 |
| Getting ready for the welcome |
|
|
The Mother’s Union of the Anglican Diocese of South Malawi welcomes Malawi’s new Vice-President
On Saturday 30 May the Mother’s Union (MU) of the Anglican Diocese of South Malawi Union were privileged to host a visit by Malawi’s new Vice-President, the Hon Joyce Banda who arrived at St Paul’s Cathedral Blantyre for a service of thanksgiving at 09.00hrs As a member of the CCAP Women’s Guild, she had chosen to wear the uniform of that organisation.
Five hundred Mother’s Union members were waiting as the Hon Mrs Banda was greeted by Diocesan MU President Mrs Elizabeth Kalua and Vicar General The Ven Charles Masina.
During the service of Eucharist and thanksgiving for peaceful elections preacher Mrs Mildred Haji developed the theme “God’s wisdom provides new understanding”. She emphasised that people who lead others need to seek wisdom from God in order to discern the best way forward.
|
 |
| people gathered early to waiting inside the cathedral |
|
|
After the service ended, Diocesan MU Co-ordinator Mrs Yasinta Mtambo outlined the background to the organisation in Malawi, referring to is aim of empowering our women, and the aim of establishing specialised Women’s Centres.
MU President Elizabeth Kalua congratulated and thanked the Hon Joyce Banda for her attendance, and invited her to address the congregation.
In her speech the Vice- President encouraged all women to be strong and to stand together. She said that in raising our children we must identify their gifts and encourage them; recognising that some will have the natural gift of leadership as a Grace from God. Both she and the President are people who turn to the Lord for guidance; in deciding to elect them Malawians had made a positive choice for God-fearing people.
The speech was received enthusiastically and with rapt attention by the audience; and as a mark of appreciation a gift was presented to the Vice President. There was a procession to lead the honoured guest from the Cathedral and after a short break for refreshments she left for the next engagement in her busy schedule. |
 |
| the musicians prepare |
|
|
 |
| MU Members from St Paul’s line up and rehearse songs of welcome |
|
|
 |
| Hon Joyce Banda arrives and receives a bouquet from St Agnes Guild |
|
|
 |
| Vicar General Fr Charles Masina looks on as the Vice-President meets Fr Goodson Chipapala |
|
|
 |
| ..and Deacon John Ngoma |
|
|
 |
| ..others wait their turn to be presented |
|
|
 |
| ..the Hon Joyce Banda has a word for everyone |
|
|
 |
| ..and reads one of the lessons during the service |
|
|
 |
| Choir members dance as they sing to a packed congregation |
|
|
 |
| A view to the back of the cathedral. It is completely full |
|
|
 |
| The Gospel reading |
|
|
 |
| The vice-President checks her notes |
|
|
 |
| MU Diocesan Co-ordinator Yasinta Mtambo speaks |
|
|
 |
| ..followed by MU Diocesan President Elizabeth Kalua |
|
|
 |
| Finally the Hon Joyce Banda leads the congregation in a song of praise |
|
|
 |
| Finally the Hon Joyce Banda leads the congregation in a song of praise |
|
|
 |
| The Vice-President leaves the cathedral, escorted by a line-up of MU members |
|
|
 |
| MU members follow the chief guest out through the line-up |
|
|
 |
| ..the car waits to carry her away to her next appointment |
|
|
 |
| …and the large crowd exchange impressions as they prepare to leave |
|
|
