Malawi: Catholic Women commemorate WUWCO Day

Catholic women in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, last Saturday joined the rest of Catholic women worldwide in commemorating the World Union of Catholic Women's Organisations (WUCWO) day.

The day is aimed at bringing together all women under the banner, Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) to share different skills, pray together and encourage each other on different development initiatives.

Speaking at this year’s commemorations which took place at St. Mary’s (Kamuzu Barracks) Parish hall CWO Chairlady of  Lilongwe Archdiocese, Anita Kaliu said, the day is important as all women come together and celebrate their unity through singing and other activities.

 “This day was set aside to bring together all women who belong to WUCWO to pray and dedicate their problems to God and pray for those women being ill-treated in the country. Also, various activities are organized on this day like the singing competition so that women should share skills in the Church,” she said.

Commemorated under the theme “Praying for all women facing ill treatments in the world”, Catholic Women choirs from the Archdiocese held a singing competition whereas Fr. Augustine Kaliu was the guest singer.

In a message, WUCWO President, Maria Giovanna Ruggieri said women in the world should embrace the spirit of Virgin Mary who appeared in Fatima and pray for peace in the whole world and families.

“I encourage all women of WUCWO to give themselves fully to the works of God in the church and by holding different positions in societies to fulfill their discipleship of spreading the gospel. In addition, women should work hard in education in the fight against poverty and promotion of human rights”. reads part of the message.

CWO Chaplain for Lilongwe Archdiocese, Fr. Francis Lekaleka said the day is crucial for it helps sensitize the women to realise the importance of prayer and unity.

“The one struggling is not always alone, God is always with them, the women rejoice on this day not because they do not have problems, but because they know they are not carrying their problems alone which is encouraged in this group," said Fr. Lekaleka.

He said women are not only encouraged to pray, but also to venture into entrepreneurship to support and develop their families than depending on men who mostly, do not care much about the welfare of their families.

WUCWO was founded in the years 1910 to 1914 by Madame Verald who suggested uniting the Leagues of catholic women throughout the world.

It aims at promoting the presence, participation and co-responsibilities of catholic women in society and the church, in order to enable them to fulfil the mission of Evangelisation and to work for human development, particularly in increasing educational opportunities, poverty reduction and the advancement of human rights beginning with the fundamental right of life. 

BY STELLA ZULU (Communications Office of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi).