Bishop Musikuwa leads Chikwawa Diocese in prayer for Pope Emeritus

On Thursday 5th January, The Diocese of Chikwawa joined the Universal Church and the entire World in mourning the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. The Diocese held a funeral mass at the Diocesan Cathedral as the Pope was being laid to rest in Rome on this day.

The Pope Emeritus died on 31st December 2022 and was accorded a funeral rite designated for Popes.

The funeral mass held in Chikwawa paved way for priests, religious sisters and lay faithful in the Diocese to pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased Pope.

Bishop Peter Musikuwa who earlier had expressed his shock at the death of the Pope, led the Eucharist celebration on the day.

In his homily, Bishop Musikuwa, described late Pope Benedict XVI as a man of unshakable faith who made significant contribution to the growth of the Church. Making reference to a number of books that the deceased wrote, Bishop Musikuwa said that Pope Benedict strengthened the Church.

“Pope Benedict lived a life that we all have to emulate. He made significant contribution towards building and strengthening the Church. He was also known for making Christians understand their role within the Catholic Church”

Bishop Musikuwa further urged both the clergy and the lay faithful to utilize the death of the Pope as a moment of reflecting on their relationship with God.

“As we pray for the soul of Pope XVI, I urge you dear brothers and sisters to seek God. I urge you to reflect on your relationship with God and dedicate much time to prayer”

He said.