As the world commemorated the birth of Jesus Christ on 25th December, the Roman Catholic Church says to date its followers and the people of Malawi are still in anguish and tears over the demise of the late Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others who perished in a tragic plane crash in Chikangawa on June 10, 2024.
Speaking during a Eucharist mass celebrating the birth of Jesus on Tuesday evening at Limbe Cathedral in Blantyre, Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa described 2024 as one the most difficult and painful years for Malawi.
While acknowledging the prevailing tough conditions the citizens have gone through, he indicated that the Thungwa forest accident in Chikangawa which claimed the lives of Chilima and eight others left an indelible mark and cuts across many divides.
He challenged those in power, the church and traditional leaders on the need to do a thorough investigation which will bring about the much needed closure to the people.
The cleric insisted that the truth will be known and people will know the truth eventually.
“I‘m not convinced with the narrative coming from those who did the investigation to date. I repeat I’m not convinced, as grown-ups, we should not be lied to. During the memorial service of the late Vice President at Nsipe, I indicated there were some who took pictures and saw everything that happened at Chikangawa. This darkness will come to an end and everyone will know what really happened because those who witnessed the incident are alive.” He said to a deafening applause from the saints.
“I want to state that the truth shall set people free, the truth shall prevail, but if we hide things we live in fear. Beloved, let us be patient and those who saw it all will give a detailed account of everything that happened. We will know that happened; how the plane crashed.
“We were told that there was a forest of trees hence people couldn’t access the place, but the pictures taken only showed one tree and that the place was close to the road”.
Bishop Msusa said as people celebrate Christmas, God’s will is for peace to reign hence the need to practice peace.
The Archbishop said Christ’ birth is the time for people to be peaceful from the heart, being respectful towards one another in families, churches, and all over the country from the top leadership including all their followers.
Against a background of suffering and some people involving themselves into acts that violate the country’s peace, he appealed to God to help in creating a peace loving environment.
The head of the Catholic Church also spoke against actions of some people who have taken the law into their own hands by preventing those who want to express their concerns through demonstrations from doing so.
Msusa cautioned those wanting to divide Malawi along regional and political lines to stop the behavior forthwith.
“Some of them are wearing sacks, some disguised as masked dancers (nyau) but we know that these dancers are supposed to entertain people; but now these have instead caused havoc by attacking people. Firstly, I want to thank different religious denominations who have condemned this kind of intolerant behavior of not allowing others to demonstrate peacefully.
“We need to unite and we should not allow our country Malawi also known as the “Warm heart of Africa” a peaceful country to burn its very own people; let’s go back to our good behavior of loving one another. Therefore on behalf of Blantyre Archdiocese, I condemn those perpetuating violence and scaring those from other areas when they go to other areas. This is a peaceful and small country and is for all tribes hence people need to go where they want without being intimidated”.
He indicated that in line with Catholic teachings, 2025 is a year of Jubilee which according to Leviticus comes after every 50 years characterized by celebrations, forgiveness and peace.
In line with this, he called on Malawians to live holy lives, be peaceful and loving and that all weapons of war such as pangas, and stones need to be thrown away and move together for the sake of togetherness and oneness.
The Catholic cleric noted that January and February are months where hunger is prevalent and called for sharing of food to those in need and giving each other piece works for survival.
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