In a bid to enhance the work of catechists in the Mpika Diocese, the local Catholic Church has provided them with bicycles to aid in their ministry. The bicycles were purchased by the diocese and distributed to the catechists in Mpika town.
About 114 new bicycles were bought and added to the ones provided in 2021 to enhance the smooth running of the churches. The bicycles were given to the catechists in a presentation ceremony, where Bishop Edwin Mulandu appreciated the roles of the religious leaders, assuring them of constant prayers and support.
The Diocese Vicar General, Fr. Vito Milandile, expressed his gratitude to the church aid and also acknowledged the Bishop of the Diocese for his continual support of the church. “Catechists play a significant role in the mission of evangelization in the Church, especially in Africa, where its history would be incomplete without making mention of catechetical involvement,” he said.
He further said, “Over the years Catechists have done a commendable job in communicating Christ, in implanting the faith and in bringing about the transforming and regenerative power of the Gospel in the lives of the people of God,”.
In a vote of thanks, the Catechist Association Representative, Stephen Chipasha, said: “Catechists are very instrumental in the diocese’s pastoral ministry. They help to prepare the people of God via Catechesis before the celebration of the Sacraments.” Catechists, he also said, “take care of the sub parishes, and conduct prayer services, among many other pastoral duties,” Mr. Chipasha said.
The Mpika Diocese covers a large area, and many of the communities are rural and remote. As such, catechists often have to travel long distances to reach the people they serve. The bicycles will help to reduce the time and effort needed to reach these communities, and will enable the catechists to visit more frequently and efficiently.
The provision of bicycles to catechists in the Mpika Diocese is a testament to the commitment of the local Catholic Church to serving the spiritual needs of its people. It is hoped that this initiative will help to strengthen the bond between the Church and the communities it serves, and enable the catechists to better fulfill their important mission.
