The Secretary General for the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), Fr. Henry Saindi has challenged Catholic Women under the banner of Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) to support and empower fellow women within and outside the Catholic Church.
He said such support could be in a form of strengthening fellow women’s skills in leadership, vocational, business and project management.
Fr Saindi was speaking when he opened a three-day Leadership Training Workshop for the newly elected diocesan and national CWO committees at St. John’s Msamba Pastoral Center in Lilongwe.
He said the leadership training was crucial as it helped to equip participants with knowledge and skills to the newly elected executive committees on how best to perform in their duties.
“This gives you an opportunity for planning in the future. This gathering gives an opportunity for creating a bridge between the past and the present which is vital for every organization’s success,” said Fr. Saindi
Fr. Saindi then challenged the new executive members to build on the successes of the out-going executives as they will be coming up with new plans and strategies both at national and diocesan level.
He also reminded them to go back to the resolutions of the 2016 Catholic Women Organization Annual General Meeting to see what needs to be implemented.
“The Bishops appreciate the role that Catholic Women Organization plays in the church; however, the Bishops are concerned with lack of spirituality in most of the activities” Said Fr. Saindi.
He added, “there is hope however, that future meetings will consider spiritual formation of Catholic Women Organization Members a priority as without this, all the activities are empty and meaningless.
During his speech, Fr Saindi also took time off to encourage all chaplains and sister advisors to do their work of linking Catholic Women Organization to priestly and pastoral bodies diligently in order to provide it with spiritual sustenance.
“Let me therefore encourage you all (executive members) to use your leadership skills to promote other women in the church,” said Fr. Saindi.
He said there is low participation of women in leadership positions in the church, low coordination of various women groups like Legio, CWO and other Church groupings.
According to Fr. Saindi, there is need to inspire many to contribute to an effective development of the Church and the country by joining politics or occupying positions of influence.
CWO national chairlady, Dr. Elizabeth Meke said the workshop has enlighten them to be vigilant and strive to contribute positively to the socio-economic of the Church and the nation at large.