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Centenary Bank Partners with Airtel Money to Boost Financial Accessibility in Malawi

In a move aimed at improving financial accessibility for Malawians, Centenary Bank has launched the CenteValue and CenteFees in partnership with Airtel Money.

Speaking at the launch event on Wednesday, 11 June 2025 in Lilongwe, Centenary Bank Managing Director, Godfrey Byekwaso announced that the agreement will allow parents to pay school fees via Airtel Money for schools that hold Centenary Bank accounts and Airtel Money agents will be able to request value whenever needed.

Byekwaso highlighted that the initiative has the potential to reduce long queues at banks and save time for parents, who can now make payments from their homes.

“The product is helpful as it will save time and some inconveniences to our customers,” He said.”

In her remarks, Airtel Money Managing Director, Thokozani Kamkondo Sande, expressed optimism about the collaboration, emphasizing that Airtel Money is Malawi’s largest mobile financial service and remains committed to transforming lives economically.

She noted that education is key to national development, which is why Airtel Money saw value in partnering with Centenary Bank.

“Education is the key to any development in the country hence the partnership agreement,” She said.

Commenting on the development, Sister Valentine Gudyanga, a Bursar at St. John’s Catholic Secondary School, one of the institutions that hold accounts with Centenary Bank welcomed the initiative, noting that it will simplify transactions as payments will be processed instantly.

“This is simple, and it will ease our work as an institution,” she said.

By Peter Dumayo

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Church News

Newly Ordained Priest Grateful for Vocation, Calls for Prayers

The newly ordained priest in the Society of St. Patrick’s Missionaries, Rev. Fr. Kennedy Julius Mullande, has thanked God for the gift of vocation in his life and asked for prayers to serve the Lord wholeheartedly.

He shared these sentiments on Pentecost Sunday after celebrating his first Mass as a priest at his home parish, St. John Paul II Chitedze, in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

Fr. Kennedy Mullande

“I am very grateful to God for the precious gift of life and priesthood given to me. I also thank my parents, friends, and parishioners for their prayers and words of encouragement that helped me reach this far. It has been so amazing,” said the smiling Father Kennedy.

Father Kennedy urged all young people to discern their vocations with the help of the Holy Spirit, assisted by their parents and vocations directors, so they may serve the Lord as priests, brothers, and sisters in the Vineyard of the Lord.

Earlier, the Vocations Director for Central Africa (Malawi, Zambia, and South Africa) in the St. Patrick’s Missionary Society, Fr. Felix Mlauzi, urged the newly ordained priest to observe all priestly virtues as showered upon them by the Holy Spirit.

“You, Father Kennedy, and of course all of us priests, are supposed to be honest in our ministry. You have to be prayerful, available all the time, and not be segregative in your work. You also have to be simple and exemplary, observe chastity and celibate life. In addition, use social media to spread the Gospel of the Lord and not to discredit the priestly ministry,” said Father Mlauzi.

He also pleaded with parents, guardians, and friends to avoid exerting pressure on the newly ordained priest, especially concerning finances, as this could compromise their ministerial work.

The parishioners, priests, and friends of Father Kennedy Mullande gave him various gifts to assist him in his ministry as the first priest from the seven-year-old parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

parishioners presenting gifts to Fr. Mullande

Rev. Fr. Kennedy Julius Mullande, who comes from Samu village, Traditional Authority M’bwatalika in Lilongwe, has been appointed to serve the church in the West Africa region, specifically in Nigeria, under the Missionaries of St. Patrick’s.

By Alex Nason

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Church News Radio Alinafe

Maula Deanery Makes History As All Parishes Unite for Our Lady of Africa Day

Bishop Peter Adrian Chifukwa of the Catholic Diocese of Dedza has called for greater collaboration among deaneries to meet the needs of the Catholic Church.

Bishop Chifukwa made the remarks today, 31 May 2025, while presiding over a special Mass celebrating Our Lady of Africa, the matron saint of Maula Deanery, held at the Maula podium in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

 Bishop Peter Adrian Chifukwa blesses the faithful of Maula Deanery during the procession, as they celebrate Our Lady of Africa in a historic show of unity
Bishop Chifukwa blesses the faithful of Maula Deanery during the procession, as they celebrate Our Lady of Africa in a historic show of unity

 His Lordship has since urged Christians in Maula Deanery to unite their efforts in continuing their evangelization work.

“When several views and decisions are put together, the church develops,” Bishop Chifukwa stated.

In his remarks, Chairperson for Maula Deanery, Clement Sitambuli, echoed the bishop’s sentiment, highlighting the joint celebration as a step towards developing the deanery and building stronger relationships among its parishes.

aula Deanery Chairperson Clement Sitambuli addresses the historic gathering from the podium, emphasizing unity and development within the deanery
Maula Deanery Chairperson, Clement Sitambuli addresses the historic gathering from the podium, emphasizing unity and development within the deanery

“This is a very good development as it will make Catholic faithful in the deanery to build a good relationship with the aim of serving the Church,” Sitambuli said.

