BISHOP MARTIN MTUMBUKA GRACES MISSION SUNDAY CELEBRATION AT THUMBO ST. IGNATIUS PARISH IN NTHALIRE, CHITIPA
By Chikumbutso Constantine Mwale
On Sunday, October 20, 2024, the Catholic faithful gathered at Thumbo St. Ignatius Parish in Nthalire, Chitipa, to celebrate Mission Sunday. The event was presided over by Bishop Martin Anwel Mtumbuka of the Diocese of Karonga, with the theme “Go and invite everyone to the banquet.”
In his homily, Bishop Mtumbuka emphasized the core message of Mission Sunday, stating that it is a mandate from Christ to spread the Gospel to all nations. He urged Christians to take up the responsibility of evangelization with zeal and commitment, reminding them that it is not just a task for a select few but for every baptized Christian.
Bishop Mtumbuka also addressed the issue of polygamy, strictly condemning it as incompatible with Catholic teachings. He reaffirmed the Church’s stance that the sacrament of marriage is a union between one man and one woman, emphasizing that those practicing polygamy cannot participate fully in the life of the Church.
Another significant announcement in the bishop’s homily was that, starting from July 1, 2025, the Catholic Church in the diocese would no longer rely on donor aid for its construction projects. Instead, Bishop Mtumbuka called on the Christian community to become self-reliant, encouraging them to contribute to the growth and development of their church. He explained that this shift would strengthen their commitment to the Church and foster a deeper sense of ownership among the faithful.
Toward the end of his message, Bishop Mtumbuka expressed his concerns about the people displaced from Nyika National Park by the government in 1976. He condemned the act as unjust, stating that the displaced communities now live like refugees in their own country. The bishop criticized the government’s prioritization of wildlife over human welfare, highlighting the irony that during elections, politicians turn to these same people for votes, not the animals they protect.
Bishop Mtumbuka concluded his remarks by urging the congregation to register for the upcoming elections and vote wisely. He also encouraged them to voice their grievances openly to their elected leaders, reminding them that they should not be afraid to express the challenges they face in their daily lives.
The Mission Sunday celebration ended with a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility among the faithful, as they left with the charge to evangelize and build a stronger, self-reliant Christian community.