Dedza Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church on Saturday held silver jubilee celebrations for two priests, who have clocked 25 years serving the Lord and ordained five new deacons to priesthood.
The colourful ceremony pulled together Roman Catholic faithful from Nsipe Parish in Ntcheu and surrounding parishes under Dedza Diocese.
The celebrations, which took place at Nsipe Primary School Ground, was, among others graced by Vice President Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima, Honourable Patricia Kaliati, His Lordship Bishop Emmanuel Kanyama of Dedza Diocese and John Chithonje Monsignor of Dedza Diocese, Fr. Gerald Bwemba (Nsipe Parish Priest), Joseph Biston (Chairperson of Nsipe Catholic Parish of Laity Council) and District Commissioner for Ntcheu Paul Kalilombe.
The priests, who have clocked 25 years, are Fr. Protazio Mantchichi and Fr. Consolatus Kamzati. They were both ordained in 1991. And during the ceremony, they renewed their celibacy vows and promised to remain faithful and obedient.
While newly ordained priests are Alfred Kalumbi from Bembeke Cathedral; Lazarus Magonde from Kasina Parish; Joseph Billiat from Dedza Parish; Emmanuel Tchuma from Mua Parish and Mathews Chitendere from Mzama Parish.
In his brief speech, Dr Chilima, who was the Guest of Honour, asked the Roman Catholic faithful to largely support the priests for them to remain obedient and faithful to God.
The Vice President also urged the faith community and all Malawians to partner government in addressing challenges facing the country.
“Some people are just good at criticizing and pointing at mistakes. It’s high time we started appreciating each other’s positive endeavours for the betterment of our country. Let’s not just be fault finders, learn to offer positive and constructive criticism,” said Chilima.
While His Lordship Bishop Emmanuel Kanyama of Dedza Diocese said it was significant day for the Church and described the ordination of the five priests as a gift to the archdiocese which still requires many more priests.
Kanyama equally called upon the newly ordained priests to dedicate their lives to serving God and make sure that they always preach and follow what they believe.
His Lordship Kanyama also asked them to adhere to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and stick to their celibacy status.
“May you be exemplary in your behaviour for your followers to have trust in you,” said Kanyama.