There is need for Church associations and groups to prioritize witness to Christ in the face of secularism, materialism, and consumerism that are threatening the contemporary world, the Zimbabwean Catholic Priest further says.
He adds that “a deep sense of evangelizing mission offering its service in multifarious forms to all strata of society should be encouraged” amidst contemporary world threats.
“Members of associations should also realize that God, in ways known to Himself can lead those ignorant of the Gospel to that faith without which it is impossible to,” he continues.
To be effective missionary disciples in the modern world, Fr. Ndlovu says that “members of various lay associations ought to be a renewed humanity, penetrated with brotherly and sisterly love, sincerity, and a peaceful spirit.”
“The primary objective of each and every lay association is to make its members salt of the earth in many sectors of human life,” he says, and adds, “All movements of the lay people have their spirituality centered on the mission of Christ, namely mission or evangelization.”
He cautions members of Church Associations against focusing on what he refers to as “petty things”, including uniforms, constitutions, financial issues, and power struggles, which he says should not obscure the spiritual growth of members and the enhancement of the kingdom of God.
In his March 7 reflection, the Administrator of Emthonjeni Pastoral Centre of Bulawayo Archdiocese also speaks about the nature of the Church, saying, “The Church is a kind of sacrament of intimate union with God, and of the unity of all mankind.”
“The Church is also an instrument for the achievement of such union and unity,” he goes on to say, and adds, “The visibly witnessed union of associations for the common cause is a clear fulfillment of the sacramentality of the Church.”
In their support for the growth of the Church and her mission of evangelization, Fr. Ndlovu says that “associations should preach and be engaged in the entire ministry of the Word.”
Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.
