Bishop Montfort Sitima of the Catholic Diocese of Mangochi has urged three newly ordained priests, Fr Alfred Semani Banda, Fr Lucius Jeffrey Banda and Fr Joseph Banda to demonstrate good conduct among Christians.
He said that since they had accepted the call to serve God for the rest of their lives, they should deny themselves and follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
Bishop Sitima made the remarks on Saturday at St Louis Montfort Parish in Balaka District during the ordination ceremony of the three priests, which was held under the theme;“You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” — Hebrews 5:6.
He also advised the priests that whenever they wanted to preach the Word of God, they should first prepare their sermons thoroughly.
Bishop Sitima thanked the parents of the newly ordained priests for offering their children to God to serve Him.
“You have responded to God’s call; therefore, you must be obedient and should not accumulate wealth,”he said.
During the ceremony, four priests, Fr. Danansio Malamba, Fr. Ernest Mwinganyama, Fr. Charles Kaponya and Fr. Clement Piluwa, all from the Diocese of Mangochi celebrated 25 years of service to God, marking their Silver Jubilee.
Bishop Sitima congratulated the four priests for their dedicated service to God over the past 25 years.
Speaking on behalf of the three newly ordained priests, Fr Alfred Semani Banda thanked God for accepting them to serve Him.
Fr. Semani Banda also thanked their parents for encouraging them during difficult times and for the support they provided throughout their priestly formation.
