By Paschal Norbert
LILONGWE, AUGUST 20, 2024 (CISA) – At the opening Mass of the 19th Plenary Assembly and Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA), Archbishop George Desmond Tambala of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe called upon all consecrated men and women in the Catholic Church to introspect and reform aspects of their congregations that stray from spiritual and Gospel values.
The ACWECA Golden Jubilee is celebrated under the theme “Transformative Holistic Formation for Authentic Living Towards a Deeper Evangelization in the ACWECA Region and Beyond.”
The assembly in Lilongwe marks 50 years since ACWECA’s inception in 1974. The regional association represents religious women congregations across ten countries in Eastern and Central Africa: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia, with Zimbabwe as an associate member.
In his homily at CIVO Stadium in Lilongwe, Archbishop Tambala emphasized the significance of the Transfiguration Gospel, stating that “the Transfiguration reveals the mystery of the Incarnation and Resurrection.”
He encouraged the faithful to embrace their sacred identity, declaring, “My dear sisters and brothers, all consecrated life is a participation in the Incarnation. We are treasures in clay, called to collaborate in redeeming the world.”
The Archbishop also questioned, “Which voices are we listening to?” He urged a focus on divine guidance, likening it to Mary’s counsel at Cana, “do whatever Jesus tells them.” He further warned against superficiality in consecrated life, emphasizing, “We must avoid showiness at all costs,” and reminded attendees of Jesus’ example of humility, noting, “Jesus himself refused to be a spectacle; time and again, he withdrew when they sought to make him king.”
Archbishop Tambala likened the path of consecrated life to a “road less travelled,” stating, “Yet you are chosen, like the apostles, to be with Him. The primary purpose of your calling is to be with Jesus. There is no consecrated life without Christ.”
He cautioned against the lure of comfort and ease, referring to Peter’s voice at the mountaintop, “Lord, allow us to erect three booths,” and remarked, “Ease is a threat to progress, just as comfort and self-idolatry are to spiritual life.”
