The Archdiocese of Blantyre for the Catholic Church says plans are at an advanced stage to ordain 11 deacons into priesthood on Saturday July 7.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday Communications Secretary for Blantyre Archdiocese, Rev. Father Frank Mwinganyama said the ordination of the 11 priests will be a milestone for the church.
“The Archdiocese is set to ordain 11 deacons into priesthood on July 7 at Limbe Cathedral, this is a good development to the Catholic community considering that currently the church has a big shortage of priests,” said Father Mwinganyama.
He added that the church is growing every day with Blantyre Archdiocese having almost 1.7 Million Christians against 65 priests where some of them were not active due to other commitments and old age.
“The church population is growing every day and most of the parishes have only one priest, a situation which makes it difficult for one priest to manage all the churches within his parish,” he said.
Father Mwinganyama further said that the ordination ceremony will be led by the Archbishop of Blantyre, Reverend Bishop Luke Msusa.
Among the 11 deacons to be ordained, six are diocesan priests while the other five are missionaries.
He therefore asked Catholic parents to encourage their children in considering priesthood and sisterhood vocations so that the church should continue going forward.
The 11 Deacons who are expected to be ordained are Stanley Kagulo, Anthony Chikampana, Charles Danken, Felix Mambwiyo, Francisco Hawu, Peter Phambana, Felix Mlauzi, Francis Nyirenda, Henderson David Kumphasa, Patric Magaleta and Stanley Muhekiwa.
