The Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe today officially launched Bishop Patrick Kalilombe Catholic High School, which is owned by the Association of the Diocesan Catholic Clergy of Lilongwe (ADCCOL).

The launch took place today at the school’s premises in Nambuma, Dowa district.

Archbishop George Desmond Tambala of the Lilongwe Archdiocese presided over the official opening Mass and the blessing of the school, formerly known as Answer Private Academy.

The school has been named in honor of the first Malawian Bishop of the Diocese of Lilongwe, Patrick Kalilombe, to commemorate his legacy, which emphasized a self-reliant church as he initiated the first synod of Mpingo ndife tonse.

Archbishop Tambala commended the priests of ADCCOL for taking on the role of providing quality education to the country, in addition to offering spiritual well-being to the faithful.

His Grace disclosed that the school will now be operated by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Mombasa on behalf of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

ADCCOL representative Father Augustine Katundu commended the parish priests in the archdiocese for offering financial support during the process of purchasing the school and specifically mentioned Fr. Louis Chikanya, Fr. Charles Phiri, Fr. Francis Lekaleka, Fr. Khembo, and Fr. Mtapaonga for their dedication to the project.

Former board chairperson of the school, Mr. Mnewa, confirmed that all necessary procedures were followed and assured the public that the school now belongs to ADCCOL.

Mr. Mnewa believes the Catholic Church will help to fulfill the vision of the former director, David Eleazor Dymon, which is to assist the community and the country at large by providing quality education.

The Central East Education Division Principal Quality Assurance Officer, Andrew Mkomba, mentioned that the government expects the school to continue to be among the top private schools in the district in terms of learners’ performance during MSCE examinations, as well as student discipline.

Mkomba also commended the Catholic Church for being part and parcel of uplifting education standards in the country, acknowledging that the government cannot manage everything on its own.

A student representative expressed belief that the school will help them become outstanding students by receiving the most desirable education as they expect to be trained to value hard work and respect for the Lord.

Senior Chief Kayembe of the area urged the students to work hard, emphasizing that education is key to success.

She conveyed her excitement that the school is located in her area, believing that the area will be transformed.

Bishop Patrick Kalilombe Catholic High School is located 20 kilometers from Kamuzu International Airport via the M’bang’ombe road and 11 kilometers from Chimwanza Trading Centre, off the Nambuma turn-off.

The auxiliary bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Right Reverend Vincent Mwakhwawa, today led the Easter Mass celebrations at Our Lady of Holy Rosary (Likuni) Parish, delivering a powerful message urging the faithful to embody the transformative power of Jesus Christ’s resurrection in their everyday lives.

In his homily, Bishop Mwakhwawa emphasized the opportunity for spiritual rebirth that Easter provides.

“Easter has renewed us. Easter has brought a renewal in our life. We have an opportunity to start again,” he said, highlighting the redemptive nature of Christ’s sacrifice.

His Lordship underscored how sin creates a disconnect with God, disrupts life’s order, and contributes to the myriad problems facing the world.

“Most of the problems that we have in the world and in Malawi are because somebody somewhere is not doing his job very well because he’s been overtaken by evil.”

The bishop stressed that the Lenten season and Holy Week commemorations offer a chance for personal renewal, empowering individuals to strive for better with the strength of Christ.

“Now we have been given a chance to do things very well with the power of Christ. That is the most important thing,” he affirmed.

Addressing various aspects of life, Bishop Mwakhwawa called for Christ to be the central guiding force, inspiring and directing individuals towards ethical conduct.

“Whether you are a farmer, whether you are a civil servant, whether you’re doing business, whether in private sector, in the church, we need Christ to be our centre of life. We need Christ to help us do well in life. We need him to inspire us. We need him to guide us. He’s risen,” Bishop Mwakhwawa concludes.

Echoing the Bishop’s sentiments, the first vice chairperson at Likuni Parish, Mr. Patrick Liphava, emphasized the fundamental importance of the resurrection in the Catholic faith.

“Today is a great day. It’s a holy day. It has been so beautiful with the homily of the bishop, the auxiliary bishop of the Lilongwe Archdiocese. He has taught us that as Catholics our faith is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and if Jesus Christ was not risen then I think our faith is baseless. So, our faith is totally based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and therefore we also believe that when we die, after our death, we shall also resurrect and live on.”

The event brought together parishioners to celebrate the day together.

By Eric Mkwaira

Christians at Guilleme Parish in Mchinji came together for a profound journey of self-reflection, prayer, and commemoration of the suffering of Jesus Christ during the Way of the Cross.

The spiritual procession, which began at St. Robert Outstation in Tembwe and concluded at Guilleme Parish drew Christians from all Outstations under the Parish, who symbolically experienced Christ’s journey to the cross and his ultimate sacrifice.

