The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) has recognized with gratitude the roles played by the late Bishop Joseph Mukasa Zuza, who was the chairman for ECM; the Government of Malawi, the Catholic faithful, all Malawians and individuals during the hosting of 18th AMECEA Assembly Plenary July, last year.During the Thanks Giving Mass which took place on Saturday 31st January, at Don Bosco Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, the newly elected chairman of ECM, His Grace Thomas Luke Msusa, Archbishop of Blantyre, said that the church in Malawi has been the envy of many in the AMECEA region for the successful hosting of the Plenary Assembly, which was held between 16th and 26thJuly 2014.
He, among others said that the church did well in the preparations, hosting delegates and ensuring that everything went on as planned to the last hour of the conference.
“This was dedication and cooperation by the faithful, a positive spirit showing that the church in Malawi can do more,” he said adding that “As we are thanking God for the successful host of AMECEA conference, we also have to remember all those who worked tirelessly to ensure that we had a very successful plenary for which we the Catholic Bishops are very grateful that this success came from all of you and other groups in the church. You really made us proud hosting that event."
Archbishop Msusa also attributed the success of AMECEA plenary assembly to the wise leadership of the late Bishop Joseph Mukasa Zuza who was at that time, was ECM chairman for providing various oversight roles that enabled the church to take a good path for hosting the conference and asked the congregation to remember him in prayers.
His Grace Msusa further thanked the Malawi government for supporting the church during the time of the conference particularly on security issues for all the delegates.
In a special note to the State President, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika; Archbishop Msusa recognized with thanks his personal big contribution to support the plenary.
He also expressed gratitude for the continued support to the church by the Vice President of Malawi Hon. Saulosi Chilima. “From the start, Chilima helped the church in mobilizing resources for the conference,” the Archbishop said.
Meanwhile the Collections from the Thanksgiving Mass were dedicated towards helping flood victims from all the affected 15 districts.
Archbishop Msusa also reminded priests, religious and the faithful to set aside Sunday 8thFebruary, 2015, as a special day for more collections towards the same course. He appealed for more donation of cash and/or basic needs like food (nonperishable), kitchen utensils, clothes among others.
The Archbishop also said that all items collected at parishes should be brought to the Bishop's House by Saturday 14th February 2015 for records and forwarding to the affected people.
At the end of the Mass representatives from all eight dioceses were given a book containing the resolutions made by Bishops during the 18th Plenary for AMECEA so that the message is taken to all the people.
The Thanks Giving Mass was also attended by the vice president of the republic of Malawi honorable Saulosi Chilima
By Prince Henderson, ECM Communications Officer