The Malawi Conference of the Catholic Bishops (MCCB) has called upon its lay faithful and Malawians at large to work towards safeguarding and promoting the rights of grandparents and elderly persons, effectively condemning the abuse of the elderly in the name of cleansing them from witchcraft practices.
MCCB National Pastoral Coordinator and Deputy Secretary General (DSG), Father Joseph Sikwese, said the Church will always defend the dignity of the elderly by demystifying misconceptions and myths surrounding old age.
protected by reCAPTCHA
Fr. Sikwese made the remarks on Sunday, July 27, 2025, during the commemoration of this year’s World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly at Holy Family Bembeke Cathedral Parish in Dedza.
His condemnation comes at a time when Malawi continues to witness an unprecedented surge in violation of the rights of the elderly, with others suffering serious physical injuries, long-term psychological consequences and, in worst scenarios, death.
There are several factors driving this abuse, including poverty, disruptive cultural and social changes, and deeply ingrained superstitions. Additionally, the breakdown of traditional family structures and support systems, coupled with accusations of witchcraft, exacerbate the vulnerability of older individuals.
These accusations, often fueled by unexplained circumstances or traditional healers, can lead to violence, harassment, and even death.
But while quoting from the message of Pope Leo XIV for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, Father Sikwese condemned the tendency by the youth generation and some churches to perpetrate violence against the elderly on the pretext of exorcising them from witchcraft.
“The Pope’s message is in two parts. The first part is addressed to the elderly and grandparents, asking them to always be aware of themselves as beacons of hope. The Pope is also encouraging grandparents and the elderly to deepen their love and faith, as well as a life of prayer. These will help them become beacons of hope among people. He also asks every Christian to always take care of grandparents and the elderly, and stop associating them with witchcraft,” he proclaimed.
Speaking on behalf of grandparents and the elderly, Samuel Anastazio thanked the Catholic Church in Malawi for endeavoring to protect and promote the rights and welfare of the elderly, observing that the church has been forthcoming to denounce assault on them.
Anastazio appealed to his peers to lead a prayerful life in their old age.
“We need to dedicate our lives to God as we wait for our last day on earth. We should live in peace and harmony with others,” he said.
To cap it all, a team of trained exorcists also presented gifts to grandparents and the elderly.
