Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lilongwe (Agenzia Fides) - Continuing his pastoral visit to Malawi, Cardinal Fernando Filoni celebrated Mass in the parish of St. Patrick, in Lilongwe, on the afternoon of Sunday, November 6th, and then gave a brief speech to the lay members.
In his homily he paused to comment on the readings of the day, stressing that "our life in Christ is meant to bring about a peace and joy so powerful that it can overcame any difficulty. Jesus knows that many Malawians struggle with poverty, tribal divisions and hostilities, as well as temptations to witchcraft. However, if we remain alive in Christ, he will bring about unity and solidarity... He will never leave us and his love and Mercy are always near to us".
After Mass, the Cardinal addressed a short speech to the lay members, remembering their great dignity "as temples of the Holy Spirit and members of the Body of Christ" for they are called to a life of holiness. "Without a doubt, you are indispensable for this work of evangelization here in Malawi", said Cardinal Filoni, calling for an intense spiritual and sacramental life, along with the need to "to witness to the fidelity and beauty of chaste love".
Thanking the lay members for their contribution to the proclamation of the Gospel, he reminded them that in order to continue to dedicate their time and energy in service to the Church, it is necessary to "draw strength from Jesus who gave his life for his sheep" and "imitate Jesus in his gift of self and in his service to others". Finally, he highlighted that "the privileged beneficiaries of your charitable works are the poor, the marginalized, the little ones of society, the sick, sinners and unbelievers". (SL) (Agenzia Fides 07/11/2016)
EUROPE/SPAIN - "The «portico» of the Church of Pope Francis": Cardinal Filoni at the San Damaso University
VATICAN - Study day on Cardinal Newman, "the Augustine of modern times"
ASIA/CHINA - World Day of Prayer for Spiritual Vocations: “Mission means following Christ”
AFRICA/GHANA - Catholic women from the diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga bring gifts to the refugees of Tarikom on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr
EUROPE/ROMANIA - Children's mission organizations from European countries come together in Bucharest: The focus is on cooperation
EUROPE/FRANCE - Inauguration of the "Point Mission" in the heart of Lourdes