BISHOP MARTIN MTUMBUKA BLESSES NEW CLASSROOM BLOCKS AT ST. FRANCIS DE SALES PRIMARY SCHOOL, ST MARTIN CHURCH AND LAUNCHES ST PETERS CHURCH IN CHITIPA
By Chikumbutso Mwale
On a momentous occasion for the St. Augustine Parish community in Kameme, Chitipa, Bishop Martin Anwel Mtumbuka of Karonga Diocese blessed newly constructed classroom blocks at St. Francis de Sales Primary School. The event, held at the parish, brought together local residents, church members, and officials who celebrated this achievement.
In his opening speech, Bishop Mtumbuka praised the collaboration between the parish priest, Fr. Berlin, and the local community, which made the construction of the classroom blocks possible. He commended their joint efforts, acknowledging that the successful completion of the project was a result of unity and shared responsibility.
The bishop expressed high hopes for the future of the school, stating that he looks forward to seeing the school produce outstanding students. He aspired for the learners to be selected to some of the top government secondary schools in the country, including Chaminade Secondary School and St. Mary’s Girls Secondary School, which are known for academic excellence. He urged the community to take pride in the new facilities and to treat them as their own, ensuring that they are well-maintained for future generations.
Following the blessing of the classroom blocks, Bishop Mtumbuka continued with his pastoral duties in the area. He proceeded to bless the St. Martin Outstation Church at Mchembo, and later launched the newly constructed St. Peter’s Church at Titi. These blessings marked significant spiritual milestones for the congregations, strengthening their faith and commitment to the church.
During the mass, which included the celebration of First Holy Communion in the new St. Peter’s Church, Bishop Mtumbuka emphasized the sacredness of the church as a house of God. He reminded the faithful that the church is a place reserved for prayer and worship, and should not be used for other purposes such as meetings or sleeping during rallies. The bishop’s message underlined the importance of preserving the sanctity of the church as a holy space dedicated to God.
The day’s events highlighted Bishop Mtumbuka’s dedication to the spiritual and educational growth of the diocese, as well as his commitment to fostering a sense of responsibility within the community for the facilities entrusted to them. The blessings of these new structures, both educational and religious, mark a significant step forward in the development of the St. Augustine Parish and the surrounding areas.
