Namandanje, Machinga – His Lordship Bishop Montfort Stima, Bishop of Mangochi, conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation upon 137 candidates at Namandanje Parish today, commending parents for their vital role in the faith formation of their children.
In his homily, Bishop Stima commended the parents of the newly confirmed for the responsibility they have undertaken in preparing their children to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit. He urged the newly confirmed to employ the gifts of the Holy Spirit to build up their parish and to be witnesses of Christ in every sphere of life.
The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism and strengthens the recipient with the gifts of the Holy Spirit for Christian witness.
In his remarks, the Parish Moderator, Mr. Nathan Thom, expressed gratitude to the Bishop for sparing his time, despite his busy schedule, to preside over this sacred celebration. Mr. Thom also encouraged the congregation to embrace unity as the parish prepares for the forthcoming ordination to the priesthood of one of her sons in August this year, calling it a moment of grace for the entire faith community.
Namandanje Parish, one of the oldest parishes in Mpiri Deanery, Machinga District, is noted for its vibrant faith life and for having produced a significant number of priests and religious sisters who serve the Church in Malawi and beyond.
The Diocese of Mangochi rejoices with the newly confirmed, their families, and the entire Namandanje Parish community, and entrusts them to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of her Immaculate Heart, whose memorial the Church celebrated yesterday.
Communications Office
Diocese of Mangochi