12/02/2026
Bishop Chaima Encourages the Sick to Trust in God’s Healing Love
Zomba
Bishop Alfred Mateyu Chaima of the Catholic Diocese of Zomba has encouraged the sick not to lose faith in God, but to continue entrusting themselves to His mercy and healing love.
The Bishop offered encouragement during a visit to St. Robert Clinic at Sitima Parish as the Church marked the World Day for the Sick, celebrated each year on the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Addressing patients and guardians, Bishop Chaima acknowledged the pain of illness but reminded them that God remains close to those who suffer.
“Despite the unhealthy situations in which you are, do not cease to put your total trust in the almighty power of God who is the source of love and mercy and heals us from our various infirmities, including all physical feebleness,” he said.
“Today we remember and pray for you all and encourage you to continue living in faith,” the Bishop added.
The prelate said his visit was a sign of the Church’s commitment to caring for the sick and promoting access to healthcare for all people, especially those in remote areas.
He expressed hope that the clinic would soon receive the necessary approvals to expand its operations, including the opening of a maternity unit, a development he said would contribute to reducing maternal and child mortality.
Bishop Chaima noted that once granted full recognition, the facility would be able to employ its own health workers instead of relying on personnel from neighbouring institutions.
During the visit, he presented gifts to the patients, among them maize flour, soap, sugar and salt, as a gesture of solidarity and compassion.
Parish Priest Fr. Owen O’Donnell thanked the Bishop for shepherding the faithful and for his continued attention to the needs of the Diocese, particularly in the health sector.
For her part, the Clinic Administrator, Sr. Hellen Chagunda, reflected on the meaning of the World Day for the Sick, saying that its connection to the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes is a reminder that God never ceases to heal His people.
Clinic In-Charge Andrew Kamwendo spoke of the challenges facing the facility, including the inability to provide Antiretroviral Therapy, open a maternity wing, and offer free medication.
He explained that many families in the area struggle to afford medical care because of the clinic’s remote location.
Supported by the Montfort Congregation, St. Robert Clinic began operating as an Outpatient Department in February 2022.
Despite being approved by the Ministry of Health through the District Health Office and the Nurses Council, it is still awaiting authorization from the Christian Health Association of Malawi to introduce additional services.
Credit:— MCCB Communications Diocese
