Celebrating the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene
In the discharge of his canonical and pastoral duties, Rt. Rev. Montfort Stima, the Bishop of the Diocese of Mangochi, embarked on a significant Pastoral visit to Our Lady of Lourdes – Namwera Parish. The visit, which commenced with the celebration of the Holy Mass, coincided with the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene, a proof of the parish’s devotion to the sacred traditions of the Church.
As the chief celebrant of the Mass, Bishop Stima delivered a stirring homily, emphasizing the attainability of holiness. “Holiness comes after conversion,” he stressed, accentuating the importance of ‘metanoia’, a transformative change of heart. “St. Mary Magdalene is a model of life of holiness,” he noted, highlighting her exemplary decision to leave everything behind and follow Jesus Christ. “Jesus Christ is ready to receive us if we are ready to make this bold decision that comes with some challenges,” the Bishop exhorted, reiterating the mission of Jesus Christ to divinize humanity and call us to a life of holiness.
A Self-Sustaining and Missionary Church
In his encounter with the parish leaders, Bishop Stima issued a clarion call to build a self-propagating, self-ministering, and self-reliant Church. “Let us be exemplary in matters regarding spiritual, financial, social, and moral life,” he urged the leaders, emphasizing the importance of caring for families, including those in irregular unions and complex situations.
The Bishop also placed a strong emphasis on the role of Small Christian Communities (SCCs), encouraging leaders to be close to their communities and be aware of the status of families. On the issue of self-reliance, he advised the leaders to be exemplary in financial matters, exhorting them to be the first to pay their tithes. “Let us know more about our faith, live our faith, share our faith, and defend our Faith,” he urged the Christians.
Evangelization Through Witness and Formation
In a bid to foster evangelization, Bishop Stima recommended the adoption of the strategy “we shall go to them” to build a self-propagating, self-ministering, and self-reliant Church. He also encouraged the Christians to possess and utilize the Questions and Answers from the Bible book, a valuable resource that provides answers to common questions about the Catholic Church and her beliefs.
Through his pastoral visit, Bishop Stima reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to spreading the Gospel and cultivating the faith of its followers.
As the parishioners dispersed, they were left with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of their role in building a vibrant and self-sustaining Church.
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19)
Report by Fr Francis Kachere, Communications Secretary – Diocese of Mangochi