pontifical Council for Family, among other.
The celebration started with a procession at 9 O’clock, and took almost four hours, during which the joyful congregation sang and danced as they worshiped and thanked God for the successful preparation and for the success of the plenary.
By Fr. Andrew Kaufa ECM
