Bishops sanction solidarity Sunday towards flood victims
Bishops sanction solidarity Sunday towards flood victims
Catholic bishops have instituted a special Sunday collection to show concern and solidarity with those affected by flooding caused by Cyclone ANA. The announcement was made through a written communique by the catholic secretariat.
Dated 5th February 2022, and signed by the secretary general for Episcopal conference, the letter is a show of obedience and adherence to catholic social teaching which among other things advocate for a deliberate choice of action for the suffering. The church teaches that Christian have to take a preferential option for the afflicted in order to show them Gods love and care.
The bishops have therefore decided that, Sunday 13th February 2022, should be set aside as a day when all churches must have special collection which will be used to assist the affected families.
“It is against this background that the Catholic Bishops are kindly requesting you to inform all Parish priests to announce their resolution about this special Sunday collection on Sunday, 6th February 2022 in all parishes in order to prepare the faithful to contribute generously in cash and kind.” Reads part of the communique.
Among the most critical items required are the following: Maize flour, tinned fish, cooking oil, rice, soya pieces, drinking water, plastic buckets, ORS, plastic plates, clothes, cash etc.
The southern part of Malawi recently experienced heavy rains that caused flooding in other parts, mainly the lower shire valley districts of Nsanje and Chikwawa, claiming lives and property, but also destroyed houses in the upland areas of Thyolo and Phalombe among others.