By Arnold Namanja

Blantyre, February 2, Mana: Parish Priest for Saints Peter and Paul (Chilobwe) Parish in the Catholic Archdiocese of Blantyre, Fr. Simon Moffat, has urged members of the Catholic Men Association (CMA) to take interest in the welfare of their fellow members as one way of proclaiming the word of God.

Speaking over the weekend during mass for CMA members at the Parish, Fr. Moffat said men needed to be interested in the welfare of others through their deeds, words and providing counsel so that all mankind could receive salvation.

Reflecting on the biblical story of Abel and Cain in Genesis 4:1-6 and Luke 5:17-28 where Jesus healed a man from paralysis, the priest said the CMA should also consider the two parables as a guiding principle in life.

He said just like the sick person who was brought before Christ on a stretcher through the roof of the house, CMA should also draw inspiration by supporting others to reach to Christ for their spiritual needs.

Moffat said Jesus Christ has the power to help people in all of their troubles, adding, "From the scriptures today, we learn that Jesus forgives us our sins, we need to help people come closer to God and we also need to support others orally and spiritually.

"Sometimes, our own conduct is a deterrent to others to come closer to God. Today, we need to ponder on our life and see if we indeed help people come nearer to God."

Catechist for Chilobwe Parish, Patrick Magombo, observed that the CMA was one of the groups that needed a lot of attention, saying it had lagged behind other associations in the church.

He therefore commended Fr. Moffat for bringing innovative ideas meant to revive the association, expressing optimism that the CMA would thrive for the betterment of the church.

He, therefore, encouraged Catholic men to participate in all church activities from diocese, deanery to ward (mphakati) level to make meaningful impact to the values and ideals of the Catholic teaching.

Chairperson for Chilobwe Parish CMA, Abesious Chinthaka, thanked the pastoral team at the parish for considering the mass for CMA and asked that the event should be held regularly.

Chinthaka, however, encouraged Catholic men to cultivate a spirit of unity in order to contribute to the church's growth.

He also asked CMA members to take part in various activities of the church.

“I would like to invite all men to this year's St. Joseph the Worker Day which falls on May 1, which is also a public holiday in Malawi. It is important for us to patronize this event because Joseph is the Patron Saint for CMA," Chinthaka added.

After the mass, the CMA members went into breakaway sessions which were meant to develop some strategies, vision and objectives as guidelines for driving the CMA through the next three years.