Ladies and Gentlemen:
Greetings in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit Amen.

The year 2007 was a mixed bag. Interesting, amazing, joyful and sorrowful events took their turn in this year. Controversy and triumph were the order of the day in social, environmental, political, economic and religious arena. We have witnessed bumper yield, the sudden demise of her excellency madam Ethel Wa Mutharika, storm surrounding the passing of the national budget, prorogation of parliament, the interconnection bill scandal, M.S.C.E. exam leakage and at the very end of the year the wedding of Honorable Clement Khembo MP just to mention a few highlights of the year. However, after 31st December, we can now stand and say good-bye 2007, welcome 2008.

The year 2008 poses a greater challenge on us to fight against poverty in the country. We are the generation who can stand and say Malawi is not a poor country but with our collective effort we can find a formula to stamp poverty out of Malawi.

Ladies and Gentlemen:
We need to ask ourself if we are moving a step in development. If yes, then think of a way we can increase the pace in development. If no, identify things that are posing a great threat to our development. Change where we need to change and maintain where we need to maintain. As Andiamo means, “moving together with one heart”, together lets fight hunger, disease and envy in the year 2008. God gave each one of us a special talent. We need to utilize them to make a difference then each one of us will stand and say the work of my hands are my witnesses (Ntchito za Manja anga ndiye mboni zanga)

Ladies and Gentlemen:
I wish you a happy and prosperous year 2008 as we look at issues with a different eye. An eye that will make us prosper and make poverty history.
Thank you.

Fr Mario Pacifici