CATHOLICS CALLED TO STAND STRONG AMIDST POLITICAL ATTACKS
By: Stella Zulu
Catholics in the country have been urged to remain strong and be proud of their catholic identity and participate in the general governance of the country through various careers of their choice despite political attacks the church is facing.
The call was made by the Chairman of the Catholic University Council in Malawi, Rt. Rev. Bishop Martin Mtumbuka at the graduation ceremony of the sixteenth congregation of the University. Bishop Mtumbuka, who is also the vice Chairman of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, said Catholics should not be shy or be afraid of pursuing their political careers just because they are Catholics.
“We wish to condemn in strongest terms possible the resent uncalled for attacks on catholic politicians and especially the Catholic Church In the country. When a particular areas is hit or affected by natural disasters, we go in and assist as much as we can, anybody in need regardless of creed or ethnicity, regarding democracy we made our contribution to its establishment in this country at high risk, our institutions including this university are at the service of everyone regardless of creed, gender or ethnicity. For which of these acts of charity, faith and bravery are you attacking us?” wondered Bishop Mtumbuka.
He dismissed the claims that the Catholic Church may cause civil chaos in Malawi arguing that, it is the vice of one tribe trying to control all power all times and treating others as its door-mats that causes civil chaos in society.
Bishop Mtumbuka Therefore, urged all Catholics not to cower of being ridiculed for their faith and their church but be brave and strong wherever they are regardless of the humiliation they are subjected to.
“Always remember that enemies of your church are enemies of your faith, enemies of your faith are enemies of salvation and enemies of your salvation are agents of the devil”, added Bishop Mtumbuka
Speaking about the role of Catholic University, Bishop Mtumbuka said that under the prevailing conditions in the country, the university should help the young men and women to become pillars of hope for the Catholic Church and society through the catholic social teaching.
He continued that the university should not only be informative by just communicating factual data, but be performative and creative to change lives of both staff and students. He then urged the graduands to be men and women of good cheer and integrity in work places and the community
In his capacity as the vice Chancellor of the university, Rev Fr. George Buleya said that Catholic University of Malawi continues to focus on quality and holistic education. He therefore challenged the graduands to carry across communities the leadership qualities and values they have received during their stay at the university.
“As you graduate today, carry with you values of Accountability, values of respect for human dignity, values that promote community service and encourage innovation and values that strive to promote integrity and respect for human life,” Said Fr. Buleya
Representing Catholic university alumni association, Hellen Chabunya acknowledged that as the first congregation of the university, most of them went out and performed and they continue safeguarding the university’s reputation by being exemplary following the catholic social teaching. She urged the graduands to join the alumni association as it is their responsibility to promote and protect the brand of catholic university
The university awarded diplomas and degrees to three hundred and Eighty one men and women from Faculties of Education, Social science, Commerce, Law, Theology, Nursing and Midwifery and Science.