NAMANDANJE — In a gesture of appreciation and support, the Christian faithful of Namandanje Parish have donated a brand-new motorcycle to their newly ordained son, Fr. Alfred Semani Banda, as he begins his priestly ministry.
The presentation took place during a thanksgiving Mass organised by the Parish Celebration Committee at St. Anna Church, an outstation of Namandanje Parish and Fr. Banda’s home community.
The Guest of Honour, Very Rev. Fr. Davie Mambo, Vicar General of the Diocese of Mangochi, presided over the handover ceremony.
In his remarks, Fr. Mambo expressed gratitude to the Celebration Committee for the generous gift. He noted that this was the first such presentation of its kind in the Diocese of Mangochi, and commended the Christians of Namandanje for setting an exemplary precedent worthy of emulation by other parishes.
“The Church is grateful for this sign of love and responsibility,” Fr. Mambo said. “It is the duty of the Christian faithful to ensure that their priests, particularly those newly ordained, are adequately supported, especially in matters of transport to facilitate pastoral outreach.”
Fr. Banda expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the parish community for their thoughtfulness and prayers, pledging to use the motorcycle in service of the Gospel and in reaching out to the faithful, especially in outstations and remote areas of the parish he has been appointed to serve.
The thanksgiving Mass was a moment of joy and thanksgiving to God for the gift of the priesthood and for the continued commitment of the laity to supporting the clergy.
Communications Office
Diocese of Mangochi