LITURGICAL COMMISSIONS URGED TO PROMOTE SACRED LITURGY

The Bishop Chairman of the Liturgical Commission of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi(ECM), Right Reverend Peter Musikuwa,  has urged Liturgical Commissions from all dioceses in the Church to be functional and promote Sacred liturgical celebrations in all Dioceses, Parishes, and Small Christian Communities in the country.

He said this today during the opening of a three-day Training session for Diocesan Liturgical Commissions taking place at Msamba Pastoral Centre in Lilongwe.

Bishop Musikuwa said Liturgical celebrations should lead to the Spiritual growth of the faithful and should make sure the Voices of the faithful are heard by God which is the sole purpose of the Liturgy to the Glory of God and Sanctification of the Faithful.

“Ensure that musical compositions used for liturgical celebrations correspond to the criteria recommended by the Church. Examine texts destined for liturgical chant and devote special attention to evaluating and encouraging melodies that are truly suited to sacred music and are fitting for the dignity of the Church. Make sure the music can accompany the singing of the faithful and serve to edify them, thereby contributing to the Spiritual growth of the people of God. Said Bishop Musikuwa.”

He continued that to achieve this, there should be proper coordination between the Priest celebrant, the acolytes, the altar servers, the Choir, and the assembly to ensure a proper Spiritual atmosphere that makes the liturgical moment truly shared and fruitful.

On his part, the Chairman of the National Liturgical Commission, Fr. Bernard Chipole, said the training is timely and will help members of the commissions, especially those just elected,  to understand their roles and ensure the proper discharge of their duties and responsibilities.

Among other things, the training session will be on several areas including the functions of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, Liturgical Inculturation, Funeral Rites, Proper Celebration of Mass, and  Guidelines for Catholic Choirs in Malawi.