St Kizito Parish today honoured 11 members of St Raphael Choir who have served the choir for more than 35 years. Parish priest, Fr Martin Mulholland, commended them for their long-standing commitment and service to the church. Among those honoured were Mr Wilfred Nkunika, who has been a choir member for 53 years, starting from St Pius Church in Blantyre.
Other members to be honoured were Mr and Mrs Ntapara, who have been in the St Raphael choir for over 35 years, and Mr Clement Nkhosi, who has been a choir member for 40 years — 35 with St Raphael and five at Ndirande Holy Ghost Parish. Mrs Esther Namarika, who has been a choir member at St Kizito Parish for over 45 years, also received a certificate.
Mr Patrick Mpesi, Mrs Florence Dzanjalimodzi and Mrs Elida Mphundi were honoured posthumously. Mr Mpesi and Mrs Dzanjalimodzi had been in the St Raphael choir for 31 years but had been singing for over 45 years at the time of their passing.
Remain steadfast amid life’s challenges
Earlier, Fr Martin urged parishioners to remain steady in their faith and trust in God when facing suffering and difficulties in life.
Speaking during his homily, Father Martin used the story of the tortoise and the hare to encourage Christians to remain patient and committed to their journey of faith, saying steady progress, like that of the tortoise, can lead to victory.
He said Jesus teaches that those who are willing to carry their crosses and remain faithful will find meaning and purpose even in difficult times.