There was a rare spectacle in Lilongwe yesterday when representatives of the three arms of government participated in the Way of the Cross, led by President Lazarus Chakwera.
In a ‘prayerful walk’ themed ‘Rise Malawi’ aligned to the biblical suffering of Jesus Christ, the Executive, the Judiciary and Legislature gathered to ask God to enable workers in the arms of government to conduct their duties in a Christ-like manner in their service to the nation.
prayerful walk. | Jacob Nankhonya
The group convened for the walk at Lilongwe Community ground at 8.30am, and Chakwera joined them at the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary along the Parliament-Shoprite Six Lane Road to the Parliament Roundabout along the Presidential Way, where they briefly stopped for prayers before proceeding to the Botanic Gardens.
While acknowledging that it is not an easy exercise, the President, who carried the cross during the walk, said Malawians need to carry their cross everyday, especially now that the country is heading towards the September 16 General Election.
Said Chakwera: “As we go towards the general election, we need to continuously be on the Way of the Cross. This is the way of humility and righteousness. Do not stop praying and fasting for this country.”
During the event, the clergy led the group in prayers for the nation in various areas, including peace, and the need to curb violence in the country.
Bishop Max Nalumango from Zambia, who is also Zambia’s second gentleman and was present during the event, prayed for Malawi and Zambia, asking for God’s guidance and protection of the two countries’ leadership.
Towards the end, Chakwera came forward, where collectively, the clergy prayed for him.
On the other side of the capital city, another group of the faithful started their walk from Kanengo Puma Filling Station through the M1 to the Area 18 Memorial Tower and met their counterparts at the Botanic Gardens.
Elsewhere in the same city, UTM Party president Dalitso Kabambe also participated in the Way of the Crosss at Maula Catholic Parish, where he was seen carrying the cross more than once along the procession.
