Other pledges highlighted by the youth in their statement include caring for “our common home, mother earth, as a way to ensure we have a vibrant nation and church,” promoting “human dignity, the common good,” to live in solidarity, encourage subsidiary that fights human trafficking and demands “our rights and a better Malawi by speaking with one voice”.
In the statement signed by their National Youth Council Chairman, Christopher Kamenga, and National Youth Council Secretary, Joana Tcheza, the youth recommend that each participant should become an ambassador for Christ and His Church.
During the assembly, which Bishops’ Conference of Malawi (ECM) organized, the Catholic Youth of the Southern African nation recommended that each Diocese/Archdiocese mobilize resources for the implementation of their promises and commitments.
They highlighted the need for pastors and adult companions to “continue to support young people in their efforts” and the need for “good communication and coordination between all stakeholders responsible for youth activities” as important considerations.
“The National Pastoral Commission should facilitate a proper transition from one youth group to another as well as a proper definition of youth groups at all levels of the Church,” the Catholic Youth said in their August 18 statement.
During the assembly, which among other things involved question-and-answer sessions, the young local ordinaries called for strengthening the youth pastor in their respective dioceses/archbishops and parishes, as well as “prioritizing catechesis and ongoing formation for the youth.”
For future gatherings, the Catholic Youth of Malawi decided to hold a national youth conference annually in the second week of August and that a symbol of the cross and a candle will be passed on to each host diocese.
The formation of the National Technical Team (NTT) to facilitate the implementation of the Annual Assemblies’ proceedings and the need for each diocese to organize a similar conference at the parish, deanery and diocesan levels before Easter were also among the decisions.
They also decided to have each diocese “give a quarterly progress report on the results of youth activities and conferences” and to “have youth representation at all levels of the Church’s leadership structure where possible.”
Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest in Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has extensive experience in the media production industry. He currently works as a journalist for ACI Africa.