By Sam Kalimba
In a heartwarming display of unity and faith, politicians from various parties gathered at St. Andrew Kaggwa Parish in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe to celebrate the Jubilee of Politicians. The event, held on the 5th Sunday of Easter, brought together local and Catholic politicians from different parties, including the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Nationalist Patriotic Party (NPP), UTM party, and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Monsignor Patrick Thawale, the parish priest, prayed for unity among the politicians, urging them to remain brothers and sisters in Christ despite their differing political affiliations. He emphasized the shared Christian faith of the politicians, calling them to prioritize national unity and the well-being of the country above their party interests.
“It looks beautiful seeing you in your party colours praying together. May this remain the trajectory going forward. When you are here praying together as brothers and sisters should be a model of your life in politics. You may not practice uniformity but it is possible to practice unity,” said Monsignor Patrick Thawale.
The Jubilee Mass saw attendance from several candidates, including Thoko Chambalo (UTM), Patricia Wisikes (DPP), and Thoko Migochi (MCP), who thanked the Church for providing a platform for them to pray together in their party regalia. Venacio Kachingwe, leader of the politicians’ organizing team at Kaggwa Parish and a member of the NPP, expressed gratitude to the Church for facilitating the prayer gathering, highlighting it as a symbol of unity across political divides.
The Jubilee celebration served as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and faith in the midst of political differences. As the politicians prepare for the upcoming September 16th election campaign, Monsignor Thawale’s message of prioritizing national unity and serving the country above party interests resonated deeply.
The event demonstrated that even in the face of differing political views, unity and faith can bring people together.
As the politicians returned to their respective parties, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to prioritize the well-being of the country and its people. The Jubilee of Politicians at St. Andrew Kaggwa Parish will be remembered as a powerful symbol of unity and faith in the face of adversity.