THE DIOCESE OF DEDZA OPENS MISSION MONTH ACTIVITIES IN STYLE
By Gerald Malota
The Catholic Church is Missionary in nature. Within Church circles, the Month of October has been singled out as the Mission Month, where the Church celebrates her universality and shared role of evangelization throughout the whole world. All Catholics join hands to help in this mission with their prayers and finances. The climax of all this is on the Mission Sunday.
On Saturday, the 02nd of October 2021, the Diocese of Dedza through the office of Pontifical Mission Societies opened October Mission Month at Our Lady of Fatima (Chipoka) Parish where among others, Priests, Major Seminarians and almost 1,300 Children from various Parishes in the Diocese attended the function.
In his homily during the Holy Eucharist Mass, Monsignor John Chithonje reminded Children of their vocations and encourage them to serve God with all their hearts.
He further challenged parents, “ I am also asking all parents, guardians and animators to help these children grow into good Christians, “said Monsignor Chithonje. He further thanked the office of Pontifical Mission Societies in Dedza Diocese for the work they are doing in making Christians including children to know their role in the Church.
“Now, in our Diocese we can notice and appreciate the work that PMS is putting up. This is a good sign of progress because a lot of Christians including Children are now participating well in missionary work, We are grateful to the Diocesan PMS Director Fr Madeya for his zeal, focus and commitment towards missionary work,” He added
In his remarks, Fr. Madeya thanked the Diocese for allowing them have that big function at Our Lady of Fatima (Chipoka) Parish. He also thanked all key prayers in making sure that the children are doing the needful in their respective parishes and later encouraged children to continue participating actively in Church ministry through their various roles.
He then expressed his concern over some parishes that are not doing well in some activities. And encourage them to improve.
Speaking on behalf of his fellow children, Christopher Banda from Nsipe Parish thanked PMS and all other organizers for such a colourful function.
This day was spiced up by various activities. After Mass, the children had fun at the lake. This year at Diocesan level, the Mission Sunday celebrations will be held on 24th October at Holy Angels (Matumba) Parish!