Under Canon Law, a deanery serves as a local church family, grouping several parishes together to foster collective action.

This historic event marks the first time all eleven parishes of Maula Deanery have gathered to celebrate their matron saint together.

By Peter Dumayo

📸: Eric Norman Mkwaira

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Church News News

Likuni Parish CCJP Urges Chiefs to Champion Political Tolerance Ahead of Malawi’s General Elections

The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) at Likuni Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe has urged local chiefs to promote political tolerance as Malawi prepares for its general elections on September 16.

This call was made during a meeting at the Parish, where CCJP and chiefs gathered to discuss how best they can foster peace and unity among different political parties in their respective areas during the campaign period.

Likuni Parish CCJP chairperson, Francisco Lead, emphasized the crucial role chiefs play in holding politicians accountable while also educating their communities on the importance of coexistence.

According to Lead, CCJP and chiefs have agreed to convene a debate among all political candidates contesting in Likuni, where the candidates will sign a social contract, committing to the promises they will make during campaign period regarding the constituency’s development.

Francisco Lead Likuni Parish CCJP chairperson

“We organized this meeting to engage chiefs on political tolerance and the promotion of peace. We have observed that some political parties exploit funerals in various areas to conduct campaigns, which is highly inappropriate, especially since the official campaign period has not yet begun,” Lead stated.

In his remarks, Group Village Head Malili commended Likuni Parish CCJP for facilitating the discussion, stating that it has empowered chiefs to take an active role in peacebuilding efforts within their communities.

GVH Malili emphasizing a point

Malili also urged fellow chiefs to take the lead in condemning political violence occurring in their areas.

The meeting brought together chiefs from different areas under Likuni to strategize on ways to uphold peace and ensure politicians remain accountable ahead of the general elections.

By Titus Jata Phiri

 

 

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News

CHAMINADE MARIANIST SECONDARY SCHOOL HELPS THE ELDERLY PEOPLE

Educational institutions across the country have been urged to prioritize the welfare of vulnerable people living near their schools, thereby providing effective education and fostering the holistic development of students.

Perpetual Chimwala, Secretary in the Chaplaincy department at Chaminade Marianist Secondary School in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, made this statement on Saturday, May 24, after a successful charity event held at the institution.

Chimwala highlighted the importance of a holistic education, encouraging students to apply what they learn in school to positively impact their communities.

“It’s important for school administrations to involve learners in almsgiving activities so they can follow Jesus Christ’s teachings,” she said. “He said, ‘let little children come to me,’ so besides teaching them academic work, they also need to do charity work. This will fill their school and home communities with love.”

She further explained that while the charity work was initially planned as a Lenten season activity, it was deliberately held later to teach students that almsgiving isn’t limited to a specific time of year.

In his remarks, one of the beneficiaries, Davison Chimphepo from Chinkhoko village, expressed profound gratitude for the donations.

“I’m speechless. This is my first time receiving such gifts,” Chimphepo said. “This school is truly helping us by encouraging our children to work hard. We hope the management will consider supporting even more children from around the school. We, the elderly, feel encouraged and thankful to God.”

Through its Chaplaincy department, Chaminade Marianist Secondary School students, staff, and management distributed essential items such as maize flour, sugar, soya pieces, salt, and soap to approximately 23 elderly beneficiaries in the surrounding community.

By Alex Nasoni

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News

Ken Zikhale Ng’oma to represent Nkhatabay south constituency on MCP ticket

Incumbent Member of Parliament for Nkhata-Bay South Constituency, Ken Zikhale Ng’oma has been unanimously confirmed as the Malawi Congress Party’s candidate for the upcoming elections, standing unopposed.

Ng’oma’s has been confirmed on Sunday at Chifira Primary School in his constituency.

Ken Zikhale Ng’oma signing sheet

 

Affectionately known as Nyama Zikuluzikulu in political circles, he has expressed gratitude for the trust bestowed upon him by his constituents and their confidence in the leadership of President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera.

In light of his re-nomination, Ng’oma has pledged to continue advancing development projects in the constituency if re-elected.

He has also urged residents to maintain their support for the Chakwera-led government.

“I want to thank President Lazarus Chakwera for the development initiatives in this area, which have contributed to my unchallenged position in the primary elections,” Ng’oma stated.

In regard of this, he has announced that his campaign will be launched soon, emphasizing his commitment to ensure that Nkhata-Bay district is represented by more Members of Parliament.

Additionally, at the same event, shadow councillors for Mbamba Ward, Job Chirwa, and Tukombo Ward Councillor, Mauka Chirwa, have also been confirmed as candidates without opposition.