Author: Alinafe Comms

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Church News

New Priest’s House Is Proof of Maria m’thandizi wa Akhristu Parishioners’ Commitment

Parishioners at Maria M’thandizi wa Akhristu Parish in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe have been commended for their exceptional work towards fulfilling efforts championed by the Archdiocese in building a self reliant church.

This follow a gesture taken taken by the lay faithful at the parish, in building a magnificent priest house that has costed them about 280 million kwacha.

​His Grace George Tambala, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, on Sunday 30 November 2025, expressed joy over the gesture, during the Eucharist Celebration blessing the newly built priests home.

​His Grace Tambala noted that this is a clear sign that the lay faithful have great faith, as being closer to the priest simply shows that the parishioners have deep faith.

​The Archbishop also said building such a house with funds from the lay faithful indicates that they understand their role in building a self-reliance church.

Archbishop Tambala, it's time to rejoice
Archbishop Tambala, it’s time to rejoice

​”It’s time to rejoice, as the time has come to depend on our own efforts in developing the church,” he added.

 

​In his remarks, Witimu Chuma said the parishioners played a vital role in fulfilling the dream of building a priest’s house at the Parish.

​He then called on his fellow parishioners to continue working hard with the aim of continuing the good work that they have started, following the call from the Archbishop.

Chuma, we should continue working hard
Chuma, we should continue working hard

​”Let me call upon my fellow lay faithful to continue working hard in order to accomplish our mission of developing the church,” he added.

​By Peter Dumayo.

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Church News

Early Marriage Fuels Poverty

Mwambakuru, it's true, we need to do action
Mwambakuru, it's true, we need to do action

The Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe has decried the practice of marrying off youths, which it said is a recipe for increasing poverty in the country.

The Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa, made the sentiments on Sunday 30 November 2025 at St Paul Ndevu Outstation in Namitete Parish during the Thanksgiving Mass.

Bishop Mwakhwawa has since warned all Malawians to urgently act on the practice because it is a sin before God.

Bishop Mwakhwawa, The country can not develop if this continues
Bishop Mwakhwawa, The country can not develop if this continues

“Statistics showing early marriages in the country are very alarming, and as a country, we have to do something quickly. The church and the country can’t develop in earnest if we continue having these early marriages.”

“Poverty levels will continue to rise because the youths aren’t mature enough and shall constantly be prone to various diseases, thereby draining the country’s resources,” said Bishop Mwakhwawa.

He then appealed to all stakeholders and the government to help stop this malpractice so as to protect the productive youths.

Concurring with the bishop, Emma Mwambakulu, who is also one of the chiefs in Ndevu area under Traditional Authority Kalolo, asked all stakeholders to prioritize sending children to school and avoid the practice of early marriages, saying that it derails development.

Mwambakuru, it's true, we need to do action
Mwambakuru, it’s true, we need to do action

 

“It is true that early marriages are happening in the country and in the areas mentioned. However, I want to tell parents and my fellow chiefs in the country not to accept early marriages because it prevents the youths from learning to become productive citizens in the church and country as a whole. I appeal to all the youths to desist from marrying while young but to work hard in school because that’s where their bright future lies. It is really a sin before God for the parents to marry off their children,” said Chief Mwambakulu.

Statistics show that early marriages in Lilongwe rural and Mchinji have very high figures in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

 

By Alex Nasoni

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News

MALAWI KARATE FEDERATION CRIES FOR STAKEHOLDERS’ MINDSET CHANGE

The Technical Director of Malawi Karate Federation, Bahebe Pascal Dogani has asked the government and the populace to regard Karate as a non violent sport.

Bahebe said this on Saturday 29 November 2025 at Chaminade Marianist secondary school in Lilongwe where the school organised a Karate tournament dubbed Pro-Lee Karate championship involving it’s students and other eight clubs in the Central region of Malawi.

Bahebe observed that Many people think that Karate is to shed blood a mentality that needs to be removed.

Bahebe, Karate is not violent
Bahebe, Karate is not violent

“There is a need to desensitise the populace to undo the impression that karate is for violence. It is very unfortunate for the government and other stakeholders that they don’t invest more in this sport. You know, Karate disciplines people, is for self defense, makes our bodies strong and health, improves our thinking behaviours during this time where everyone seems glued to their budgets. That’s why this sport is even good for students like those here at Chaminade Marianist,” said Bahebe, who is also Chief Instructor of Malawi Japan Karate Association (JKA).

 

He has however appealed to the community and the government to support the youths by even going further to have a test study where some instructors would be integrated as a way of giving back to the community a thing which can be used to unearth talent.

 

Speaking to Radio Alinafe, one of the form 1 student participant who won a bronze medal in the girls category under the age of 13, Tamandani Masanza thanked the introduction of the sport in the school saying it helps her concentrate in school, being disciplined and stay healthy.

Masana, I like Karate
Masanza, I like Karate

” I love Karate because the cutters help me to get organized and stay health. In the past I used to lose many things because I wasn’t putting myself in order. I am a changed person. If all the schools had this sport, the youths would change the world,” said Tamandani Masanza.

 

Tamandani added that the sport will positively impact their attitude and behavioural change as students in the school.

 

In his remarks, Brother Malesi Jude who is the Karate instructor at Chaminade Marianist secondary school who also organized the tournament thanked all the participants for showing up and spicing the event.

“I am very thankful to the Karate family in the Central region and Malawi as a whole for gracing this event. It is good to have such sport in schools if we have to have well disciplined students who can study without any problems. S a school we believe in discipline and therefore whatever instills discipline among students shall be prioritized,” said Brother Malesi.

 

During the tournament several people won different gold, silver and bronze medals in Cutter and Kumite competitions for both boys and girls from the school and other eight clubs in the Central region according to their age groups.

