Catholic Church worried over lack of interest in priesthood

Bishop Emmanuel Kanyama of Dedza Catholic Diocese has expressed concern that people are neglecting God and are not showing interest in becoming priests.

Bishop Kanyama made the remarks during the ordination ceremony of five deacons to priesthood at a colourful ceremony at Msipe Parish in Ntcheu District.

“These days God’s calling is hindered by human pleasure and happiness as such it is difficult for people to follow God’s calling to priesthood, brotherhood, sisterhood and marriage life,” Bishop Kanyama said.

He further said everything created by God is good and should be used to glorify his name but he expressed concern that most people have turned much of their attention to material things and neglected God. The Bishop then commended the newly ordained priests for their perseverance and hardworking throughout their way to priesthood.

“I wish you well and advise you to dedicate your lives to serving God and abide by all ethics of priesthood and teachings of the Catholic Church, otherwise I will not hesitate to call you for disciplinary action, as a good father punishes his children for disobedience,” Kanyama said.

The five deacons Lazarus Magonde, 30, Alfred Kalumbi, 29, Joseph Biliati, 29, Emmanuel Tchuma, 31, and Mathews Chimtendere, 30, were ordained as Diocesan priests.

The ceremony was attended by the Vice President Saulos Chilima, several priests, nuns, brothers, government officials, Paramount Chief Gomani V and the laity of the Catholic Church from all parts of the country.