On Friday 14th July 2O17, as we continue to soar together, Fr. James Shimbala (SMA) lead us into fruitful discussion on “challenges of faith in Africa”. The day was introduced by identifying and discussing major challenges of the faith of today in our current situations. Fear of witchcraft, tribalism/racism and xenophobia, materialism, power-strife, poverty to mention but a few, were noted as major challenges today.
When then went on to discuss in details, superstitions and witchcraft as they happen to be of great influence to our society as well as to the faith of today, more-so, venturing into our religious sanctuaries. According to the input we got from our facilitator, we realised that in most cases, witchcraft is based on superstitions and mental beliefs. All in all, there is the power of Christ to protect us and to help us to change the witchcraft mentality and behaviour to that of Faith in God who empowers us all. People with witchcraft mentality equally need to be helped to have faith in God.
After going through the belief and causes of witchcraft practices, we discussed certain solutions to help people to come back to God and avoid satanic influences. Some of the solutions were minor exorcism which are done by any priest during baptism, deliverances and major exorcism. Major exorcism can only be done by those who have the right to do so and have to follow the required general rules according to the church at large.
Compiled by – Sr Christine Murombedzi O.P