BISHOP MTUMBUKA EXHORTS NEWLY CONFIRMED TO BE TRUE WITNESSES OF CHRIST
By Chikumbutso Constantine Mwale
The Bishop Martin Anwel Mtumbuka of the Diocese of Karonga has encouraged 167 newly confirmed Christians to live as true witnesses of Christ in their daily lives by embracing the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are the sacramental graces of the Sacrament of Confirmation, namely: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
The Bishop made this exhortation on Sunday at St John Paul II (Kapoka) Parish in Chitipa where he administered the Sacrament of Confirmation during a solemn Eucharistic celebration marked by a deep sense of devotion, unity, and the strength of the faith within the local community.
Bishop Mtumbuka, known for his deep pastoral care and commitment to the spiritual growth of his Diocese, presided over the Mass with a homily that resonated deeply with the candidates and the congregation.
In his homily, the Bishop emphasized the importance of the Sacrament of Confirmation as a continuation of the grace received at Baptism, marking a deeper commitment to living out the Christian faith.
As the candidates approached the altar, there was a palpable sense of reverence. One by one, they knelt before the Bishop, who anointed them on the forehead with the Holy Chrism, saying; “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” The act of anointing, accompanied by the laying on of hands, symbolized the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the newly confirmed, strengthening them for their journey of faith.
The atmosphere during the ceremony was one of profound spiritual renewal. The confirmands, now full members of the Church, were visibly moved, so were their families who had guided them on their faith journey.
The bishop’s words, coupled with the sacredness of the rite, left a lasting impression on all present, reminding them of their own baptismal promises and the call to live out their faith more fully.
In his concluding speech, the Bishop thanked the Christians of St John Paul II for their unwavering support to the Church and the large number of new members of the church.
Bishop Mtumbuka took time to meet with parishioners, offering his blessings and words of encouragement, further cementing the bond between the Chief Shepherd and his flock.
The confirmation at Kapoka was not just a religious milestone for the individuals who received the Sacrament, but also a powerful testament to the vibrancy and resilience of the Catholic faith in the Diocese of Karonga.
Under Bishop Mtumbuka’s guidance, the Diocese continues to grow in faith and charity, with events like these reinforcing the Church’s mission to bring the light of Christ to all corners of the world.