The spiritual procession, which began at St. Robert Outstation in Tembwe and concluded at Guilleme Parish

The spiritual procession, which began at St. Robert Outstation in Tembwe and concluded at Guilleme Parish

The spiritual procession, which began at St. Robert Outstation in Tembwe and concluded at Guilleme Parish

As part of the celebration of the Passion of the Lord, Archbishop George Desmond Tambala of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe urged the faithful to use Good Friday as a powerful tool for their spiritual growth and salvation.

The Archbishop, emphasized the significance of the day in Christian life, calling for deep reflection and commitment to faith.

“Today is an important day for Christians in their spiritual life. They should reflect on their faith, examine their conscience, repent for their sins, and engage in intense prayer as we remember that Jesus Christ died for us on the cross,” Archbishop Tambala stated.

Despite the challenges presented by the rainy weather, the faithful remained steadfast in their devotion.

The Archbishop praised the Christians for their unwavering commitment to their Catholic faith and dedication to spiritual renewal.

“I commend the Christians here at Guilleme Parish for their resilience in their faith. They gathered in large numbers, and despite the rain, no one showed any sign of turning away,” he added.

prostration: the abasement of “earthly man,” the grief and sorrow of the Church, and a solemn remembrance of Christ’s suffering and death

The veneration of the cross

The vice-chairperson of the parish committee, Cosmas Phiri, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Archbishop for gracing them with his presence, acknowledging that his visit strengthened their faith and encouraged the Christian community.

The Way of the Cross procession, a solemn reenactment of Jesus Christ’s journey to Calvary, provided an opportunity for reflection and prayer, reinforcing the essence of Good Friday, a day of sacrifice, redemption, and renewed faith.

By Titus Jata Phiri

The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, His Grace George Desmond Tambala has emphasized the importance of prayer for the nation as Malawi prepares for elections this coming September.

His Grace made the plea today, 15th April 2025 at Maula Cathedral after Chrism Mass.

Archbishop Tambala highlighted the need for spiritual intervention to foster good leadership, combat corruption, address social development challenges, and ensure peaceful elections in September.

“The house we are trying to build here is Malawi, in terms of economic and social development issues, as well as leadership issues. We pray that God will give us a good leader and that come September, we will have peaceful elections,” His Grace explained.

In his remarks, Chairperson of the laity council of the Archdiocese, Mr. Patrick Liphava, stressed the responsibility of the laity to coordinate efforts among Christians, including those in Small Christian Communities, to ensure they pray with the intention of achieving peace as the elections approach.

“As the Laity, we need to coordinate all Christians from family to Small Christian Community up to parish level to make sure that we have a focused intention to pray for peace in this country,” said Liphava.

Malawi will hold the Tripartite Elections on 16 September this year, to elect new office bearers in the office of the President, Members of Parliament as well as Ward Councilors.

By Monica Chinyama

Minister of Mining Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma has revealed that his ministry is actively working towards finalizing the Mining Development Agreement (MDA) with the Australian mining company Lindian Resources Limited, aiming to commence mining operations at Kangankunde in Balaka district.

Speaking in Lilongwe after a meeting with Lindian representatives, Ng’oma stated that expediting the signing of the MDA would allow the investor to begin work before September this year.

“We are committed to hastening the signing of the MDA so that mining activities can kick off by September.

This initiative will enable the country to reap benefits from the mining sector, including job creation for local communities in Balaka district.” said the Minister.

On his part, Lindian’s country manager, Trevor Hiwa, said that the company has made significant progress in constructing the access road.

Hiwa expressed confidence that discussions with the Malawi government regarding the MDA would advance, as it is crucial for the company’s operations to commence.

The rare earth deposit at Kangankunde is valued at approximately US$ 1 billion for its initial mining phase and has the potential to establish itself as a leading producer of rare earth elements.

The Association of Catholic Chiefs at Likuni Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe has been called upon to play a key role in promoting environmental conservation in their communities.

The appeal was made at Parish during a tree-planting exercise organized by the Congregation of Teresian Sisters.

Sister Teresa Mulenga, Project Coordinator for environmental projects, emphasized the importance of involving chiefs in environmental conservation initiatives.

“Chiefs are well-positioned to drive environmental conservation efforts, given their close relationship with their subjects. By equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills, we hope to ensure continuity of the program and promote sustainable environmental practices in our communities.”

Likuni Parish Priest, Father Damiano Chitha, commended the Teresian Sisters for their initiative, saying it would have a significant impact on environmental conservation in the area.

“We appreciate the Teresian Sisters for organizing this initiative at our Parish. As a Parish, we are committed to working with the chiefs to ensure the trees planted are well taken care of,” said Fr. Chitha.

Chairperson of the Chiefs Association at Likuni Parish, Senior Group Mtanga, echoed Sister Mulenga’s sentiments and promised that the chiefs will take a leading role in educating their subjects on the importance of environmental conservation.

“We will use the knowledge shared with us to promote environmental conservation in our areas,” he said.

The initiative aims to empower chiefs to promote environmental conservation in their areas, ensuring a positive impact on the environment and promoting sustainable development.

By Titus Jata Phiri