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28 CONFIRMED ON WORLD PRIEST DAY
‘…Serve to please Him’. Says Bishop Stima
Concluding the Mission Month, the Catholic Church celebrates World Priest Day on the 4th Sunday of the month of October each year.
This year, the World Mission Sunday was celebrated on 28th October.
His Lordship Bishop Monfort Stima of Diocese of Mangochi celebrated the day with Catholics from Namalaka (St. Joseph, the worker) Parish where he conducted (performed) a number of duties.
Earlier in the day, Bishop Stima administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 28 Catholics during a Eucharistic Celebration that converged parishioners from the 6 outchurches of Namalaka Parish.
In his homily, the Bishop advised the initially initiated (confirmed) faithfuls to make proper use of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit received. “Find yourself taking active roles in the service of the Church, God and His people. The gifts you have and those that you will discover within yourself aren’t meant just for you but also for those that will have to serve in your life time. Don’t be mean or proud with them. With the Holy Spirit in you, you are so sharp instruments God has made for Himself. Serve to please Him.” Bishop Stima said.
Well along, the Bishop led by the parish pastor, Rev. Fr. Davie Mambo left for Rashid Village (Traditional Authority Namabvi) in Mangochi. There, the Bishop officially inaugurated and handed over a borehole to people of Rashid Village. The borehole was drilled by the Church with financial support from Insieme ONLUS, an Italian Charitable Organisation and in memory of late Silvana Rimoldi who was member of the organization.
People in Rashid Village had no access to clean and safe water since time inspite being close to Lake Malawi. Running water from ‘the Lake’ has been a cause for many health hazards in the area. With a sum of close to 4 Million kwacha, spent on the sinking of the borehole, over 2 thousand people will attain cleaner and safer water in Rashid and neighboring villages.
Speaking on the occasion, Village Headman Rashid thanked the Church for coming to their rescue with the provision of the facility. He however promised good care of the borehole. “My people and I will look after this borehole responsibly. In this way, we will be able to express our heartfelt gratitude for the 
valuable asset given us. I promise”. Rashid Said.
Very late in the day, Bishop Stima proceeded to Lulanga Parish, some 110 km further north East for Mangochi District for more pastoral duties.
A day well spent by the senior pastor of souls on 2018 World Priest Day (WPD).
World Priest Day is celebrated in affirmation of men who commit their lives to the Lord and the Church via the Sacrament of Holy Orders. It is an opportunity for Catholic parishioners to thank, affirm and share their love and support for our priests. The first World Priest Day was celebrated on the third Sunday in September 2000.
In 2003 Worldwide Marriage Encounter reached out to the full Church and in June of 2006, WWME changed the day of World Priest Day to the 4th Sunday in October to coincide with the conclusion of the Mission Month.
Over the years, Marriage Encounter has existed worldwide, one of its gifts has been the wonderful relationships that have grown between countless couples and priests.
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