The youth ministry of the St Anthony Catholic Church in Blantyre last Sunday cheered and lavished two elderly women and a disabled man with gifts in Kanjedza Township.
The ministry’s chairperson, Jimmy Mvinda, said the visit was aimed at encouraging the physically frail believers to remain steadfast in their faith despite going through difficulties.
Mvinda said the elderly and people with disabilities endure heart-rending circumstances in their daily lives; hence, the need for constant comfort from neighbours and fellow believers.
“The Catholic youths are fully aware of the challenges grandparents and people with disabilities are going through. At times, their distress emanates from loneliness, so we have made a commitment that we will be paying them regular visits to show we love and care about them,” he said.
But Mvinda was quick to disclose that the group needs support, saying it relies on donations from well-wishers to carry out its activities.
“This is because most of our members are still in school. However, what is important is that they have a passion for the poor. “We, therefore, would like to urge the general public and people of goodwill to support our efforts for the sake of the elderly and people with disabilities,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Teresina Sizine, thanked the group for the assistance.
Sizine, who could not remember her age, said she never expected that the youths could honour her in such way considering that some people look at the elderly as a nuisance.
“May God reward you my children. I never thought you still care for us now that we have become almost useless in society,” she said.
The donated items included blankets, toiletries, sugar and salt.
