By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, August 25, Mana: St Joseph Catholic Parish in Nkhata administered Confirmation Sacrament to 174 Christians marking a significant development in their spiritual journey.

This is a sacrament that seals a baptized person with the Holy Spirit and strengthens them for the task of serving Christ and His Church.

Among the confirmands, 87 were newly baptized Christians after attending the church’s teachings for two years as per Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) guidelines.

Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu, Zughzo Yohane Nyirenda who was the main celebrant, laid hands and anointed the confirmands with Chrism Oil marking the descending of the Holy Spirit and sealing their commitment to Christ and His Church.

In his homily, Nyirenda drew inspiration from John 16 Verses 13 to 14 and advised the confirmands to go out as missionaries to preach the word of God and bring back the lost sheep to God.

"Go out and preach the word of God without fear for the Holy Spirit will always guide you.

Continue being faithful to the Catholic Church by participating in various activities in your zones because that is the only way the church can keep growing," said Nyirenda.

He then urged the Christian community to participate in all processes in preparing for the upcoming 2025 general elections by voting for leaders of their choice.

Parish Priest for St Joseph Catholic Fr Andrew Kamanga said that he was pleased to see the church growing every day.

"We are happy to witness another great development in the Catholic Church. We expect that you will practice whatever you have been learning about Catholicism throughout your life,” said Kamanga.

One of the Catechist from Kavuzi Zone, Bathlomeu Nkhonjera who was also one of the mentors lauded the confirmands for their endurance in undertaking the Catholic church teachings.

"Specially let me thank the clergy at this parish for providing guidance and direction in ensuring that the teachings are instilled in our brothers and sisters,” said Nkhonjera.

Rachel Kaliata, one of the confirmands said that she has been energized upon receiving the sacraments and ready to serve the Lord as a true Catholic Christian.

The confirmands were drawn from Likoma, Chintheche, Banga, Mpamba, Kavuzi, and Kande which are administrative zones of St Joseph Catholic Parish.