Rt. Rev. Alfred Chaima and a child from the Catholic Diocese of Zomba water a tree, embodying the spirit of stewardship for creation.
The President of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB), Bishop Martin Mtumbuka, has highlighted the importance of educating children on environmental conservation.
The call has been made earlier today, 02 August 2025, at the ongoing the National Children’s Congress at Don Bosco Parish in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, where environmental education was the day’s focus.
According to Bishop Mtumbuka, this initiative is part of the response to a letter written by the late Pope Francis entitled “Laudato Si,” which urges the Church to take an active role in environmental stewardship.
“The late Pope emphasized care for creation. By involving children in activities like tree planting, we want to instill in them the importance of protecting nature, as they are the future leaders who will be most affected by climate change,” said His Lordship Mtumbuka.
Bishop Mtumbuka leads by example, planting a tree to teach children about environmental conservation
On the matter of education, His Lordship expressed concern over the challenges children presented to them regarding accessing quality learning.
He stressed the need for government intervention and broader responsibility from all sectors to address this.
Bishop Mtumbuka affirmed the Catholic Church’s ongoing commitment to ensuring high-quality education for children nationwide.
In his remarks, Ruben Chifundo Nazombe, Acting Director of the Jesuit Center for Ecology and Development, commended MCCB through the organizing committee for also considering environmental education to children, during this Congress.
Nazombe emphasized that this is an ideal time to offer environmental education so that children grow up with a sense of responsibility for nature in their communities.
After completing their sessions, the children, guided by the bishops and leaders, planted trees as a practical application of what they had learned.
The congress continues at Don Bosco Parish, where children are being educated in both spiritual and social life.
Daria Braithwaite, Holy Childhood Coordinator from the Archdiocese of Boston, USA, plants and waters her tree, symbolizing global solidarity in environmental care at the National Children’s Congress.
Written by Titus Jata Phiri
Photo Credit: Edwin Sitima
The Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) has pledged ongoing support for children’s moral and faith development in their daily lives, recognizing their vital role in the Catholic Church’s mission.
MCCB President Bishop Martin Mtumbuka made this declaration at Don Bosco Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe during the official opening of the first-ever National Children’s Congress in Malawi.
“As Bishops, part of our commitment is to nurture our children in faith, social matters, and education. We especially aim to train them in matters of faith, morality, and social discipline, values that should influence their friendships and communities,” Bishop Mtumbuka stated.
Bishop Martin Mtumbuka giving his remarks at the National Children’s Congress Opening Mass
His Lordship has since urged priests and religious congregations, including Sisters serving in various parishes, to take a special interest in children’s spiritual growth, describing them as the future of the Church.
He also expressed appreciation for Sister Ines Paulo, Secretary General of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) at the Vatican, who attended the Congress as Pope Leo’s delegate.
He noted that her presence served as a powerful source of motivation for the children’s mission within the Church in Malawi.
Sr. Iness Paulo (at the middle) attending the Opening mass
In her remarks, Sister Ines Paulo shared her joy in witnessing children’s active involvement in the Church through the Holy Childhood Missionaries. She praised their dedication and spiritual enthusiasm.
In his address, National PMS Director, Father Peter Ephraim Madeya, encouraged parishes across the country to consistently offer children leadership opportunities, especially during school holidays, allowing them to lead liturgical activities and participate more fully in Church life.
National PMS director, Fr. Peter Madeya
“These children are asking parishes to give them platforms to lead in various church activities during holidays. This will motivate them and strengthen their spiritual journey,” Fr. Madeya said.
In her remarks, Tina Kandodo, the Chairperson of the National Children’s Congress, said the event includes educational animations designed to strengthen children’s faith.
She emphasized topics such as child trafficking, environmental conservation, and Catholic teachings as central themes of the Congress.
“Our bishops are delighted to see children united in faith. “They have stressed the importance of teaching young Catholics today so that in five to ten years, we will have a stronger Church led by these children.”
Representing fellow children participants, Nancy Matrouser from the Archdiocese of Blantyre said she looks forward to deepening her faith and strengthening her Christian identity through the teachings offered at the Congress.
This landmark event marks the first National Children’s Congress held by the Catholic Church in Malawi. In attendance were the Holy Childhood Coordinator from the Archdiocese of Boston in the United States, a PMS delegate from Zimbabwe, and families from both Malawi and the U.S.A.
The Secretary General of the office for the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) from the Vatican, Sister Ines Paulo, has applauded teachers for their tireless work in instilling Christian values in children.
Sister Ines expressed her joy at the way the children’s ministry is progressing at Likuni Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, highlighting that the dedication shown by teachers in nurturing the children’s spiritual lives is truly admirable.
Bishop Mwakhwawa with Sr Iness visits Mulungu Alinafe SCC
During her visit to Mulungu Alinafe Small Christian Community (SCC) under the Kakoma Outstation of Likuni Parish, Sister Ines was pleased with the growing number of children being taught spiritual values through the support of both their mentors and the sisters under the Archdiocese of Lilongwe’s PMS.
