By Burnett Munthali
Vicar General of the Karonga Diocese of the Catholic Church, Monsignor Lorent Chogawana Dziko, has told followers of the church to emulate the life of Pope Francis who died on Monday this week.
Addressing a somber congregation, Monsignor Dziko called upon Catholics and all people of good will to reflect deeply on the legacy they are building during their lifetime.
He stressed the need for people to leave a meaningful legacy, adding that as we live, we should consider the story we will leave behind.
Monsignor Dziko emphasized that human life is fleeting and that every action taken today has the power to shape how future generations will remember us.
He was speaking during a mass held for the late Pope, attended by hundreds of parishioners who gathered to mourn and celebrate the life of a revered leader.
The mass was held in a deeply spiritual atmosphere, with hymns and prayers filling the church as the faithful remembered the humility and devotion of Pope Francis.
He said: “The Catholic community is saddened by the death of Pope Francis. He led a meaningful life full of good examples.”
The Vicar General highlighted that Pope Francis stood as a symbol of compassion, humility, and service, virtues that every Christian should strive to embody.
At the end of the mass, chairperson of Laity Council for the diocese, Amin Pwele, shared a brief history of the late Pope Francis, citing his achievements as a leader.
Pwele recounted the remarkable journey of Pope Francis, from his humble beginnings to becoming a global icon for peace, environmental stewardship, and social justice.
He pointed out that Pope Francis was admired not just within the Catholic Church but across the world for his tireless advocacy for the poor and marginalized.
The brief history included notable milestones such as his efforts to reform the Vatican bureaucracy, his push for greater inclusivity within the Church, and his outreach to other faiths.
The Laity Council Chairperson encouraged the congregation to honor the late Pope’s memory by committing themselves to lives of prayer, service, and love.
The mass concluded with a solemn moment of silence, followed by the singing of a hymn in tribute to the late Pope’s legacy.
Throughout the service, there was a clear sense of loss, but also a spirit of gratitude for the impact Pope Francis had made on the world and on the Church.
Monsignor Dziko’s message was a timely reminder that beyond mourning, the greatest tribute believers can pay is to live according to the principles the late Pope championed.
As the Karonga Diocese joins the global Catholic community in mourning, the faithful are encouraged to continue praying for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis and to strive to live lives worthy of remembrance.
