Pope tells Malawi’s bishops: preach the truths of the faith, promote family stability

November 07, 2014

In an audience with bishops from Malawi, Pope Francis praised the southeastern African nation for its strong family life.

“I wish also to express my appreciation for the admirable spirit of the Malawian people, who, though faced with many serious obstacles in terms of development, economic progress and standards of living, remain strong in their commitment to family life,” the Pope said during the November 6 audience.

“You yourselves know well the challenges and the value of family life, and, as fathers and shepherds, you are called to nurture, protect and strengthen it in the context of the ‘family of faith,’ which is the Church,” he added. “There is scarcely a greater commitment that the Church can make to the future of Malawi – and indeed, to her own development – than that of a thorough and joyful apostolate to families … Thus, by doing everything you can to support, educate and evangelize families, especially those in situations of material hardship, breakdown, violence or infidelity, you will bring inestimable benefit to the Church and all of Malawian society.”

Pope Francis called upon the bishops to be fathers to their priests and to minister to the poor, saying, “Indeed, how else could we be followers of the Lord if we did not personally engage in ministry to the sick, the poor, the dying and the destitute?”

The Pontiff also urged the bishops to reach out to the nation’s youth.

“Do not hesitate to offer them the truths of our faith and to show them the joy of living out the moral demands of the Gospel,” he said. “Preach Christ with conviction and love, thus promoting the stability of family life and contributing to a more just and virtuous culture.”

 

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Further information:

• Visita "ad Limina Apostolorum" dei Presuli della Conferenza Episcopale del Malawi (Holy See Press Office)