Other pledges the youths highlight in their statement include caring for “our common home, mother earth, as a way of ensuring that we have a vibrant Nation and Church", promoting “the human dignity, the common good”, living in solidarity, encouraging subsidiary, fighting human trafficking, and demanding for “our rights and a better Malawi by speaking with one voice”.
In the statement that their National Youth Council chairperson, Christopher Kamenga, and National Youth Council Secretary, Joana Tcheza, signed, the youths recommend that each participant should become an ambassador of Christ and His Church.
During the assembly that the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) organized, the Catholic youths in the Southern African nation recommended that each Diocese/Archdiocese mobilizes resources for the implementation of their pledges and commitments.
They highlighted the need for Chaplains and adult companions to “continue supporting young people in their efforts” and the need for “good communication and coordination among all stakeholders responsible for youth activities” as important considerations.
“National Pastoral Commission should facilitate proper transition from one youth group to another as well as proper definition of youth groups at all levels of the Church,” the Catholic youths say in their August 18 statement.
During the assembly that involved question-and-answer sessions among other sessions, the youths called upon Local Ordinaries to strengthen the Youth Chaplaincy in their respective Dioceses/Archdioceses and parishes, as well as “prioritize catechesis and ongoing formation for the youth.”
For future assemblies, Malawi’s Catholic youths resolved to have a National youth conference annually during the second week of August and that a symbol of the cross and a candle will be passed on to each hosting Episcopal See.
The formation of the National Technical Team (NTT) to facilitate the implementation of the proceedings of the annual assemblies and the need for each Diocese to organize a similar conference at Parish, Deanery and at the Diocesan level before Easter were also among the resolutions.
They also resolved to have each Episcopal See “give a quarterly report on the progress of the outcomes of youth activities and conferences” and to “have youth representation at every level of the leadership structure of the Church where this is possible.”
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.
