Catholic Women Association cheer the sick at Mangochi Hospital

By Sheila Josephine Njilima*

Every year on February 11, the Catholic Church globally observes the Day for the Sick, a day when the entire congregation remembers and prays for the sick, medical caregivers, and volunteers.

Joining the universal Church in this mission, the women of the Diocese of Mangochi visit the sick and caregivers annually, bringing comfort, hope, and spiritual guidance. This year’s commemoration took place on Saturday, February 15, and the Catholic Women Association of the Diocese of Mangochi celebrated it in a special way. The women had spent weeks preparing for the event, organizing a spiritually uplifting liturgy and gathering gifts for the patients and their guardians. 

On a mission: Bishop Stima and some members of the Catholic Women Association at the hospital (Photo by Sheila Josephine Njilima)

The day began with Holy Mass at Mangochi Cathedral, led by His Lordship, Bishop Montfort Stima. In his homily, the Bishop spoke about the Mercy of God, drawing inspiration from the Gospel of Matthew 25:36: “I was sick, and you visited me.”

After the Mass, the procession to cheer the sick began. The Bishop arrived at Mangochi District Hospital, accompanied by Father Ernest Yola, the diocesan patron for the devoted Catholic women. The Bishop led the group by visiting the male ward, while the women dispersed to other wards.  

As they made their way through the hospital wards, the Bishop and the women were met with smiles, tears of joy, and grateful hearts. They prayed with the patients, listened to their stories, and offered words of encouragement. The patients and their guardians were deeply touched and expressed their gratitude. 

Fulfilling the words, “I was sick, and you visited me” (Photo by Sheila Josephine Njilima)

Mr. Mathews Mtemang’ombe, a representative of the Mangochi District Hospital Administration, applauded the Bishop and the women. In his remarks, he stated that the visit was a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy and kindness.

“The patients will not take this for granted. You have made a difference in their lives, especially during these times of economic hardship,” he said.

As the Bishop and the Catholic women left the hospital, they were filled with joy, knowing they had made a meaningful impact on the lives of the sick.

*Njilima is a social worker.