ARCHBISHOP MSUSA LEADS THOUSANDS IN MOURNING TWO NUNS

By Fr. Steve Likhucha, ECM Communication Department

Archbishop Thomas Msusa of Blantyre Archdiocese on Monday (16th February, 2015) led thousands of people in mourning two nuns, Sr. Martha Clemence Makwasa and Sr. Chrissy Govati, of Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary (SBVM) congregation who died last Friday and Saturday respectively and their remains were buried together at SBVM cemetery in Nguludi, Chiradzulo District.

Speaking during the homily, in the requiem mass which was also concelebrated by Bishop Montfort Stima of Mangochi Diocese and priests from various dioceses and congregations in Malawi, the Archbishop called upon all the Christians to be ever-ready by doing good works which nobody else can take away from the other.

“Charitable works and all works of mercy will merit us to enter with the bride and bridegroom in the hall. Your good works cannot be taken away from you and my good works cannot be taken away from me. With good works we will enjoy the beatific vision of God in his eternal glory. We should learn then to be characterized by good works.” Said Msusa.

In his eulogy the Archbishop who is also the President for the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) consoled the SBVM Congregation and the rest of the Catholic Fraternity for the loss of the two nuns.

He further said that while the whole Catholic Religious Fraternity was on Saturday celebrating the Year of the Consecrated Life where by people recalled the positive contributions by the Congregations in the Catholic Church; SBVM was in double tragedy of mourning two nuns.

Representing the Mother General, Sr. Ruth Kamwendo, thanked all the people who have been supporting the deceased in various parishes and especially during their painful moments at the hospital and old people’s home.

Sr. Martha Clemence Makwasa from Masanjala Parish in Chiradzulo, who has died at the age of 82 and joined the Congregation in 1953, has served in many dioceses including Zomba at Nankhunda Seminary. While Sr. Chrissy Govati hailing from Mtepuwa in Mulanje, joined the Congregation in 1999 at the age of 24 and has served in Mangochi and Dedza Dioceses.

According to the Mother Superior of the Congregation, Sr. Elizabeth Naphuntha, the deceased nuns leave the Congregation with 278 members who are serving in Chikwawa, Blantyre, Zomba, Mangochi and Dedza Dioceses where the Congregation has convents. In 2015 the Congregation is clocking 90 years and on 25th March 2015 six novices are expected to join the Congregation.

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