Malawi Catholic Church Launches Fundraising Drive for National Eucharistic Congress

The Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) has called upon well-wishers and Catholic faithful to contribute towards the upcoming first National Eucharistic Congress, scheduled for August 2025.

Bishop President for Evangelization and Catechists (Pastoral Commission) at the MCCB, Right Reverend Alfred Chaima, made the appeal during a press conference at the Catholic Secretariat in Lilongwe on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

Bishop Chaima emphasized the scale of the event, stating that, “it’s going to be a very big gathering and therefore we also need resources for the same. And for that reason, we are estimating that our budget may be about 112 million Malawi Kwacha.”

To finance the upcoming National Eucharistic Congress, His Lordship Chaima added that the Catholic Church in Malawi is implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes the sale of commemorative merchandise like cloths, mugs, and dishes, the collection of special offerings within Catholic parishes and dioceses, and direct appeals for donations from individuals, families, and corporate entities, all aimed at reaching the required budget.

Bishop Chaima also extended an appeal to individuals and corporations. “But besides that, too, we will continue to make appeals for people of goodwill who can make personal donations or family donations, or maybe even people in the corporate world who can come up with any amount and say, we want to assist in this noble cause. We will gladly receive those donations.”

Bishop Chaima emphasized the profound significance and rarity of the upcoming National Eucharistic Congress, stating, “This, indeed, is a very rare moment in the Catholic Church.”

His Lordship explained that the congress serves as a dedicated period for in-depth study, worship of the Eucharist, and catechesis, aimed at strengthening the faith of attendees.

Drawing from Romans 5:5, he highlighted the congress’s focus on encountering the living Christ in the Eucharist, reinforcing hope and sustaining faith, especially for those facing daily challenges.

In his remarks, National Pastoral Coordinator, Father Joseph Sikwese, confirmed that preparations are progressing smoothly.

Father Sikwese stated that the church is distributing educational materials to prepare members for the Congress, anticipating a large attendance and hoping for spiritual healing during the five-day event.

“There will be some lessons, catechetical lessons that we’ve got to prepare the people for the Christ Congress. So, the resources have been prepared by the National Theological Commission and will be sent to all parishes now.”

The Congress will focus on the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, with catechetical lessons and worship.

By Peter Dumayo