Shun “individual agendas” in Care for Sick: Catholic Bishops’ Health Commission in Malawi

“All our actions and behavior should show that we are truly companions on the same journey and not individuals on the same path,” they say. 

They continue, “We should not learn the importance and value of companionship and care through vulnerability and illness, but through the experience of love, closeness, compassion, and tenderness that we give to our brothers and sisters that are sick in our society and the Church.” 

Officials of the Commission of ECM say keeping each other company and supporting one another are paramount in achieving good health and ensuring that everyone realizes his or her full potential in life.

They say that the motivation behind living in a society is to benefit from values such as love, respect, care, the value of the human person, and the appreciation that each one is the image and likeness of God.

“Although this is the case when individuals in a society do not value the importance of being there for each other, whether, in happiness or problems, good health or sickness, the meaning, and value of a society are empty and void,” they say.

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In the statement signed by CHC chairman, Bishop John Alphonsus Ryan, the officials add, “as a society and Church, we should always remember that we are on a journey together, regardless of our social, political, and economic situation.”

They say that taking care of each other, including the sick, is manifested through praying together and also through communion and fellowship.

CHC Coordinators in Malawi go on to say that life is associated with so many things and illness which creates vulnerability among human beings is among them.

When experienced in isolation and loneliness, the officials say that illness is one of the human conditions that cause a lot of harm to an individual. They say that companionship with such people gives them hope and reasons to keep on living and fighting the illness.

“The company during sickness provides the suffering person with great care and compassion and creates a feeling that ‘I am not alone in this situation’ to the sick person, which is the best source of hope, courage and one of the steps in the healing process,” they say.

CHC Coordinators in Malawi implore, “May we always remember to pray for the sick through the intercession of Our Lady, that they may receive compassionate care and experience the tender love of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”

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.