“I have to appreciate these mentors for the remarkable job they are doing in mentoring the children. They are doing an excellent job that gives hope for the future of the Church through these children,” she said.
As part of her role in the PMS office, Sister Ines emphasized the importance of implementing various programs that reach children in different areas, including ministry and education, tailored to the challenges they face.
Sr Iness sharing gifts with the children
She also met with various commissions and groups at Likuni Parish and expressed satisfaction with how Christians are actively participating in different ministerial roles.
During a meeting with these groups, Sister Ines urged parents, teachers, and organizations to prioritize the spiritual care and education of children, aiming to mold them into reliable future Church leaders.
Meanwhile, Vincent Kamunong’ona, chairperson for Kakoma Zone, noted that the visit by the PMS Secretary General from the Vatican has greatly motivated their spiritual and missionary activities.
As part of her visit to the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Sister Ines also toured the Tikondane Care for Children , run by the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa (MSOLA).
She praised the MSOLA Sisters for their outstanding efforts in supporting street-connected children and promised to advocate for increased support, emphasizing that helping suffering children is at the heart of the Church’s mission.
Sr Iness visits Tikondane Care for Children
Sister Marie Sakina, project coordinator for Tikondane Care for Children, said the center currently houses a higher number of children than intended, over 35 instead of the ideal 25, due to widespread poverty and other societal challenges.
“We have a lot of children because of the difficulties in our society, especially in the streets. Many families lack food, and these hardships are forcing children onto the streets,” explained Sister Sakina.
After the tour, His Lordship Vincent Mwakhwawa, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, expressed joy at the mission visit by the PMS Secretary General from Rome.
He noted that the visit had showcased the strength of the Church’s children’s ministry in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe under the PMS office.
Rt. Rev. Vincent Mwakhwawa, the Auxiliary bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe
His Lordship also commended the mentors at Mulungu Alinafe for their contributions to nurturing children’s spiritual lives and preparing them for missionary service within the universal church.
“The archdiocese is deeply committed to training animators. We want to continue forming them, especially because many children in grassroots Christian communities lack properly trained teachers,” said Auxiliary Bishop Mwakhwawa.
Throughout her visit, Sister Ines Paulo had an opportunity to interact with children, hear their success stories, and learn about the challenges they face, particularly in accessing education and basic necessities essential for their spiritual journey.
Her visit was also accompanied by Holy Childhood Coordinator from the Pontifical Mission Societies of the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston from the United States of America Daria Braithwaite, who is also in Malawi for the Mission experience.
Children from Katelera zone in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe pose for a photo with Daria from the Archdiocese of Boston, USA
The Holy Childhood Coordinator for the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) Office of the Archdiocese of Boston in the United States of America, Daria Braithwaite, has concluded her first mission experience visit to Salima Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.
During her visit, Daria engaged with various stakeholders, including Christians, catechists, and school administrators, to understand the challenges and successes of the church’s mission in the area.
During the visit at St. Gabriel Outstation (Katelera Zone), which has over 3,672 Christians, Daria heard about the challenges faced by the community.
Katelera zone welcomes Daria
“The number of Christians is always growing here at St. Gabriel, and that is why we have a vision of having our own parish based on the number of Christians and outstations that we have here. The coming in of visitors here has really motivated us,” said Lawrent Mkungula, the catechist for the St. Gabriel Zone.
Mr. Lawrent Mkungula, catechist for the St. Gabriel Zone
Daria also visited Kaphatenga Outstation (St. Teresa) and a mission hospital, where Gilbert Mwasiya, chairperson of the church council, highlighted plans to construct a new church and secondary school.
Daria visits the mission hospital together with the PMS director in Malawi, Father Peter Madeya
At Kalonga Full Primary School, a Catholic school under Salima Parish, Daria was impressed by the school’s outstanding performance.
“In terms of our performance as a school, we are doing very great. But we have challenges in terms of lack of school blocks, office administration, desks, teachers’ houses, toilets, and financial resources to finalize completing the construction of the school façade,” said Mr. Mayingiso Tembo, headteacher of the school.
A group photo at Kalonga primary school
The headteacher also appreciated the financial support provided by the Pontifical Mission Societies under the Holy Childhood project, which enabled the school to construct a fence.
After visiting these places, Daria expressed her gratitude and joy at seeing the church’s growth and mission in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.
“I was so excited to see how happy Christians are here, especially children, and how they have welcomed me at an outstation even though it is not a parish, and also seeing different projects being undertaken here by the PMS,” she said.
Daria dancing with Servants of Charity members at Katelera zone, Archdiocese of Lilongwe
Daria with the youth at Katelera zone
Katelera zone give Daria a goat as a gift
Representing the Parish Priest for Salima Parish, Father John Kaliwamba described the visit as a motivation to the Christians.
