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Catholic priest urges Chilima to heed ‘God’s calling’

Dedza Catholic Diocese administrator Father John Chithonje on Saturday made a veiled reference to calls for Vice-President Saulos Chilima to declare his interest in running the affairs of the nation.

His remarks, during celebrations marking 50 years of St Kizito Minor Seminary in Dedza on Saturday, came amid calls for the Veep to seek the country’s presidency.

Chilima and his wife during the prayers on Saturday

Chilima was part of the commemoration officiated by head of Lilongwe Archdiocese Archbishop Tarcizius Ziyaye.

Politicians, academicians and several priests and Catholic faithful from all walks of life attended the event.

Fr Chithonje said: “I understand there are calls for you to play some role. If you listen and you acknowledge that it is God’s voice, then accept the calling,” attracting applause from the audience.

Referring to Samuel 3: 1-10, the main scripture that was read at the event, the Father urged the Vice-President to take his time before responding to the calls.

In the scripture, Samuel, who became a great prophet of Israel, initially did not recognise the voice of God when He was calling him.

“Like Samuel, you can wait before responding to the calling,” he said.

The priest, who spoke calmly as a seemingly relaxed Chilima listened on, said the role of the church is to “pray for the Vice-President”.

Chithonje praised Chilima for his commitment to the church despite holding a top position.

“We thank you for always being available when the church is having various activities,” he said. “You have demonstrated that you fear God.”

But Chilima hinted he is close to revealing his stand on the calls for him to launch a presidential bid.

He said his ‘first calling was in Ntchisi’, referring to the Catholic Church event in Ntchisi, where he condemned corruption in government.

The Vice-President added that his being invited to attend on Saturday’s event was the ‘second calling’.

“When you call me for the ‘third time’, like Samuel, I will respond,” he said, as the crowd cheered.

In his speech, Ziyaye also thanked Chilima for his support towards the Catholic Church, saying: “Some think you have been active in church matters because you are the Vice-President.

“But I have, since time immemorial, known you as a devoted Christian.  And you don’t choose which diocese to support. All the eight dioceses enjoy your support,” he said.

The St Kizito Minor Seminary was established in 1968.

Ziyaye said the institution has been instrumental in nurturing priests who have become pillars of the church.

“Apart from priests, this school has trained people that have become influential in our societies.  This is why we decided to celebrate its existence,” Ziyaye, a former graduate of the institution, said.

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