LILONGWE (Maravipost) Members of parliament, who are faithful of the Roman Catholic, on Wednesday spared time and rose above political affiliations to attend what they call ‘Ash Wednesday Prayers’, which were held within the Parliament Building in Lilongwe.
Ash Wednesday is more like preparation for lent period which last for 40 days. Lent period starts this Sunday and will end on Good Friday, the day Catholics and all other Christians commemorate the death of Christ, the founder of the Christianity.
Held for the first time in Malawi National Assembly’s history, the legislators, in one accord, renewed their faith and commitment to the God’s service.
Noted figures included Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Patricia Kaliati, Transport and Public Works Minister, n. Francis Kasaila, Industry and Trade Minister, Joseph Mwanavekha, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Dr Allan Chiyembekeza, Balaka-North parliamentarian and United Democratic Front (UDF) Leader in the House, Lucius Banda, Phalombe-North legislator, Anna Kachikho, Thyolo-East parliamentarian, a T. Solomoni, Mangochi-Monkey Bay parliamentarian and People’s Party (PP) in the House, Ralph Jooma and Zomba-Malosa, Roy Kachale Banda.
In his homily, Fr. Henry Chimkanda of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, who presided over the prayers, took trouble to remind the lawmakers of the importance penance and prayer fasting on Ash Wednesday and throughout the period of lent.
“Through penance, we find the true meaning of life and therefore the need for every Christian to embrace the hardship of carrying the cross of Christ upon one’s shoulder,” said Chimkanda.
Chimkanda also observed that some problems that have engulfed the world were ignited by politicians citing hatred, conflicts, wars and hunger.
He therefore claimed that “penance” during lent would help them to reflect on their calling to political leadership and respect to God’s desires.
Chimkanda also urged them to desist from supporting bills that would affect the marginalized, saying doing so would be like “crucifying Christ again.”
In the great imitation of Christ, The Catholic Church teaches all Roman Catholic faithful about the importance of fasting and penance throughout the 40 days of lent well known as “Quadragessima” in Latin, the Church’s original liturgical language.
