Catholic women dared to decide Malawi’s future

Bishop Martin Mtumbuka o f Karonga Diocese has challenged Catholic women to play a role in deciding the country’s future by assessing qualities and putting in office leadership that can solve Malawi’s challenges.

Speaking during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday, he said Malawi was facing many challenges which have crippled people’s livelihoods due to the poor economic landscape.

“You have to choose the Malawi you want. Currently, things are not okay and we cannot continue with the way things are. You have that responsibility and power to choose the future,” he said.

M t u m b u ka , w h o is chairperson of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi Pa s t o r a l Commis s i o n , s a i d Malawians deserve a better life which can be attained with good leadership.

Archbishop George Tambala of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe urged the women to r ema in uni t ed and continue doing good work to help develop the Church and the country.

“When I see you, I see, great future, the works you do contribute significantly to the development of the Church and the nation so remain united and focused on the values and vision of CWO,” he said.

In her remarks, guest of honour Dr Ngeyi Kanyingolo, herself a devote Catholic, called on the women to be good mothers and raise their children in a Godly way so that they become great citizens who will build a brighter Malawi.

Speaking on behalf of the World Union of Catholic Women Organisation, Tanzania Catholic Women president Eveline Mtenga urged the women to continue making significant contributions in the country.

She said Catholic women are identified by charity work, evangelism and the spirit of humility which they emulate from Mary their matron.

“We have different talents which we should use to benefit others, whatever we are capable of doing let’s do it in a positive way to contribute to the development of Malawi,” said Mtenga, who also heads the African Catholic Women Organisation.

The anniversary was commemorated under the theme ‘Women are the pillar of the church’. It was attended by five Catholic bishops, priests, nuns and women from across the country and abroad.

CWO was founded in 1972 to bring Catholic women together in doing charity work, promoting the spirit of prayer and implementing different developmental work in the country.