Catholic children celebrate Sunday of Epiphany
Thousands of Catholic children in the Diocese of Mangochi, last Sunday gathered at St Louis Catholic Parish (Balaka), to join the rest of Catholic children and the faithful in the world in celebrating the Sunday of Epiphany of the Lord.
In his homily, the Bishop Montfort Stima of Mangochi challenged the children to be sources of light to the world by demonstrating their Christian values hence build a strong foundation for their present endeavours in spreading the gospel to fellow children and that they are the future leaders in the society.
“Keep close to Christ through prayer and charity so that you can sustain the light of Christ in your life” said bishop Stima.
According to the bishop, the nation including the Church is relying on the children of today to evangelise fellow children and adults, on top of preparing them to take up leadership positions in future; hence urged parents to take good care of their children as a way of building a reputable foundation on them.
“Let us educate our children so that they grow with Christian values, become future bishops, priests, nuns and, of course, run the affairs of this country either in public or private sector,” he said.
On his part, national director for Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) Fr. Vincent Mwakhwawa advised the children to use prayer as a weapon for their day-to-day success.
He said the day is also aimed at encouraging the faithful, especially children to contribute money through the ordinary offertory of Sunday service or through in other special collection to support other needy children in the world.
Vera Chipele, one of the children who acted as presenter for Luntha Television and Radio Maria said she was delighted to note that the Church recognises and gives them chance to serve.
The day was celebrated under the theme: ‘Let the little children come to me, do not stop them’.
Money collected on this Sunday, which is also known as the Universal Sunday for Society of Holy Childhood or Missionary Children’s Day of Prayer goes to the Universal Mission Solidarity Fund to support children in the whole world. n