“We are happy about the visit by the PMS from the Boston Archdiocese to see and hear some of our successful stories as far as evangelization is concerned and also to hear from us the gaps that are there in our different mission areas and schools.”
Fr Kaliwamba (in blue shirt) addressing the visitors about Salima Parish
The visit is part of the mission experience program for the PMS office from the Boston Archdiocese, aimed at fostering collaboration and understanding between different Catholic communities.
In a remarkable display of solidarity and service, the Congregation of Teresian Sisters in Malawi have renewed their commitment to uplift Catholic women across the country by equipping them with transformative life skills through their ongoing Women Liberation Project, the sisters are fostering self-reliance, environmental stewardship, and community cohesion in all dioceses nationwide.
Project Coordinator Sister Teleza Mulenga voiced her satisfaction with the momentum of the initiative across dioceses and emphasized the importance of strategic evaluation.
“I am so impressed with the reports on what these women are doing in their dioceses. Regarding the challenges they’ve outlined, we are going to sit down and see how we can move forward,” she affirmed.
Sr. Teleza Mulenga (L) receiving her certificate from MBS Officer
Speaking during a plenary meeting with representatives from the Catholic Women’s Association (CWA), Sister Colleta Bester, Superior Mother General of the Teresian Sisters, expressed her deep satisfaction with how women have embraced and applied their new skills in local communities.
“We are happy with how women are using the knowledge gained. We are now planning to work with more sister’s congregations to reach every corner of Malawi,” she said.
Sr. Colleta Bester (R) presenting a certificate to one of the trainees from Dzaleka Refugees camp
Over 4,000 women have now been trained face-to-face, while 230 women have been certified as trainers, enabling ripple effects throughout their communities.
Reports from Karonga, Mangochi dioceses, and Archdiocese of Lilongwe highlight training of women in various skills where Karonga diocese has managed to traing about 3200 women.
In Dedza Diocese, 1,500 trees have been planted with the help of Bishop Adrian Chifukwa who provided land to these women in also responding to late Pope Francis letter “Laudato Si,” in taking care of the environment.
Dioceses like Mzuzu, Zomba, Archdiocese of Blantyre and Chikwawa diocese are leading the way in inclusive training, involving men in efforts to combat gender-based violence and promote economic self-sufficiency.
CWA representatives from dioceses attending the plenary meeting
During the certificate award presentations to the trainers, Donex Msowoya, Senior Quality Monitoring Officer from Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS), assured continued support in guiding women to meet market requirements.
“We’ll continue providing knowledge and skills to ensure these women produce quality goods that can always compete at the market.”
Msowoya presenting the certificates to the trainers
CWA National Chairperson, Christina Lakiyoni, encouraged women nationwide to join such initiatives, stressing that training is the first step towards independence.
“We call on women to rise, take part, and transform their families and communities.”
The partnership between the Teresian Sisters and Catholic Women’s Association in all dioceses is more than a project. It’s a movement. One that’s empowering thousands of Malawian women to take charge of their future, uplift their communities, and nurture a more equitable society.
Women singing, enjoying their fruits of making soap and body lotion
Through the project, the women are being trained in soap and body lotion making, fertilizer making from urine, charcoal briquettes crafting, Gender-based violence education, tree planting and environmental conservation.
Monsignor Henry Chinkanda has called on Christians at Mtima Woyera Parish to be instruments of peace both in their communities and across the country, drawing inspiration from the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ.
In his homily during a Mass celebration at the Parish, celebrating their Patron Sacred Heart of Jesus, Monsignor Chinkanda commended the faithful for choosing the Sacred Heart of Jesus as their patron.
He emphasized that every Christian should reflect inwardly and ask themselves whether their heart is pure and whether they contribute peace in their surroundings.
“Today, we must ask ourselves: is my heart pure? What are the things I need to let go of in my life in order to have a clean heart and become a bringer of peace in my life and also to the others.”
Monsignor Chimkanda also urged Christians to pray for peace as Malawi prepares for its upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, Parish Priest for Mtima Woyera, father Innocent Mtapaonga, encouraged unity among the faithful in all parish affairs.
“We have heard much from Monsignor Chinkanda’s homely. Let us take his teachings seriously and strive to bring peace wherever we are even within our Parish.”
Rev. Fr. Innocent Mtapaonga, Parish Priest for Mtima Woyera
In his remarks, deputy Vice Chairperson for the Parish Joseph Mwanoka also appealed to parishioners to be selfless and united in supporting the Parish’s growth and development activities.
“As a Parish, we have visions and development goals, such as buying a Parish bus and implementing other projects. For us to achieve these, we must work hand-in-hand and reflect on Monsignor Chinkanda’s message.”
Mr. Joseph Mwanoka, the Deputy Vice Chairperson for Mtima Woyera Parish
The Parish community celebrated the feast day with joyful singing, traditional dances, sale of assorted goods, and shared meals, highlighting their unity as one spiritual family.
