By the office of Communications
“It is not the end of Christian journey, but the beginning of the new stage.” Such were the words of the parish priest of St. Magdalene of Canossa (Koche) catholic parish in the diocese of Mangochi, where on 29th October, 2023, ninety-one Christians were confirmed. The rest of the members who came to attend Mass were filled with joy and congratulated their friends gladly.
Fr. Davie Mambo, the Vicar General of the diocese of Mangochi, who administered this sacrament after obtaining a faculty from the bishop, emphasized on the proper use of different gifts of the Holy Spirit for the good of the church. “Today, we are happy to receive new ministers in the church, for these Christians have the Spirit who commissions us. The Holy Spirit is given to us for the good of the church. We have to use these different gifts in order to preach about the kingdom of God on earth,” said Fr. Mambo.
The parish priest of St. Magdalene of Canossa (Koche) catholic parish, Fr. Paul Rappozo congratulated these Christians for the reception of the sacrament of Conformation. At the same time, he asked them to necessarily use the different gifts of the Holy Spirit, not only for the good of the parish of Koche, but also for the whole church. He further encouraged those who become tired because of the prolonged period of catechetical lessons to say that their focus should be on the maturity of faith before they receive the sacrament. “We take time to teach catechumens, in order to help them understand what they are about to receive. They need to understand what the Catholic church believes and teaches,” commented Fr. Rappozo.
One of the confirmed, Lonjezo Mwale, happily chanted the Magnificat after receiving oil of Chrism on this day and said that upon being confirmed, she is now ready to teach others about the Catholic faith and become one of the defenders of it. “Some people talk a lot about the Catholic church. I was among those who were cheated before I joined it. But after learning and understanding more about it, I can ably correct those who have got misconceptions about the Church. This long period of preparation has helped me to understand better,” said Lonjezo.
Established in 2003, St. Magdalene of Canossa (Koche) catholic parish, is one of the twenty-five parishes in the diocese of Mangochi. In this year, it has clocked 20 years since its establishment and soon, there will be a launch of its silver jubilee.