Cardinal Njue leads thousands at AMECEA opening Mass in Malawi

(Vatican Radio) Cardinal John Njue, the Archbishop of Nairobi has described Africa as a ‘God-fearing continent’.

“Africa has continually defined itself as a God-fearing continent. The devil was defeated on the Cross but keep in mind that up to this day, the devil has never accepted defeat”. The Cardinal has therefore invited the people of Africa to nurture the faith received from the missionaries and their African fore-fathers who first believed in the Gospel. He has encouraged parents to teach the values of their Catholic faith to their children. “Hold on to the values of our faith. Teach them to your children and to the youth”.

Cardinal Njue was speaking this morning in Lilongwe, Malawi at Civo stadium when he led thousands of worshippers at a colourful opening Mass of the 18 th AMECEA Plenary Assembly of Bishops. Close to 200 Bishops from AMECEA’s eight countries in Eastern Africa are attending this two-week Plenary Assembly whose theme is “New evangelization through true conversion and witness to Christian faith.”

Cardinal Njue also paid glowing tribute to the missionaries who brought the Gospel and the Christian faith to the continent of Africa. He said that in every country on the continent of Africa, one finds cemeteries where missionaries are buried. “Our loving missionaries…they left everything so that we might become sharers of the new life of Christ. They came in obedience to the Gospel. “

Cardinal Njue further challenged the people of Africa: “Our parents believed and gave us the faith. Where are the effects of the faith in our lives? We need to purify our intentions to do what is good and right in all spheres of life –in our families, places of work.” He criticized the materialism and secularism that has now become apparent in Africa. 

On corruption and injustice, Cardinal Njue lamented the fact that Africa was witness to a lot of injustices and corruption and that these vices were negatively affecting the economies of African countries.

Cardinal Njue pledged the commitment of the AMECEA Bishops in their desire to serve the people of the region well and faithfully. “We wish to assure you of the commitment of  your Shepherds”.

At the end of his homily, the Cardinal made a passionate plea for the people to pray for the success of the Plenary Assembly. He commended the Plenary Assembly and the whole continent to the care and intercession of Our Lady of Africa.

Also in attendance at the AMECEA opening Mass was Malawi’s Republican President, Arthur Peter Mutharika with his entourage, several Government and civic leaders as well as the Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi, Archbishop Julio Murat.

At the same ceremony, the Archbishop of Lilongwe and current AMECEA Chairman, Most Rev. Tarcisius Ziyaye received his Pallium as Metropolitan for Lilongwe.  

When the Palliums were being given by Pope Francis on 29 June in Rome, Archbishop Ziyaye was unable to attend.

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