Catholic Members of Malawi Parliament ended their Wednesday business with a Holy Eucharistic Mass which is termed as Ash Wednesday for Catholic Christians world over marking the beginning of Lenten season, thanks to the Episcopal Conference of Malawi’s (ECM) Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office.
The Holy Mass which attracted the presence of Parliamentarians from all Political parties in Parliament, Independents and Cabinet Ministers was ably handled by Parliamentarians themselves with Fr. Henry Chinkanda, ECM’s Parliamentary Liaison Director as the main celebrant.
Among others, Parliamentarians Mary Mpanga and Deus Gumba Banda read out first and second readings respectively. Intercession prayers or prayers of the faithful were offered by Parliamentarians Anna Kachikho, Juliana Lunguzi, Tarcizio Gowelo (Minister of Local Government and Rural Development) and Roy Kachali Banda.
Speaking earlier before he started the Mass,Fr. Chinkanda said the Mass was celebrated with four aims which included thanking God for appointing them through the Constituents as Members of Parliament, thanking God for the freedom of worship that Malawi has, Praying for oneself and leaders in the country including those people that voted them to power and lastly praying for all flood victims in the country.
And in his homily from the reading in the book of Mathew 6:1-6, 16-18,Fr. Chinkanda challenged the Parliamentarians to realize where their life lies on.
“If you are in trouble, do not lose hope. You have to realize the meaning of your life on this earth hence have a good working relationship with your constituents, care for the environment and remember fasting and praying especially during this Lenten season,” said Fr. Chinkanda.
While quoting Philosopher Victor Frankl, Fr. Chinkanda said it is important for an honorable MP to realize the meaning of life ranging from realizing what makes one’s life citing worthy or position like in the case of an MP as an example.
Fr. Chinkanda added by challenging the Parliamentarians to be true and responsible representatives of the people.
“I hope it would not be in the interest any Honorable Member of Parliament to peg his or her signature on a motion or a bill that would adversely affect many vulnerable and marginalized Malawians! That would be like crucifying Christ once more onto the cross” he said.
Speaking on behalf of fellow Parliamentarians, Anna Kachikho commended Malawi Bishops for instituting the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office which is represented by Fr. Chinkanda saying the office is able to bring them all closer to their Church and God Almighty.
“We as MPs will abide by what we have been advised by Fr. Chinkanda through his homily. We will strive to be Parliamentarians who loves a prayer as a weapon in our day to day undertakings. We also wish to continue having such gatherings in the future,” she said.
Other notable faces that were present during the Holy Mass included Joseph Manamveka, Minister of Trade and Industry, Francis Kasaila, Minister of Transport and Leader of the House, Patricia Kaliati, Minister of Gender, Disability and Social Welfare,his husband Aggie Kaliati,Ralph Jooma and Balaka North Parliamentarian,Lucias Banda who is also Leader of United Democratic Front in Parliament.
The offerings of the day will go towards assisting flood victims in the country through the Episcopal Conference of Malawi.
Pictures were taken by Louis Suwedi, ECM’s Media and Productions Officer