By Yamikani Sabola
Lilongwe, November 27, Mana: President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has lauded, Most Rev. George Desmond Tambala, new Archbishop for Lilongwe Archdiocese, describing him as a suitable shepherd.
He was speaking at Civo stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday during installation Most Rev. Tambala as the new Archbishop for Lilongwe Archdiocese.
Chakwera said the installation of Tambala as Archbishop was a manifestation of God’s faithfulness.
He said Rev. Tambala’s life story was fulfilling and inspiring hence Roman Catholic faithfuls in the Lilongwe Archdiocese were blessed to have him at the helm.
“Weaving through the life story of the new Archbishop, one cannot help but see the footprints of God leading him faithfully to this defining moment.
“Looking at the needs of the church, at large, one cannot help but see the footprints of God leading the flock faithfully to a suitable shepherd,” the President said.
Chakwera said the Lilongwe Archdiocese, which includes the Capital City, was faced with numerous challenges which the new Archbishop would be key in helping to address in his capacity.
In his acceptance speech, Archbishop Tambala said he was a strong believer of a church that was self-evangelizing, self-reliant financially and open to mission.
He said those three pillars would be central to his work as the new Archbishop.
“We are living in a time of many challenges regarding our faith as priests and laity. I would like to dedicate the coming years, together with you, towards a new and deeper way of reaching out to all.
“Let us look seriously into the question of what does it mean to be Roman Catholic Christian today,” Tambala said.
The New Archbishop asked for support and collaboration from priests in the Archdiocese.
“A good and mutually respectful relationship between the Archbishop and the priests is key to our working together. What I am looking forward to is this building up of our relationship,” Archbishop Tambala said.
He said he would be supportive of all youth programmes in the diocese including supporting schools, colleges and universities to ensure the youth are getting access to education.
Tambala was born in Zomba on November 11, 1968, was appointed Bishop of Zomba on October 15, 2015 and ordained Bishop on January 30, 2016.
Archbishop Tambala has replaced late Archbishop Tarcisius Ziyaye who died on December 14, 2020 in Namibia where he was receiving medical treatment.
