Author: Titus Jata

Two powerful initiatives led by Mirriam Foundation and Congregation of Teresian Sisters are making a profound impact on vulnerable communities in Malawi, offering hope, dignity, and economic empowerment to women and people living with HIV.

The Mirriam Foundation has been widely praised for its different transformative initiatives among people living with HIV in Dedza District.

Mirriam from Netherlands who is the founder of this foundation, established this foundation in the past 15 years after encountering different groups of people in Bembeke area Traditional Authority Kamenyagwaza, especially people living with HIV and AIDS.

During a recent visit by Elizabeth Brunner from Germany, support groups under Senior Chief Kamenyagwaza expressed heartfelt appreciation for the foundation’s efforts in improving their livelihoods.

After visiting different supoort groups, Brunner commended the visible transformation in the lives of beneficiaries, noting that despite their HIV status, many individuals are now thriving through empowerment activities.

“I will advocate for more support from well-wishers when I return to Germany,” she said, “so that these support groups can continue living healthy and dignified lives.”

Denis Chinthochi, chairperson of the support groups, highlighted the foundation’s impact. “The lives of those affected have greatly improved in their households thanks to the assistance we receive from the Mirriam Foundation and Sister Teleza’s guidance.”

Meanwhile Sister Teleza Mulenga who is the contact person for Mirriam Foundation. said she is also impressed with what the support groups are currently doing through pig farming initiatives and farming, which said there is great change to the lives of many people.

” from the visit, I have realized there is alot of change since I became a contact person for the foundation. There is alot of change which is happening to the people, for instance I have followed the lives of people, looking at them them health wise, their health status has been improved from time to time with different interventions which they receive from Mirriam Foundation.”

Currently, fifteen groups under Senior Chief Kamenyagwaza benefit from the foundation’s support, which includes food aid, pig farming, and access to seeds for crops such as maize and Irish potatoes.

One inspiring testimony came from Ellen David of Kadammanja Village. Diagnosed with HIV in 2007, Ellen endured years of illness before beginning antiretroviral therapy. Today, she radiates joy and strength, crediting the Mirriam Foundation’s support groups for her renewed health and ability to care for her children. “These initiatives have uplifted my family and inspired many others to reclaim their lives,” she said.

Meanwhile, at St. Mary’s in Dzaleka Refugee Camp under Nanthomba Parish, a Catholic women Association expressed deep gratitude to the Congregation of Teresian Sisters for their skill-building programs aimed at economic self-reliance.

Through training in soap making, body lotion making, and other practical lessons, women are now equipped to launch small businesses and support their families. “We face many challenges in caring for our households,” one participant shared, “but these skills have given us hope and a path to transformation.”

She also highlighted that with the withdrawal of USAID under United States of America, as refugees there are now facings more challenges at the camp, like shortage of food and other basic human resources.

The women also voiced their openness to receiving further training and support to improve their daily lives.

Sister Teresa Mulenga, who is the projectcoordinator, emphasized the importance of empowering women even within refugee settings. “We saw the need to equip these women so they can stand on their own,” she said. “They deserve the opportunity to thrive.”

These stories reflect the unwavering commitment to social justice, community development, and the dignity of every person especially those living on the margins.

Through faith-driven action, the Mirriam Foundation and the Congregation of Teresian Sisters are helping communities rise, one life at a time.

By Titus Jata Phiri

By Titus Jata Phiri

Mtima Woyera Parish in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe recently held a vibrant three-day Parish Eucharistic Congress aimed at deepening the faith of parishioners and encouraging regular reception of the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

The event which started from 24_ 25 October, was held under the theme “The Eucharist at the Heart of Christian Life,” drew inspiration from the national Eucharistic Congress held earlier this year at Maula Cathedral as part of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year celebrations.

The Congress featured teachings led by Father Enock Kanjira, a Rector from Kachebere Major Seminary, who passionately urged parishioners to become instruments of spiritual renewal within their communities.

He emphasized the need for a transformative approach to the Eucharist, encouraging Christians to move beyond routine attendance and instead approach the celebration with reverence and purpose.

“We should not just take it as a daily routine because we are Roman Catholic Christians,” Father Kanjira said. “We must recognize the importance of Jesus Christ present in the Eucharist for our spiritual life.”

Father Kanjira also reminded parishioners of one of the key resolutions from the National Eucharistic Congress that all faithful are encouraged to receive the Eucharist on the tongue, as a gesture of reverence and unity in faith.

Parish priest Father Innocent Mtapaonga, expressed his hope that the teachings would inspire lasting spiritual growth.

