Saturday 5th April 2025, saw the turn of Balaka Deanery Agents of Evangelization gather, follow and reflect in a recollection on the Jubilee of Hope. Venue was none other than Balaka Parish, itself. And the preacher was Fr. Chiphiko, a Pallottine Priest who is Priest-in-charge of Chiendausiku Sub-Parish.
Fr. Chiphiko in his reflection hinted on the need to be one and united on the journey of faith and hope. His admonition resonated well with the theme of the recollection, “That they may be One..” (John 17:20-26). “It is good and important that as Pilgrims of Hope, we journey together to Jesus who has called all of us”. He lamented some cases in which there’s rivalry or disagreements and disunity among and between Pastoral agents who are supposed to work together as one. Jesus called us and then gave us the mission and mandate to go out and make disciples of all nations and baptising them. We can’t however, do it alone. We have to work with others on this mission including Catechists and sisters, said he. He said for us to fully and meaningfully enjoy the joys that come with a jubilee like this one, we have to unite and walk together on this journey. He sighted the joy and celebration which engulfed the 72 disciples of Jesus who were sent out in pairs to evangelize and cast out demons. These disciples came back celebrating. It was mission accomplished. The joy and excitement was written all over as they told stories of the success of their mission. They even saw Satan fell from heaven. All this success and joy was because they worked together as instructed by their Master Jesus, who Himself prayed for them later on that they should be One.
As Pilgrims of Hope we must bring hope to the people. Priests, sisters and Catechists must also learn to be humble just as Jesus was. He washed the feet of His Apostles, a job which was done by a servant to his master at home or a slave to his master. He then taught them to do the same to each other and to others, (Jn 18:11-15). Since Jesus took the first step to wash the feet of His Apostles, (Jn 1:4), Priests, SISTERS and Catechists, as Agents of Hope, must also take the first step to do the same to others in order to lead them well on this journey of hope.
Lastly Fr. Chiphiko stressed the need for total surrender and trust in God for the mission. He quoted late Archbishop Tarcizius Ziyaye’s famous coined phrase, ” mwa toto moyo”, which would literally mean, “total committal” or “fully committed” to the mission of God’s plan for the survival of mankind. He wished everyone a successful mission and personal prayers for each other, so that they may be one.
The recollection ended with mass in the Parish church and thereafter a sumptuous meal.
(Fr. Matthew Likambale, For Communications Office – Diocese of Mangochi)