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50th Parish Opens at Mtande in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” These words echoed with joy and reverence on Saturday, 4th October 2025, as the Archdiocese of Lilongwe celebrated the official opening of St Andrew Mtande Catholic Parish, marking a significant milestone in the Church’s mission of faith and service.

The Solemn Eucharistic Mass, held at the newly established parish, was presided over by His Lordship Bishop Vincent Fredrick Mwakhwawa, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

The event drew clergy, religious, and lay faithful from across the region, all gathered to witness the birth of a new spiritual home.

FR-Christian-handing-over-chrstians-register-book-for-the-new-parish-to-the-auxiliary Bishop
Fr. Christian handing over chrstians register book for the new parish to the auxiliary Bishop

Previously under St Francis Parish in Kanengo, St Andrews Mtande now begins its journey as an independent parish. Bishop Mwakhwawa described the inauguration as a testament to the growth of the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese, and a call to leadership to respond to the evolving needs of the faithful.

“This is a great achievement,” His Lordship said, “but it opens our eyes and ears to listen to the needs of the people in order to provide good service.”

In his homily, Bishop Mwakhwawa urged the faithful of St Andrew Mtande to embrace the Catholic spirit of unity and live out their charism as a community. He emphasized that for a parish to thrive, its members must be committed to the mission of evangelization and mutual support.

He also challenged the parish leadership priests and religious sisters to be attentive to their congregation, reminding them that service is the foundation of unity.

Bishop-Mwakhwawa-handing-over-tabanacal-keys-to-the-parish-priest-Fr-Philp
Bishop Mwakhwawa handing over tabernacle keys to the parish priest, Fr. Philip

“The obligation at the parish is to serve, and service brings unity.” said Bishop Mwakhwawa.

Speaking on behalf of the laity, Mr. Patrick Liphava, Chairperson of the Laity Council in the Archdiocese, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the smooth transition and establishment of the new parish. He pledged unwavering support from the laity to ensure the parish fulfills its mission.

“As Laity Council in the Archdiocese, we are ready to provide support to the new parish in order for it to achieve its mission,” Liphava affirmed.

The opening of St Andrew Mtande Catholic Parish is more than a ceremonial event, it is a spiritual milestone, a symbol of growth, and a renewed commitment to faith, unity, and service in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

Bishop-Mwakhwawa-installing-Fr-philp-as-a-new-Parish-Priest
Bishop Mwakhwawa installing Fr Philip as a new Parish Priest

Mtande Church was founded in 1970 by Mr. and Mrs. Bikoloni, Mrs. Magalena Nkhalamba, Mr. Kanzikiti, and Mrs. Mtande Chiofu. At that time, they worshipped at Chikunga Village in Kanengo under Likuni Parish. Due to development in Kanengo, they relocated to Mtande Village in 1972.

Of the founding members, only Mrs. Bikoloni is still alive, and she was present to witness the official opening of St Andrew the Apostle Mtande Parish last Saturday.

Mrs-Bikoloni-in-the-middle-one-of-the-fisrt-christian-who-started-mtande-church-in-1970-today-St-Andrews-the-Apostle-Mtande-Parish
Mrs. Bikoloni in the middle, witnessing the opening of St. Andrews Mtande Parish

The new parish comprises two outstations: St Andrew, which includes 11 Small Christian Communities with a total of 3,481 Christians, and St Catherine of Siena, which consists of 7 Small Christian Communities with 1,806 Christians.

Fr Philp shows the register book to the lay faithful
Bishop Mwakhwawa handing over christians register book to the Parish priest for the new parish Fr Philp
Bishop Mwakhwawa blessing priest’s house

By Peter Dumayo

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Catholic Church Lays Foundation Stone for New Apostolic Nunciature in Lilongwe

The Apostolic Nuncio with Malawi bishops and other dignitaries, celebrating a key milestone
The Apostolic Nuncio with Malawi bishops and other dignitaries, celebrating a key milestone

The Catholic Church in Malawi has on 22 September 2025, marked a significant milestone with the laying of the foundation stone for a new Apostolic Nunciature in Lilongwe.

The historic ceremony was presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, and attended by a host of dignitaries.

Archbishop Gian Luca Perici unveils the commemorative pillar
Archbishop Gian Luca Perici unveils the commemorative pillar

The President of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB), Right Reverend Martin Mtumbuka, described the event as a key step in establishing a permanent base for the Holy See’s diplomatic mission in the country.

