Bishop Chaima tips newly-ordained, serving priests on how to succeed in pastoral work

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Zomba, Right Reverend Alfred Mateyu Chaima, has called upon newly-ordained and serving priests to be prayerful and humble in their service to God and mankind, stressing that this is key to the success of the pastoral work.

Bishop Chaima made the call on Saturday when he presided over the priestly ordination of the now Father Davison Kambilonje and Silver Jubilee of Father Raphael Mbendera.

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The Bishop emphasized that all priests were ordained “for the service of God and His people”; hence, the need to serve with utmost humility and prayerfulness.

“A call to be a priest is a call to become an apostle. It’s a call to become a child of God. A priest is another Christ.

Therefore, you must preach with joy; preach a gospel that liberates,” said Bishop Chaima, describing Malawi as a “good mission country”.

Nevertheless, Bishop Chaima tipped the newly-ordained and serving priests to always seek spiritual guidance and discernment from Jesus Christ when carrying out their work.

“Be prayerful; do not rely on your capabilities. Be humble, and most importantly, leave everything behind,” he said.

Turning to the laity, Bishop Chaima appealed to the Christians to always pray for and support their priests and religious sisters, stating that even the clergymen and women have their own shortcomings.

He said just like any human being, priests and religious sisters are “never perfect”.

“They’re struggling human beings. They need your prayers and support,” appealed Bishop Chaima.

Father Mbendera is currently serving as the Parish Priest for the same Sacred Heart Zomba Cathedral.

Father Kambilonje has been appointed to be a teacher and formator at Nankhunda Minor Seminary.