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Pilgrims of Hope”: Sacred Heart Parish Hosts Transformative Eucharistic Congress

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.

Fr Enock Kanjira Lector from Kachebere Major Seminary
Fr Enock Kanjira, Rector from Kachebere Major Seminary

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 carrying the Eucharist for adoration
Father Kanjira carrying the Eucharist for adoration

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.

Fr Mtapaonga, Mtima Woyera Parish Priest
Fr Mtapaonga, Mtima Woyera Parish Priest

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.

Joseph Gumbo Mtima Woyera Parish Chairperson
Joseph Gumbo Mtima Woyera Parish Chairperson

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.

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MCCB to Launch National Laity Day Celebrations at Ntcheu Parish in Dedza Diocese

The Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) has announced that it will officially launch the National Laity Day celebrations on 25 October 2025 at Ntcheu Parish in the Diocese of Dedza.

Making the announcement in Lilongwe on Friday, Auxiliary Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa, who spoke on behalf of the Bishop President of the Pastoral Commission, said this year’s celebrations will be held under the theme “Be Converted and Live.”

Bishop Mwakhwawa called on all Catholics across the country to take an active role in preparing for the event, emphasizing the importance of unity and participation among the faithful.

Bishop Mwakhwawa
Bishop Mwakhwawa

“The National Laity Day provides an opportunity for Catholics to reflect on their mission in the Church and society. We therefore encourage all dioceses, parishes, and lay groups to support the preparations,” Bishop Mwakhwawa said.

His lordship disclosed that the event has a budget of K14 million and appealed for both financial and material contributions from the faithful and well-wishers.

On his part, Onances Nyirenda, an Executive Member of the National Laity Council, said preparations are progressing well, with committees already in place to handle logistics, liturgy, and publicity.

Onances Nyirenda, an Executive Member of the National Laity Council
Onances Nyirenda, an Executive Member of the National Laity Council

“We are in the final stages of organizing the event. The response from dioceses and parish councils has been encouraging, and we look forward to a successful celebration,” Nyirenda said.

The National Laity Day is an annual event aimed at promoting the active participation of lay Catholics in the mission of the Church, in line with the vision of the Second Vatican Council which emphasizes the role of the laity in evangelization and community service.

This year’s national launch at Ntcheu Parish is expected to draw participants from all eight dioceses across the country.

By Monica Chinyama

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Church News

ECO STAR Project Shines: Lilongwe Archdiocese Education Commission Praises Chiotha Primary for Exemplary Micro-Projects

Education authorities in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe have praised the outcome of the ECO STAR School project at Chiotha Primary School in the area of Traditional Authority (T.A.) Kabudula in Lilongwe District.

During a tour to appreciate how the school is implementing the project on Tuesday 14 October 2025, which involved donors Wilde Ganlzen and implementing partners Edukanz, Chrissy Mithi, Education Coordinator in the Archdiocese, expressed gratitude to Chiotha Primary School for its excellent work.

The school is implementing pig farming, a woodlot, a vegetable garden, and an Eco Star Learners Council, which has fostered strong coordination among learners, teachers, and the community.

Mithi emphasized Chiotha Primary School’s commitment compared to other schools, citing their exemplary care of the trees and successful pig farming.

Chrissy Mithi, Education Coordinator in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe

“We are satisfied because in some schools, for example, in Nsalu, we might find only three pigs, but here we have 11, And even the woodlot is very encouraging. We have seen that the Mibawa trees there are 50 and are surviving; in some schools, we find only a few surviving, but not at Chiotha. So, Chiotha is very encouraging in how they are managing their micro-projects.” She noted.

She expressed commitment to continued supervision of the project to ensure its sustainability as it phases out next year.

“In terms of sustainability, we are looking at the micro-projects themselves. The vegetable garden will continue because they will use the sales realized to buy seeds and continue. Likewise, the pig farming will continue because they sell the pigs.”

In his remarks, Edwin Chimwendo, the Head Teacher for Chiotha Primary School, expressed his joy with the ECO STAR School project, saying it has helped in teaching the community about environmental conservation.

 

Edwin Chimwendo, the Head Teacher for Chiotha Primary School.

Chimwendo added that it has also provided learners with practical lessons using the gardens and woodlots, thereby improving their performance.

Meanwhile, Kees De Jong, Director of the Wilde Ganlzen Foundation, said they saw it as important to work with Malawian communities to assist in conserving the environment, which is a major challenge.

De Jong expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between the community and the school in the project’s implementation.

 

“At this school, there is much more dominance of parents and children. For example, the children have a children’s council, and they report when there is bullying or teacher absenteeism, and they find a way to report this through the head teacher, this way, you can also discipline teachers through pupils. So, that’s very unique, and it works very well.”