The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, with Bishop Martin Anwell Mtumbuka (President of MCCB) at the ceremony
The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, with Bishop Martin Anwell Mtumbuka (President of MCCB) at the ceremony

In his remarks, his Lordship revealed that the project had been delayed for years due to financial issues and uncertainty from the Holy See regarding the need for a dedicated representative in Malawi.

Bishop Mtumbuka speaks on the significance of the new Nunciature as a new chapter for the Catholic faithful in the country
Bishop Mtumbuka speaks on the significance of the new Nunciature as a new chapter for the Catholic faithful in the country

Bishop Mtumbuka expressed profound gratitude to Pope Francis for authorizing and approving the project. He also thanked previous apostolic nuncios, the Government of Malawi for donating the plot of land decades ago, and all the parishioners and faithful who were present.

“May God bless this project; may God bless the Catholic Church in Malawi and God bless our country,” he prayed.

Adding a government perspective, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mwayiwawo Polepole, stated his excitement, emphasizing that the new Nunciature would “cement” diplomatic relations between Malawi and the Holy See.

Representing the government, Mwayiwawo Polepole of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaks on the strengthening diplomatic ties between Malawi and the Holy See
Representing the government, Mwayiwawo Polepole of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaks on the strengthening diplomatic ties between Malawi and the Holy See

He noted that having a resident representative would ensure Malawi “will always be in their mind.”

Polepole highlighted the significance of the event, given that the land was granted to the Holy See over 50 years ago, and expressed enthusiasm that Malawi would no longer be accredited from another country in the region.

Building a new chapter for the Church in Malawi. Archbishop Gian Luca Perici participates in the foundation stone-laying ceremony
Building a new chapter for the Church in Malawi. Archbishop Gian Luca Perici participates in the foundation stone-laying ceremony

Representing the construction team, Jose A. Da Costa, Managing Director of Terrastone Construction Limited, assured the public that the project would be completed in under two years.

Jose A. Da Costa, Managing Director of Terrastone Construction, shares details on the project's timeline and commitment to eco-friendly practices
Jose A. Da Costa, Managing Director of Terrastone Construction, shares details on the project’s timeline and commitment to eco-friendly practices

He also committed to an eco-friendly approach, stating that an environmental study had been conducted to ensure the preservation of indigenous trees on the site. According to Da Costa, the client’s instructions were to save all possible trees, and the materials used for construction will also be eco-friendly.

The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, lays a symbolic brick for the new Nunciature
The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, lays a symbolic brick for the new Nunciature
The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, with Archbishop George Desmond Tambala (Lilongwe) at the ceremony
The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, with Bishop Martin Anwell Mtumbuka (President of MCCB) at the ceremony
CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF LILONGWE

 

By Eric Norman Mkwaira

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Bishop Mwakhwawa Urges Active Participation in Chitula Parish Development

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.

A group photo of the Parish Executive team with Bishop Mwakhwawa
A group photo of the Parish Executive team with Bishop Mwakhwawa

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.

The newly confirmed youths presenting their gift to the Auxiliary Bishop
The newly confirmed youths presenting their gift to the Auxiliary Bishop

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.

Parish Chairperson Mr Damiano Matchona
Parish Chairperson Mr Damiano Matchona

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.

Bishop Mwakhwawa with the newly conformed Christians at Chitula Parish
Bishop Mwakhwawa with the newly conformed Christians at Chitula Parish

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

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Girls Shine Foundation Equips Young Women with Essential Vocational Skills in Lilongwe

The Girls Shine Foundation has today, 12th September 2025, awarded certificates to students who have completed vocational training in computer studies, tailoring and design, and welding as one way of empowering the youth.

 

The ceremony, held at Mtandire in Lilongwe, marks the completion of a short course designed to provide practical, marketable skills to young girls from various educational backgrounds.

 

One of the certified trainees, Naomi Sankhani, expressed her gratitude to the foundation, stating the course has given her a foundational knowledge of electronic devices like laptops and printers.

 

Aspiring to become a journalist, Sankhani believes these skills are essential for her future career.

Mr Chikafa gives a certificate to Naomi after completing her Computer training
Mr Chikafa gives a certificate to Naomi after completing her computer training

She has however urged her peers to work hard, emphasizing that the foundation supports those who show potential.

 

The acting coordinator for the Girls Shine Foundation, Divason Satha explained that the vocational training serves as a preventative measure against common societal challenges such as early marriages, pregnancies, and school dropouts.