By Alex Nasoni

 

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Church News News

children of the Holy Childhood from St. Paul Ndevu Outstation in Namitete Parish applauded for their dedication in mission

The Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe has praised the children of the Holy Childhood from St. Paul Ndevu Outstation in Namitete Parish for their dedication to their mission.

Auxiliary Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa of the Lilongwe Archdiocese shared his appreciation today, the first Sunday of Advent at St. Paul Ndevu Outstation during a Thanksgiving Mass for the children.

Bishop Mwakhwawa highlighted the children’s brilliance in singing and their deep understanding of Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist, noting this as a great quality that is often lacking in many adults.

Bishop Mwakhwawa, applauds the children for their dedication
Bishop Mwakhwawa, applauds the children for their dedication

 

“I came here to thank these children and their parents. They sang brilliantly during the opening of the Epiphany Year at Likuni on November 16th this year.”

“During Mass, heavy rains poured, and while many adults sought shelter, these children remained and got soaked. They understand that Mass must continue at all costs. We are very happy as an archdiocese with this understanding.”

His lordship appealed to all Catholics to follow this example, urging them to start valuing the teachings and understanding the sacraments of the Catholic Church for its growth and strength.

In his remarks, Felesta Ching’oma, the chairperson of St. Paul Ndevu Outstation, thanked God for the Bishop’s visit and vowed to continue mentoring the children to strengthen their Catholic faith.

 

Ching'oma, we thank God, now they understand.
Ching’oma, we thank God, now they understand.

“When we heard that our children were chosen to sing at the Likuni event, we immediately started training them, beginning in the families. We didn’t face any problems because we have been sending their teachers to various training sessions. We simply thank God that they now understand and can display their faith in Jesus through the Church’s teachings to the people.”

The Holy Childhood choir from the outstation led the liturgy with well-composed songs during the Thanksgiving Mass.

The event concluded with a get-together for the Holy Childhood members and their teachers at Ndevu Catholic Primary School in Lilongwe.

By Alex Nasoni

 

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Church News News

Catholic MPs Urged to Serve with Zeal

The Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) has called on newly elected Catholic Members of Parliament (MPs) to demonstrate unwavering dedication in serving the people who entrusted them with the mandate to represent them in the National Assembly.

The call was made by Bishop Alfred Chaima of the Zomba Diocese on Wednesday during a special Eucharistic Mass held in Lilongwe to officially welcome and bless the new MPs before they begin their parliamentary duties.

MPs pose with Bishop Alfred Chaima and Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa
MPs pose with Bishop Alfred Chaima and Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa

In his message, Bishop Chaima emphasized that the legislators should remain grounded in the realities and daily struggles faced by the communities that voted them into office.

 

He urged them to always place the welfare of the people at the centre of their decision-making, noting that many Malawians are grappling with socio-economic challenges that require committed and compassionate leadership.

Serve the people who voted you, Bishop Chaima
Remember the needs of people who voted for you, Bishop Chaima

“The people who elected you are facing numerous hardships. As you deliberate and make decisions in Parliament, always remember the needs, concerns, and aspirations of those who entrusted you with this responsibility,” said Bishop Chaima.

He further reminded the MPs that as Catholics, their faith should guide them in how they conduct themselves and in the positions they present in the August House. Bishop Chaima stressed that the Church’s social teachings offer valuable principles that can help leaders promote justice, peace, and the common good.

 

“You must recognise that before anything else, you are Catholics. Let the teachings of the Church guide your actions and the views you express in Parliament,” he added.

 

Speaking during the same event, one of the legislators, Patricia Kaliati, pledged to give her utmost dedication in serving the people who entrusted her with the responsibility of representing them.

I will work tirelessly to address challenges affecting my constituents, Kaliati
I will work tirelessly to address challenges affecting my constituents, Kaliati

Kaliati said she is aware of the expectations citizens have from their leaders, and assured the faithful that she will work tirelessly to address the challenges affecting her constituents and the nation at large.

 

By Monica Chinyama Lipiya

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Church News

Sacramentine Sisters Celebrate 50 Years in Malawi

The Catholic Diocese of Mangochi today, 22 November 2025, marked a major milestone as the Sacramentine Sisters celebrated 50 years of ministry in Malawi.
The Golden Jubilee Mass was held at St. Louis Montfort Parish in Monkey Bay, presided over by Bishop Montfort Stima of Mangochi, with Auxiliary Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa of Lilongwe and Bishop Emeritus Allesandro Pagani of Mangochi, as co-celebrants.
In his homily Bishop Stima commended the sisters for their longstanding contribution to faith and community life.
“For five decades, the Sacramentine Sisters have helped deepen love and faith in our society. Their service in education, healthcare, and pastoral work has been a true gift to the Church in Malawi,” he said.
Bishop Montfort Stima of Mangochi sharing his homily
Bishop Montfort Stima of Mangochi sharing homily
He added that the Diocese of Mangochi has “greatly benefited from their work in schools, parishes and community outreach programmes.”
Representing the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Auxiliary Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa highlighted the congregation’s wider national impact.
“We also have Sacramentine Sisters serving in Lilongwe at St. Andrews Mtande Parish,” Bishop Mwakhwawa said.”
The Mother Superior of the congregation of Sacramentine Sisters in Malawi, Sister Ellen Matchado, described the Jubilee as a moment of gratitude.
“Our 50-year journey has been one of faith, sacrifice, and service. We thank God for guiding us, and we remain committed to prayer, education, and supporting the poor,” she said.
Established in 1976 with only a few members, the Sacramentine Sisters have since grown into an important force in Eucharistic devotion, education, healthcare, and community empowerment.
By Monica Chinyama Lipiya