The Catholic Diocese of Mangochi vibrated with joy and devotion as Bishop Montfort Stima, the head of the Diocese, led the Solemnity of Palm Sunday celebration at St. Louis Montfort Parish in Balaka. The liturgical festivities commenced with a vibrant procession, re-enacting Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
As Christians sang and danced to hymns of jubilation, faithful Christians carrying and waving palm branches, women laid cloths along the path for the Bishop to walk upon, symbolizing the royal treatment accorded to Jesus.
In his thought-provoking homily during the Holy Mass, Bishop Stima reflected on the second reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. “The Philippian community was good, yet they had their shortcomings,” he observed.
The Bishop astutely noted that “we all have our ‘buts’, those imperfections that define us despite our goodness. We might say, ‘such a person is a good man or woman, but…’ Christians of St. Louis Montfort Parish are hardworking, but…”
Bishop Stima emphasized that nobody is perfect, but we strive to emulate Christ’s perfection. He highlighted the Philippians’ struggles with envy, jealousy, gossip, and ambition, contrasting these with Jesus’ humility.
“Paul holds up Jesus as the ultimate example of humility,” the Bishop said. “The Son of God humbled himself to become human. We may be good, but we all have our ‘buts’.”
As the faithful enter Holy Week, Bishop Stima posed a touching question: “What are our ‘buts’ that need transformation? What are our shortcomings? Is it a lust for power?” He reminded the congregation that this sacred season is a time for renewal.
“Let us use this Holy Week to reflect on our imperfections and strive for spiritual growth,” Bishop Stima urged. “May we emerge from this Lenten journey transformed, with our hearts more aligned with Christ’s.”
The Solemnity of Palm Sunday marked the beginning of a profound journey, one that would lead them to the foot of the Cross and ultimately to the joy of the Resurrection.
Report by Fr. Francis Kachere, Communications Secretary – Diocese of Mangochi