Luke Chimwaza
| Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.  |
| Children representing deaneries of Blantyre Archdiocese |
The function took place at Bangwe Parish in the Archdiocese of Blantyre which was chosen by Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) to host the event.
Speaking when he presided over the launch on behalf of ECM President, the Vicar General for Blantyre Archdiocese, Monsignor Boniface Tamani spoke tough on child abuse. He has since appealed to the Catholic Church and all Malawians to protect children from all evil.
"We need, as a society, to think through in terms of what we're doing to protect our children from any form of abuse. Every community, village or church must be sensitized about these issues. It's sad that some of these issues happening are never reported because the perpetrators are our relatives. We are protecting wrong people. We need to understand that what is happening is harmful to the child's psychological and emotional health for the rest of their life" He said.
Monsignor Tamani, further encouraged Catholics to ensure that children are raised in a manner that will make them good citizens.
"If the life of the child is well-grounded in Christian values and principles at very early age, they will start while young to practice what is right and proper before God and it will not be difficult when they grow up. With strong faith and strong principles, they'll be able to withstand some of those evil elements that may be coming their way," he added.
| Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.  |
| Children dressed according to who they want to be in the Church |
On his part, Pontifical Mission Society director at ECM, Rev. Fr Vincent Mwakhwawa said Epiphany is an opportune time to help children display their abilities.
"The Catholic Church has this day to give support to the children so that they express themselves, especially their human rights as child. We want them to express that by participating in liturgy and social life, through worship and dances because they are part of the society. We want also to teach the adults to respect and value children, and to realize that in them there's God and the potential to do many things," he said.
This year, the Epiphany preparations will be hosted by Bangwe Catholic Parish and will be closed with the celebration of the Epiphany Sunday on January 2, 2022.