“I would like to ask all parishioners to practice what they have learned so that others may also come to know that God is in us and that we are Pilgrims of Hope,” he said.

Father Mtapaonga commended Father Kanjira for his dedication and insightful presentations, noting that the sessions would greatly enrich the parishioners’ daily spiritual journey.

Joseph Gumbo, Chairperson of the Parish Council, described the Congress as highly accessible and impactful, expressing optimism that parishioners would share the teachings within their Small Christian Communities.

Topics covered during the Congress included, the Eucharist as the summit of Catholic faith, the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation , Spiritual preparation for receiving the Eucharist and other Catholic teachings.

As Sacred Heart Parish continues its journey of faith, the Eucharistic Congress stands as a testament to the parish’s commitment to spiritual renewal and communal growth anchored in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Education institutions within the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe have been called upon to uphold and promote Catholic principles and teachings in their approach to student learning.

Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese, His Lordship Vincent Mwakhwawa, made the appeal during the Teacher’s Jubilee Celebration held at Maula Cathedral on Saturday, 11th October 2025.

Bishop Mwakhwawa emphasized the importance of teachers recognizing their vocation, urging them to be Christ-centered, and to integrate their faith into their teaching.

“They need to share their faith with learners as they teach. It is not just a paid job, it is a calling to help transform young people into better citizens of this country,” he said.

His Lordship also encouraged students to pray for their peers who face challenges in accessing education due to financial constraints and the lack of schools in their communities.

He further revealed that the archdiocese, in collaboration with Archbishop Desmond Tambala, plans to construct approximately seven new schools over the next ten years.

“There are many young people out there who need education but cannot access it due to the limited number of schools and the cost of tuition. Given our current situation, we must build more secondary and primary schools and even a university to empower our youth,” he added.

Echoing Bishop Mwakhwawa’s sentiments, Reverend Brother Pascal Mtuwana, National Education Coordinator for the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops, said this year’s Jubilee celebration provided a platform for Catholic education institutions to become “Pilgrims of Hope” in society.

“We want to address our local challenges in the education sector, such as overcrowded classrooms, lack of teaching and learning materials, high school fees, and staff shortages. The question is, how can we, as Catholic institutions, become beacons of hope?” said brother Mtuwana.

Speaking on behalf of teachers from Catholic institutions, Mr. John Kumwenda, Vice Principal of St. Maria Goretti Girls Catholic Secondary School described the Jubilee celebration as insightful, noting that it has inspired educators on how to offer both academic and spiritual guidance to learners.

He also encouraged teachers across Catholic schools to remain committed to delivering quality education.

The Teachers’ Jubilee Celebration brought together educators and students from Catholic schools and technical colleges across the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

The event featured a variety of performances and activities by learners from their respective institutions.

Teachers and educators from all Catholic education institutions attending their Jubilee

St Maria Goretti Girls Catholic Secondary School leaders showcasing their talents to spice up the celebration

By Titus Jata Phiri

Parishioners at St Bernadette (Chitula) Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe have been urged to collaborate and actively participate in all parish development activities.

Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese, His Lordship Vincent Mwakhwawa, emphasized that as a newly established parish, it is essential for Christians to engage in every activity and attend meetings to share ideas that will foster growth and development.

Bishop Mwakhwawa made the call on 14 September during his visit to the parish, where he administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 179 young Christians.

His Lordship further encouraged the faithful, especially those who received the sacrament, to prepare for the upcoming Mission Month, which will be hosted at the parish.

“I have encouraged the wider community to prepare thoroughly for the formation lessons that will be conducted here during Mission Month by the Archdiocesan team. This is their opportunity. The archbishop has dedicated this year’s Mission Month to teaching Christians here at Chitula Parish,” said Bishop Mwakhwawa.

In his remarks, Parish Chairperson Damiano Matchona stated that the parish leadership is developing various programs to ensure that all Christians will actively participate in the upcoming Mission Month formation sessions.

According to Matchona, those who received the Sacrament of Confirmation will continue receiving church teachings to equip them as messengers of God’s word in their communities.

One of the newly confirmed, Marko Lingisoni, expressed his commitment to serve the Church in various ministries, saying the sacrament has empowered him to take on greater responsibilities.

A total of 179 youth and adult Christians received the Sacrament of Confirmation during the ceremony.

St Bernadette (Chitula) Parish was established in 2023 and currently comprises 98 Small Christian Communities, 29 outstations, and serves over 17,000 parishioners.

By Titus Jata Phiri