In a heartfelt expression of pastoral love and service, Fr. Goodson Kanyoza, Parish Priest of St. Francis of Assisi – Chidzanja Parish, continues to live out Christ’s compassion by personally visiting the sick and elderly members of his community.
On his most recent pastoral outreach, Fr. Kanyoza visited the faithful of Chimwalire Church, bringing spiritual encouragement, blessings, and comfort to those who are often forgotten due to age or infirmity. His visit was a clear demonstration of the Church’s enduring mission to accompany the vulnerable and uphold the dignity of every human life.
Among those visited were two remarkable women whose longevity and legacy have inspired many. Gogo Mulelemba, who shared that she is 119 years old, impressed all with her mental sharpness and vivid memory, despite facing physical challenges. Her presence is a living testimony to endurance, faith, and the grace of God.
Fr. Kanyoza also spent time with Gogo Elizabeth Kalambo, believed to be 110 years old and a key figure in the history of Chimwalire Church. According to her account, Gogo Kalambo played a crucial role in mobilizing the community to establish Chimwalire Church when it was still under Utale Parish. Her story reflects deep-rooted faith, leadership, and a spirit of evangelization.
Reflecting the words of Pope Francis, who has said, “The Church’s vitality depends on the witness of the elderly, who transmit the faith and the values of the Gospel to new generations,” Fr. Kanyoza’s visit underscored the Church’s appreciation for those who have built and sustained the faith community over the decades.
In a time when many elderly people face isolation and neglect, Fr. Kanyoza’s compassionate outreach stands as a powerful reminder of the Church’s call to minister to the whole person; spiritually, emotionally, and physically. His visit to Chimwalire is not just a pastoral duty fulfilled, but a visible sign of God’s love in action.
Report by Fr. Francis Kachere – Communications Secretary, Diocese of Mangochi