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.

“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.

“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

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.

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.

“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.

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