By Florence Wesley
In the early hours of 19th November 2022, all roads from different directions in the Local church of Mangochi were congested with the youths in their different hired vehicles, leading to St. John the Baptist centre to attend their youth rally. It was a busy and exiting day for them because for two years, they missed this diocesan event due to COVID-19 pandemic which prevented people from gathering at one place in large numbers. The theme of this diocesan youth rally was: “Mary arose and walk hasty” (Lk. 1:39). This diocesan youth rally was preceded by the Eucharistic sacrifice whose main celebrant was Fr. Constantine Chipondeponde, the Dean of Mangochi Deanery.
Speaking to the youths who gathered there on this day, Fr Constantine Chipondeponde said that the youths of today are fast in adopting the so-called worldly life because of many reasons and one of them is technology. He also pleaded with all Christians, especially the youths, that they should avoid committing suicide which is caused by the problems like lack of money. Instead, they should seek counselling from reliable people.
The diocesan youth chaplain, Fr. Bazilio Nsuli, said that the day is usually arranged specially for the youths of the diocese to gather at one place and be helped spiritually and socially and show their entertaining activities. In addition to that, it is also an opportunity to promote vocations.
Speaking on behalf of all the youths in the diocese of Mangochi, the Chairman of youth executive in the diocese of Mangochi, Chisomo Muliya, said that this event reminds them about their importance to the Church and also helps them to share their different skills. He encouraged all youths to allow God to lead their lives and eventually, they will do His holy will.
The youth rally of this year was attended by the youths from twenty-five parishes of the diocese of Mangochi. In addition, there were some schools which sent their students (Young Christian Students) to this diocesan event.