Bishop Mtumbuka Officially Opens Preparatory Activities for St Mary’s Parish Diamond Jubilee
By Phillip Chisi
Bishop Martin Anwel Mtumbuka of the Diocese of Karonga has officially opened the preparations for St Mary’s Parish 75 Years jubilee. The Bishop made the announcement on 18th August, 2019 when he administered the Sacrament of Confirmation at St Mary’s Parish where over 275 parishioners were confirmed.
In his homily, the Bishop decreed that from 18th August, 2019, parishioners were permitted to start preparing for the Diamond Jubilee.
“St Mary’s Parish is the ‘mother’ parish of the Diocese. It started as one parish but now we are a diocese. So we really need to prepare well for the jubilee,” said the Bishop.
He further thanked all those who have supported the parish from its establishment to the present time.
“You must remain faithful to, and defend, your Church for the diocese has been built on their unwavering faith,” said the Bishop.
“This parish has gone through various experiences. We need to honour all the priests and identify as well as invite to the jubilee ceremony those Catholic Christians that has been associated with St Mary’s Parish for over 60 years and above. These people need to be credited in a special way,” said the Bishop.
Turning to the newly confirmed Christians, the Bishop urged them to remain united in faith. He reminded them that the Church is One and that no one will be privileged to go to paradise based on their affiliation to certain tribe or language. He encouraged them to remain faithful.
St Mary’s Parish was established in 1945 and will be clocking 75 years in July 2020.