By Charles Pangani
“With that symbolism of cutting the ribbon, the diocesan golden jubilee is now launched!” These were the words from the director of ceremonies, Fr. Kizito Khauya at the launching ceremony of the golden jubilee of the diocese of Mangochi. It was a great day, when the journey to a golden jubilee celebration was being officially set on 10th December, 2022. Many people came in their Mangochi diocesan cloth to witness this launching ceremony, which was done within the cerebration of Mass which was led by bishop Montfort Stima of the diocese of Mangochi.
History says that the diocese of Mangochi was established in 1973 and will clock fifty years of existence next year. The bishop of the diocese of Mangochi whistled for this celebration on 05th November this year in his letter and asked the lay faithful to start preparing.
During the launching ceremony, this letter was re-read by Fr. Ernest Yola and there were many activities which took place during this colorful ceremony of the diocesan golden jubilee launch. For example, the bishop lit the candle after cutting the ribbon and these activities symbolized the ringing of the bell to mark the genesis of the journey towards the actual diocesan golden jubilee celebration. Thereafter, he showed people the established golden jubilee executive committee at diocesan level whose chairperson is Fr. Davie Mambo, the Vicar General of the diocese of Mangochi. He further explained a number of activities which will be done within the golden jubilee year. Among them are: having Eucharistic Adoration hours on Thursdays and Saturdays, intensifying the sacrament of penance and reconciliation, reciting the golden jubilee prayer during prayers at the families, small Christian communities and churches, having pilgrimages within or outside the diocese, making census of the parishioners, to mention a few.
As one way of implementing what Pope Francis wrote in his Laudato Si in 2015, bishop Stima encouraged to have golden jubilee woodlot in the parishes and institutions. To show his seriousness on this, he distributed small trees which should be planted in their respective parishes and institutions and those woodlots will be the ever-existing marks of golden jubilee of the diocese of Mangochi.
In his remarks, bishop Stima encouraged all Christians in his diocese to deepen their faith and to be united with the aim of building a self-reliant church. He also asked them to stand strong against corruption, bribery and disobedience.
The actual golden jubilee of the diocese of Mangochi will be celebrated in September 2023. The theme of this golden jubilee is: Mangochi diocesan golden jubilee: an opportunity for spiritual, pastoral renewal and social economic development.
