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Who will roll away the stone for us – Catholic Bishops’ Lenten message

Who will roll away the stone for us – Catholic Bishops’ Lenten message

By Social Research and Communication Commission
9 March, 2025

The Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB), has today, 9th March 2025,  released a pastoral letter titled “Who will roll away the stone for us?” a guide and reflection tool as Malawi seeks an inclusive, purposeful, steadfast and peaceful journey towards 2025 General elections.

In adherence to their long standing tradition that dates back to 1961, the Bishops have issued the 29th Pastoral letter to guide Christians in this Lenten season, in this year of jubilee that seeks to deepen our faith, and so help prepare for the elections due to take place in September this year.

In the letter, the Catholics bishops begin by referring to the experience of the three woman that journeyed to see the tomb of Jesus. Filled with anxiety about their own limitations, they women wondered if they would manage to roll of the stone used to shut the entrance to the tomb. However, they found the stone already rolled off.

Drawing inspiration from such an event, the Bishops remind the faithful that the resurrection of Jesus is testimony that there is nothing and indeed no stone that cannot be removed or overcome by God.

It from this promise that the Bishops, while recalling the various “stones” that Malawians face today, their anxiety should not be like that of the women. Rather they must be filled with hope that the problems that Malawians face today can be solved by having right leaders to rule this country.

Therefore, the Bishops have called on all Malawians eligible to vote, to avail themselves in September to vote, and vote wisely, for leaders that will help to roll away the different stones that have hindered the prosperity of the nation.

Among the problems facing Malawians mentioned in the later are; corruption, lack of seriousness on the part of political leaders, lack of general mentality to produce and enhance exports, donor dependence, lack of patriotism, food insecurity and high cost of living among others.

Signed by all the Catholic Bishops in Malawi, the pastoral letter has been read in all Catholic Churches around the country.

It is within the mandate of the Catholic Bishops to give guidance, correction and comfort to the people as they go through different social ills.

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