Government says is remains committed to working with the Catholic Church in various areas aimed at addressing religious and social-economic needs of the citizenry in Malawi.
The State Vice President, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, was speaking at Nambera Village, Traditional Authority Chiwalo in Phalombe district at a priestly Silver Jubilee celebrations for Rt. Rev. Alfred Mateyu Chaima.
Dr. Chilama expressed optimism that the relationship that exists between Government and the Catholic Church will continue to flourish for the benefit of Malawians.
In his speech, Rt. Rev. Chaima, thanked the Church for giving him various opportunities to serve in different capacities for the past 25 years, adding that this has helped him to grow both in spirit and in general knowledge.
Bishop Chaima also thanked God for giving him the opportunity to serve in the vocation of priesthood for the past 25 years.
“I owe it to God, it is not my wisdom, and it is not my intelligence. It is God who has been working in me,” added Bishop Chaima.
The Bishop of Zomba Diocese also shared his vision for the Diocese, saying that he is hopeful and confident that, through collaboration with all stakeholders in Zomba Diocese such as priests, the religious and the lay faithful themselves, they will be able to do a lot.
According to Bishop Chaima, his dream is that they should bring a Church that is developmental, both in spirit and social development.
He assured the Vice President and the rest of the gathering that the Church will remain a faithful partner to Government to ensure that the needs of people in Malawi are addressed accordingly.
At this juncture, the Bishop said that the social arm of the Church is still there which works directly with Government in providing people with various social services and ensure that the dignity of a human being is promoted.
Some of the key dignitaries who attended the event include the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Kondwani Nankhumwa, UTM Secretary General, Patricia Kaliati, the District Commissioner for Phalombe, Members of Parliament, Chiefs and many more.
