By Mabvuto Kalawa
A gathering at Matiya Parish in Zomba became a platform for urging Catholic men to deepen their commitment to parish life.
The message was delivered by Fr. Ignacio Bokosi, the Father Superior of Matiya Parish, during a service that hosted the Pirimiti Catholic Men Association choir.
Fr. Bokosi stressed that the Church provides numerous avenues for service and encouraged the men to seize them without hesitation.
He told the congregation that men should remain steadfast in choral ministry and consider producing an album, framing it as one way to contribute meaningfully.
Addressing the men directly, he said the Church has many callings and expects them to respond through consistent participation in all parish activities.
As heads of families and members of the Church, he added, they carry the responsibility of setting an example for others to follow.
St. Joseph, the patron saint of the association, was presented as a model of devotion, family care, and prayerful living.
Fr. Bokosi acknowledged the demands on men’s time but urged them to allocate moments for serving God, promising divine blessing in return.
He cautioned against excessive drinking and instead emphasized the duty to look after families with diligence and care.
The priest noted that both the parish and the wider diocese rely on men to maintain standards of good conduct and moral leadership.
Involvement in church programs, he argued, serves as a safeguard against destructive habits, even as he recognized that choir members themselves contend with challenges such as mental health struggles.
He expressed appreciation to the Pirimiti choir for traveling to Matiya, saying their presence had uplifted and motivated the local men.
Fr. Bokosi expressed hope that the visit would inspire Matiya Parish to organize its own men’s choir along similar lines.
Mr. Raphael K. Nkhoma, representing the visiting choir, thanked the Father Superior for the warm reception and the opportunity to worship together.
Nkhoma called on the men of Matiya to adopt a life centered on prayer and active engagement in church affairs.
A representative of the Matiya Men’s Association also voiced gratitude, saying the exchange had been educational and encouraging.
He appealed for continued support to help establish a deanery-level men’s choir and envisioned the initiative eventually reaching a national scale.
The purpose of the visit, organizers said, was to reinforce the spiritual and economic foundation of the men’s association within the deanery.
After the prayers, attendees shared a meal and held discussions focused on health, well-being, and community support.
Matiya Parish operates under Pirimiti Parish within Zomba Diocese, which covers Zomba District and a portion of Machinga District.