The visitors earlier met with the auxiliary bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe His Lordship Right Reverend Vincent Mwakhwawa before touring the school.

Bishop Mwakhwawa with visitors

By Peter Dumayo.

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Church News

Likuni Parish Urged to Lead by Example in Development and Faith

Christians at Likuni Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe have been encouraged to formulate new development plans and implement initiatives that can serve as models for newly established parishes.

This guidance was delivered on Sunday by His Lordship Vincent Mwakhwawa, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese, during the celebration of the parish’s matronal feast—the Holy Rosary.

Bishop Mwakhwawa emphasized that Likuni Parish, being one of the oldest in the archdiocese, should continue to exemplify unity in both Christian faith and development efforts.

Bishop Mwakhwawa administering the Sacrament of Confirmation to the Young ones.
Bishop Mwakhwawa administering the Sacrament of Confirmation to the young ones

“I have encouraged them to have a vision for the future, especially as we prepare for the 125-year Jubilee celebration of this parish. They need to look ahead, as the parish must continue to grow,” he said.

His Lordship also stressed the importance of safeguarding parish land and assets, noting that Likuni Parish holds a significant portion of the archdiocese’s resources.

Meanwhile, Parish Priest Father Damiano Chitha expressed gratitude to parishioners for their unity and dedication, which were evident through the active participation of various groups.

Father Damiano Chitha, Parish Priest for Likuni Parish
Father Chitha, Parish Priest for Likuni Parish

“I am very happy with the parishioners for what has happened during this feast. It shows unity and togetherness as we prayed and shared stories as Parishioners of Likuni Parish,” he said.

Parish Council Chairperson Patrick Liphava affirmed that the parish has a clear vision and has already outlined several development projects to be implemented in the coming years.

Patrick Liphamva Likuni Parish Council Chairperson
Patrick Liphava, Likuni Parish Council Chairperson

During the celebration, friends of Likuni Parish donated tiles to support ongoing church development activities.

The event also marked the parish’s 122nd anniversary since its establishment. A total of 231 children received the Sacrament of Confirmation, underscoring the continued growth of the Catholic community.

 

By Titus Jata Phiri

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Catholic Educators Urged to Uphold Faith-Based Values in Teaching

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 vincent Mwakhwawa presiding over Teachers Jubilee Celebrations
Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa presiding over Teachers Jubilee Celebrations

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.

Bishop Mwakhwawa handing over a certificate of recognition to one of the best performing schools during this year's examination (Likuni Girls Catholic Secondary School)
Bishop Mwakhwawa handing over a certificate of recognition to one of the best performing schools during this year’s examination (Likuni Girls Catholic Secondary School)

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.

Reverend Brother Pascal Mtuwana, National Education Cordinator from MCCB
Reverend Brother Pascal Mtuwana, National Education Cordinator from MCCB

“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.

John Kumwenda, St Maria Goretti Girls Catholic Secondary School Vice Principal
Mr. John Kumwenda, St Maria Goretti Girls Catholic Secondary School Vice Principal

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.

By Titus Jata Phiri

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Global Action to End Smoking Hands Over K5.1Billion Agricultural Transformation Centre to LUANAR.

The Globe Action to End Smoking on Wednesday handed over a state-of-the-art K5 billion Global Action Transformation Center to the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), as part of the Centre for Agricultural Transformation (CAT) Project
The facility, funded by Global Action to End Smoking, is expected to revolutionize soil health monitoring for smallholder farmers across Malawi.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, CAT Executive Director Macleod Nkhoma said the initiative marks a major milestone in empowering farmers to understand the health of their soil.
Nkhoma highlighted that most of the soils in the country are degraded therefore there is need for farmers to know the state of their soil in order to find means of improving them for higher yields.
“What our farmers have to know is that our soils are degraded therefore this is an opportunity for them to bring their soils for test for improvement.” he said.
LUANAR Vice Chancellor Professor Emmanuel Kaunda welcomed the development, promising to ensure the facility reaches farmers in all corners of the country.
Kaunda added that they will make sure that the prices for the soil test are affordable so that even a local farmer can manage to pay for the service.
“We will make sure that the prices are reasonable so that even a local farmer can be able to pay,” he assured.
In Her remarks, Global Action to End Smoking executive board chairperson Pamera Parizek, says the project has assisted a lot in as far as crop diversification is concerned.
Parizek described the laboratory as an indication of the impact the project will bring to a local Malawian farmer.
The new centre is expected to support research, training, and extension services with hopes to boost Malawi’s agricultural transformation agenda.
By Peter Dumayo.