9 Montfort Lay Associates Welcomed As 28 Others Renew Promises

ZOMBA, Malawi - This year’s solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary was quite special in the life of Montfort Lay Associates of Sitima parish. The totus tuus journey that started in January this year, came to its pinnacle on this solemnity as 9 members consecrated themselves to Jesus through Mary while 28 others renewed their promises.

Everything started with the rite of penance and reconciliation, followed by a solemn Eucharistic celebration that was presided over by Fr. Peter MAKINA SMM representing the superior delegate Fr. Jacob OTIENO, SMM. In his inspiring reflection on the Word of God, Fr. Makina hinted on the Christian call to holiness and our cooperation with God’s plan of salvation. He highlighted Mary as a prime example and one true companion towards fulfilling that call, citing her genuine humility and faith in God.

He further called on the associates to trust the power of God that makes them Christians of living hope.

“Mary trusted! She trusted God absolutely beyond human comprehension. You too have to embody such faith and become true signs of hope in a society that is haunted and daunted by hopelessness.” In the same spirit, he invited them to adopt Montfort’s motto, God Alone, and make it an integral part of their daily life choices and decisions.

After pronouncing their promises, the joy, love and unity of the two batches of associates was sealed by the sharing of the one body of Christ. Thereafter, all sang and danced to the song of Mary, the Magnificat. All space was filled with enormous joy exuding from grateful hearts, manifesting the Spirit of God among His people.

Speaking on behalf of his fellow associates, Mr Zaccheus LEO, chairperson of the group, expressed deep gratitude to Fr. Makina and the serving Fathers of Sitima parish (Fr. Owen O’DONNELL, SMM and Fr. Innocent MWANOKA, SMM) for being fully present with them and showing them the face of Jesus living in Mary. He called on his fellow brothers and sisters to bear fruits with the special graces that they received on this day and throughout the preparation journey.

The overall total number of the associates in Stima Parish is 37; 11 are male and 26 are female. All come from different out churches of Stima parish that is dedicated to St Joseph the worker.

Glory to Jesus through Mary! Glory to Mary through Jesus! Glory to God alone!