Stella Zulu
Catholic politicians in the country have been urged to journey together with the Church and the poor through their work in order for them to be transformed and be witnesses of Jesus Christ.
This was said by Rev Fr. Henry Chinkanda, the Episcopal Conference of Malawi’s National Pastoral Coordinator and Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Officer, on Wednesday, the 16th of March at Parliament building in Lilongwe, during Eucharist celebration with the Members of Parliament (MPs).
In a homily titled Walking Together through Lent in a Synodal Way as Catholic Politicians, he said it is important that the MPs should be part of the Church because their work and that of the Church involves taking care of the people of God
“The Lenten Season is the best time for us to journey together with the suffering Christ in the many people who are subjected to abject poverty in this country. Let us pray that you may fulfil your responsibility as Ambassadors of the people in Parliament.” Said Fr. Chinkanda
He further reminded the MPs the purpose of the Synod particularly to them which among other things, he said is to experience a new way as a Church of inclusion and participation of all
“The purpose of the Synod 2023 to you as Catholic politicians is that you be witnesses of God’s love, to live as a participatory and an inclusive process in the Church, especially paying attention to the needs of the poor in society, to recognise the wealth and variety of gifts in the Church, to explore participatory ways of living the mission as Catholic MPs, to examine your responsibility and power as MPs in society, to help the Church as credible partners towards integral development of all citizens for a better society and to value cries of the people who ushered them into power”. Continued Fr. Chinkanda
He then encouraged the MPs to pray, fast and do charity work, which symbolise penance and repentance from sins during this Lenten season.
Representing the MPs, Honourable Deus Gumba, who is the chairperson for Catholic MPs Small Christian Community thanked Fr. Chinkanda for the homily which he said has helped them to know more about Synod 2023 which he said will strengthen the MPs unity with the Church