 

Satha shared success stories of girls who, after participating in the program, were re-enrolled in school with the foundation’s help.

Mr Satha awarding a certificate to a trainee
Mr Satha awarding a certificate to a trainee

Despite facing financial constraints that limit the foundation’s ability to reach girls in distant areas, Satha remains determined.

“What I want is just for them to be protected against all challenges,” Satha said, reiterating his belief that education is the key to creating lasting change for girls in Malawi.

He noted that the Ministry of Education has granted them authorization to work in schools, a key step in expanding their reach.

Mr Satha and Mr Chikafa poses with Naomi for a certificate receipt
Mr Satha and Mr Chikafa poses with Naomi for a certificate receipt

In his remarks, George Chikafa, a computer teacher from the partner institution Edit Center Computer Training, praised the students’ dedication and expressed confidence that the skills acquired will contribute to Malawi’s development.

 

“We are living in the world of information technology. This country needs to be changed,” he said.

The teachers in all sides posses with the trainees
The beneficiaries of Girl Shine Foundation

The initiative targets students who are currently in primary and junior secondary school, and those who have completed their Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) with an aim of bridging the gap between academic education and practical skills, preparing young women for both further studies and the workforce.

By Eric Norman Mkwaira

 

 

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Lack of Stakeholder Support Hampers Reintegration of Street-Connected Children in Lilongwe

Project Coordinator for Tikondane Care for Children, under the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa (MSOLA), Sister Marie Sakina has expressed concern over the lack of support from stakeholders in sustaining care for street-connected children after reintegration.

 

Sister Sakina made the remarks during an open day event held at St. Maria Goretti Girls Catholic Secondary School in Lilongwe, the event that was aimed to highlight the challenges faced by the center and explore collaborative solutions with other stakeholders to improve care for vulnerable children.

Sr Marie Sakina, the Project Coordinator for Tikondane Care for Children, under the MSOLA)
Sr Marie Sakina, the Project Coordinator for Tikondane Care for Children, under the MSOLA

She noted that economic hardship in many families continues to drive children onto the streets.

“When children are reintegrated into their families, if there is nothing to eat, they are likely to return to the streets. The absence of support services from other stakeholders is a serious challenge,” she said.

 

Despite these difficulties, Sister Sakina also shared success stories from the center, including improvements in education and behavioral transformation among the children.

 

Lilongwe Principal Social Welfare Officer, Derrick Mwenda echoed his concerns, describing the rising number of street-connected children in the city as worrisome.

Derrick Mwenda, Lilongwe Principal Social Welfare Officer
Derrick Mwenda, Lilongwe Principal Social Welfare Officer

He emphasized that the district has developed various strategies to ensure the sustainability of the reintegration process.

For the past 27 years, Tikondane Care for Children, operating under the MSOLA Sisters in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe. has provided shelter, formation, and pathways to reintegration for street-connected children across the city.

 

By Titus Jata Phiri

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Church News

Bishop Mwakhwawa applauds daughters of Marie Theresa for their Service to the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe

The Auxiliary bishop of the catholic archdiocese of Lilongwe His Lordship Vincent Fredrick Mwakhwawa say the Golden jubilee and Final profession of daughters of Marie Theresa formally known as Teresian Sisters is a clear indication that God is using human beings to build his kingdom in the Society.

During the Eucharistic Celebration of the Golden Jubilee, Silver Jubilee, and Final Profession at Mlare Parish, Bishop Mwakhwawa emphasized the commitment of the sisters who have served for 50 and 25 years.

Bishop Mwakhwawa
Bishop Mwakhwawa

His lordship stressed the need for the clergy and religious to pray for the laity, saying, “The clergy and religious are called to leave everything to serve the Lord; therefore, it’s our obligation to pray for the laity.”

Laity Chairperson in the archdiocese of Lilongwe Patrick Liphava expressed gratitude, noting that the celebrations demonstrate the vibrancy of the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

He commended the sisters for their service in schools, hospitals, and other Catholic institutions, saying, “Let me commend these sisters for their overwhelming support to the church.”

Sister Theresa Mlenga, celebrating her Silver Jubilee, expressed joy at reaching 25 years of service and urged aspiring sisters to remain focused, saying, “To those aspiring to become sisters, let me urge them to stay focused, as the one we are serving is faithful.”

 

By Peter Dumayo.