President Lazarus Chakwera has described Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa of the Archdiocese of Blantyre in the Catholic Church as a humble and selfless person who ably demonstrates servant leadership in the country.
Speaking during Msusa’s priestly silver jubilee celebrations at Iba Village in Mangochi District yesterday, the President also described the archbishop as a shining example of a few good leaders committed to unifying Malawians.
He said: “When we talk about servant leadership, many people fail to understand what exactly it is. To me, when I look at the life of Archbishop Msusa, it best defines what servant leadership is.”
Chakwera also hailed Msusa for taking a leading role in ensuring that leaders are held accountable through his leadership and ensuring that they follow the rule of law.
The President said through his leadership in the Catholic Church, Msusa has motivated Malawians
to work hard in their respective lives.
While making reference to various church leaders as well as chiefs and government officials that attended the ceremony, Chakwera said Msusa has demonstrated that Malawians can co-exist regardless of their differences.
Besides, the President also hailed Msusa for deciding to celebrate his silver jubilee at his home village instead of Blantyre where he ministers, pointing out that it is rare for leaders to humble themselves and remember their roots.
“You have demonstrated to us all that it is important to always remember where we are coming from regardless of how far we get in life,” he said.
The President, who delivered his speech in Chichewa, said people should aspire to lead their respective lives like Msusa, saying such patriotic leaders are very rare.
In his speech, Msusa said he was delighted to celebrate his 25 years of serving the Catholic Church, describing his journey as interesting.
He said: “Today [yesterday] I am short of words because of all the good things that the Lord has done for us all. Most of
all, the humility you [Chakwera] has shown today in gracing my occasion is something I appreciate.”
While thanking the various church leaders and chiefs from different districts that attended the event, Msusa stressed that unity is key.
He said where there is unity, a lot can be achieved, emphasising that there is no need for Malawians to keep grudges but instead they must forgive each other.
Msusa converted from Islam to the Catholic faith and got baptised at the age of 12. He proceeded to enter the seminary.
He was ordained a priest on August 3 1996 and Pope John Paul II appointed him as bishop on December 19 2003.
On April 17 2004, he was consecrated as bishop of Zomba Diocese.
On November 21 2013, he was appointed as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Blantyre and on February 8 2014 was formally installed as Archbishop
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