by Deogratias Mmana

Pope Francis has sent his good wishes to the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA) as it holds its 19th plenary assembly and celebrates a golden jubilee.

Nuncio for Malawi and Zambia Archbishop Gianluca Perici conveyed the Pope’s message during the opening mass for the two -tier celebration in Lilongwe Monday.

Pope Francis asked the Sisters to strengthen the zeal for their mission of bringing joy of the gospel to many in Africa.

ACWECA president Sr. Rosalia Sakayombo commended the Pope for his encouraging message to the association.

In a special way, Sr. Sakayombo also thanked the Nuncio for gracing the opening ceremony for the conference.

“It is the first time that we have come in contact with the Nuncio,” Sr. Sakayombo said.

ACWECA secretary general Sr. Bridgita Samba also thanked the Nuncio for his attendance.

She said: “I feel extremely glad to welcome Your Excellency, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, the Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi to this much awaited conference as it marks the 19th ACWECA plenary assembly.”

She also commended Archbishop George Tambala of Lilongwe Archdiocese for the support the Episcopal Conference of Malawi gave to the association.

Archbishop Tambala pledged ECM’s further support to the association