Catholic students meet in Salima

he Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) has organised a three-day retreat for Catholic students from institutions of higher learning who are members of the National Movement of Catholic Students (NMCS).
The meeting, that will attract at least 400 students from all universities and colleges from across the country, will take place at Salima Technical College in Salima district from April 8-10.

NMCS, a national chapter of the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS), is a Catholic movement of tertiary students whose aim, among others, is to facilitate deeper understanding and fuller practice of the Catholic faith among its members and promote various activities of Catholic students in all colleges.
ECM’s national chaplain for the youth, Father Vincent Mwakhwawa said during the meeting the youth will be reminded on issues of managing and protecting the environment in line with Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si that talks about caring for the environment.
“There will also be talks on marriage and discussions on the political and economic situation of the country,” said Mwakhwawa.
Mwakhwawa further said the youth will also be helped to understand the Year of Mercy that the Catholic Church is currently observing.
“As ECM, we would like to foster the spirit of interaction among these Catholic students; they should come together and share various issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.
NMCS publicity secretary Dan Mpeleka said preparations are at an advanced stage but said they face financial challenges as their budget is at K3.2 million but they have only raised K800 000.
“We appeal to well-wishers, including college/university alumni, to come in assist us. They can send their donation to this account: ECM Pontifical Mission Societies, National Bank of Malawi, account number 1002038915, Capital City Branch,” said Mpeleka.
Apart from the African coordinator of International Movement of Catholic Students, the meeting will also be attended by 20 members of Zambia Movement of Catholic Students and chairperson for Zimbabwe Movement of Catholic Students. n