Bishop John Ryan says that the memorial Mass services held to honor the life of former Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima have helped his family feel closer to his soul and the Church.
Speaking on Saturday at St. Peter’s Cathedral Parish in Mzuzu, where the Dioceses of Mzuzu and Karonga organized a memorial service for Dr. Chilima and others who died in a military plane crash, Bishop Ryan urged the people to continue praying for the departed souls.”
Dr. Saulos prepared himself for his death. Let’s emulate the spiritual gifts he demonstrated while in this world. It is therefore important to always pray for him and for others who died in that accident,” said Bishop Ryan.
The memorial service was attended by Dr. Chilima’s widow, Mary, several politicians, Catholics from the Mzuzu Diocese and Karonga, as well as non-Catholics.
Bishop Ryan advised Mary: “The soul of your late husband is in the safe hands of the Lord. June 10th is a long time ago. Stop crying and mourning; move forward with life. What you should do is continue praying.”
The organizers of the service, the Dioceses of Mzuzu and Karonga, held the ceremony at St. Peter’s Cathedral Parish in Mzuzu, where the late Dr. Chilima used to pray when he was in the northern region.
The scriptures read at the ceremony conveyed a message that resonated with nearly all sectors of people present at the Mass.
In his homily, Bishop Martin Mtumbuka of the Karonga Diocese summarized the Scriptures with one word that encapsulated the theme of the service: “Stay Awake.
“These words touched nearly every group of people who attended the Mass, including family members of the departed, politicians, and young people.
Bishop Mtumbuka urged young people, especially Catholic faithful, to stop complaining about what politicians are doing in the country and instead stand up and be counted to make a difference.”
Let me say this again: Catholic youth should join politics. You should be change-makers in this country,” said Bishop Mtumbuka.
At the end of the ceremony, it was announced that among other donations made by Dr Chilima before he died was a chalice to St. Peter’s Cathedral Parish.
Dr. Saulos Chilima and eight others died in a military plane crash that occurred in Chikangawa plantations on June 10, 2024.
A preliminary report about the accident has just been released to the public.
Bishop Ryan franked by Bishop Mtumbuka greeting Dr Chilima’s window,Mary.