Malawi's Catholic MPs celebrate Ash Wednesday

Catholic members of Malawi’s parliament, this Wednesday ended their regular business at the house by celebrating Ash Wednesday. The Eucharistic celebration to mark the start of Lent was organised by the Episcopal Conference of Malawi’s (ECM) Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office. Fr. Henry Chinkanda, ECM’s Parliamentary Liaison Director was the main celebrant.

The Holy Mass attracted the presence of parliamentarians from all political parties in parliament as well as cabinet ministers. The MPs took part in the preparations and in the liturgy itself.  

Among others, parliamentarians Mary Mpanga and Deus Gumba Banda read the first and second readings respectively. Intercession prayers were made by 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 the aims of praying for various needs such as prayers for Malawi’s leaders, the electorates, victims of floods and thanking God for the freedom of worship that Malawi enjoys.

(By ECM Communications)

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In his homily, Fr. Chinkanda challenged parliamentarians to trust in God, “You have to realise 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.

Fr. Chinkanda also reminded the parliamentarians to be true and responsible representatives of the people.

Speaking on behalf of fellow parliamentarians, Anna Kachikho commended Malawian Bishops for instituting the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office which is represented by Fr. Chinkanda saying the office is able to bring them closer to their Church and God.

“We as MPs will abide by what we have been advised by Fr. Chinkanda through his homily. We will strive to be parliamentarians who love prayer as a weapon in our day to day undertakings. We also wish to continue having such gatherings in the future,” she said.

The offering from the Mass was to go towards flood victims.