The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) is ready for the upcoming AMECEA 18thPlenary Assembly, which is set to take place on 16th to 26thJuly, 2014, in Lilongwe, Malawi.  |
| Fr. George Buleya |
In an interview with AMECEA Online News, the ECM Secretary General Fr George Buleya said that the preparations for the plenary started way back in 2011 as soon as it was announced that Malawi will be the hosting country. The ECM set up a national steering committee to look into areas of publicity, accommodation and fundraising.
“Most of the preparatory activities took place during the better part of 2012 and 2013. I would say that publicity has been done so well to an extent that all Catholics in Malawi are aware of the coming Plenary Assembly,” he said.
The Conference sent three letters from the ECM Bishops to all Catholics in Malawi explaining about the coming event and also about AMECEA as a Regional Bishops Conference. This was to ensure that people are well informed.
In terms of fund raising, Fr. Buleya explained that all are involved from diocesan level, to the parish level, to Small Christian Community level up to the family level and so far, a lot of enthusiasm has been shown. “Our Christians are highly involved; they feel the ownership of the event and are willing to support it the best they can.”
He said that all people in Malawi are aware that the opening and closing ceremonies will be open to all who can attend from all over the country, while the plenary sessions are reserved for the delegates who have been selected to represent various groups from across the Episcopal Conference.
The Conference has also tailor-made the Plenary Theme depicting various aspects for people to meditate on while other spiritual exercises are going on throughout the country.
Source: AMECEA Social Communications