The Chief Justice of Malawi, Rizine Mzikamanda, has called on Catholic lawyers and judges to be agents of justice and hope for the nation.
He made the appeal at Zomba Cathedral during a special mass, the Jubilee of Justice, organized by Catholic lawyers under the theme: “Builders of Justice, Bearers of Hope.”
The Catholic Church worldwide has designated 2025 as the Year of Pilgrimage of Hope, marked by prayers and activities in various sectors of the Church.
Chief Justice Mzikamanda urged members of the legal profession to serve selflessly, avoiding favoritism between the rich and the poor, and to carry out their duties with impartiality.
“I urge you, my colleagues in the legal profession, to work without bias so that people can trust us,” he said.
He expressed optimism that lawyers and judges would continue to be instruments of justice, restoring public confidence in the justice system.
In his remarks, the Chairperson of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), Bishop Martin Anwel Mtumbuka, appealed to Catholic lawyers to shun corruption and resist the temptation of greed. Bishop Mtumbuka, who also leads the Diocese of Karonga, advised legal professionals to always put God first in their lives.
Justice of Appeal Charles Mkandawire, who chaired the organizing committee, commended the success of the event and thanked Catholic bishops in Malawi for their support.
The ceremony also drew participation from Catholic lawyers in Zimbabwe.
At the close of the celebration, the Catholic Lawyers Association (CLA) was officially launched, with Counsel Alfred Majamanda elected as President, Counsel Mzuzo Mitole as Vice President, and Counsel Chrispin Ngunde as Secretary.
