Continuing his pastoral visit to Malawi, Cardinal Fernando Filoni
celebrated Mass in the parish of St. Patrick, in Lilongwe, on the
afternoon of Sunday, November 6th, and then gave a brief speech to the
lay members.
In his homily he paused to comment on the readings of the day, stressing
that "our life in Christ is meant to bring about a peace and joy so
powerful that it can overcame any difficulty. Jesus knows that many
Malawians struggle with poverty, tribal divisions and hostilities, as
well as temptations to witchcraft. However, if we remain alive in
Christ, he will bring about unity and solidarity... He will never leave
us and his love and Mercy are always near to us".
After Mass, the Cardinal addressed a short speech to the lay members,
remembering their great dignity "as temples of the Holy Spirit and
members of the Body of Christ" for they are called to a life of
holiness. "Without a doubt, you are indispensable for this work of
evangelization here in Malawi", said Cardinal Filoni, calling for an
intense spiritual and sacramental life, along with the need to "to
witness to the fidelity and beauty of chaste love".
Thanking the lay members for their contribution to the proclamation of
the Gospel, he reminded them that in order to continue to dedicate their
time and energy in service to the Church, it is necessary to "draw
strength from Jesus who gave his life for his sheep" and "imitate Jesus
in his gift of self and in his service to others".
Finally, he
highlighted that "the privileged beneficiaries of your charitable works
are the poor, the marginalized, the little ones of society, the sick,
sinners and unbelievers".