The Catholic Church celebrates the gift of vocations in the church on the fourth Sunday of Easter (Good shepherd Sunday). In the diocese of Mangochi, this special day was celebrated on 12 May 2019 in all parishes and in a special way at Bakhita secondary school in Balaka under the theme: The courage to take a risk for God’s promise. The Vicar General for the diocese of Mangochi, Fr. Frank Chingale presided over the Holy Mass that marked the beginning of the major activities on this auspicious day. Over one thousand Young Christian Students (YCS) from schools within Balaka Church actively participated in this year’s vocations Sunday at Bakhita complex.
The acting PMS Director for the diocese of Mangochi, Fr. Philip Polokera had some time to explain to the students the history, the objectives and the rationale of vocations Sunday. In his presentation, Fr. Philip expounded the four Pontifical Mission Societies and the importance of celebrating the vocations Sunday in particular. Among other things, he emphasized that the church longs to pray for vocations, promote vocations and to raise funds to support seminaries and novitiates.
Being a good shepherd Sunday, the vicar general in his homily challenged all to emulate Christ the good shepherd. He also reminded all that amidst so many voices that the world amplifies, we should attend to the silent voice of the good shepherd.
“We should always be thankful to God for the different vocations and talents that we have in the Church, let us also continue to pray for the young people to have the courage to take a risk for God’s promise” emphasized Fr. Frank.
The diocesan vocations director and youth chaplain for the diocese of Mangochi, Fr. Christopher Sichinga, commended the organizing team for the good preparations and for the guidance during the activities. He challenged the students to work extra hard in class, to build their faith on a very strong foundation, form their conscious and ignite change. Fr. Christopher also acknowledged the good job that YCS patrons/Matrons are doing in the schools. He requested them to continue to accompany the young people in their joys and sorrows.
Vocations promoters from different congregations had a chance to promote their congregation through vocation promotion talks and vocation shopping time. Each participating school performed two best social activities based on the 2019 vocations Sunday theme. The Pontifical Mission society of St. Peter the Apostle, which is one of the four Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS), is responsible for leading the promotion of this day and its joyful celebration.