Category: Church News

A significant three-day national training on the Basic Formation Cycle, also known as the Evangelical Solidarity Program (ESP) has successfully concluded today, 15th June 2025 at Bethany Retreat Centre in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

The intensive “trainer of trainers” (ToT) workshop, which ran from June 13th to 15th, was led by the International President Couple of the International Confederation of Catholic Family Movements (ICCFM), Sergio and Dora, accompanied by Gerardo and Eloina.

The training marked a pastoral visit by the international team, fulfilling a tradition of engaging with national CFM teams globally, with Malawi and Uganda being their chosen destinations this time. The workshop saw the participation of 54 delegates from across Malawi’s Archdioceses and Dioceses, including Blantyre (9), Lilongwe (19), Chikwawa (3), Zomba (6), Mangochi (5), Dedza (8), and Mzuzu (4).

The workshop commenced on Friday evening with a Holy Eucharist Mass celebrated by Right Reverend Vincent Mwakhwawa, who underscored the critical role of the family as the foundation of the nation.

Bishop Mwakhwawa expressed the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (MCCB) desire to see families become evangelizers within their associations and movements.

His Lordship urged participants and chaplains to seize this unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the movement and formulate plans for implementing the newly acquired knowledge.

Bishop Mwakhwawa also advised CFM leadership to always collaborate with the National Pastoral Coordinator, Fr. Joseph Sikwese, and the National Chaplain on Family Apostolate, Msgr. Henry Chinkanda, for guidance on their initiatives.

He specifically requested the International President Couple’s assistance in implementing youth accompaniment programs in Malawi, drawing inspiration from Mexico’s model.

In their remarks, the ICCFM President Couple, Sergio and Dora, highlighted the auspicious timing of the workshop during the Jubilee Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope.”

They emphasized that such trainings are crucial for the Church, as they address capacity gaps among couples and within the broader Church community.

They echoed Bishop Mwakhwawa’s sentiment regarding the importance of the Basic Formation Cycle in equipping families to deepen their faith both individually and as couples.

Participants engaged in highly interactive sessions, exploring the methodology of the Basic Formation Cycle, which employs the “See-Judge-Act-Reflection” approach advocated by the Church. The training incorporated presentations, dynamics, group discussions, and plenary sessions.

Delegates also received an overview of CFM’s structure and governance, which aligns with MCCB and Canon Law, with proposed adjustments subject to MCCB approval.

Key takeaways from the training include the commitment to implement the Basic Formation Cycle (ESP) upon receiving blessings from respective Bishops, seeking advice from MCCB on the proposed governance structure, and enforcing trainings and the adoption of natural planning methods in various dioceses and parishes.

The successful conclusion of this training is expected to significantly bolster the capacity of Catholic families in Malawi to fulfill their role as evangelizers and strengthen the movement’s presence across the nation.

Bishop Peter Adrian Chifukwa of the Catholic Diocese of Dedza has called for greater collaboration among deaneries to meet the needs of the Catholic Church.

Bishop Chifukwa made the remarks today, 31 May 2025, while presiding over a special Mass celebrating Our Lady of Africa, the matron saint of Maula Deanery, held at the Maula podium in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

 His Lordship has since urged Christians in Maula Deanery to unite their efforts in continuing their evangelization work.

“When several views and decisions are put together, the church develops,” Bishop Chifukwa stated.

In his remarks, Chairperson for Maula Deanery, Clement Sitambuli, echoed the bishop’s sentiment, highlighting the joint celebration as a step towards developing the deanery and building stronger relationships among its parishes.

“This is a very good development as it will make Catholic faithful in the deanery to build a good relationship with the aim of serving the Church,” Sitambuli said.

Under Canon Law, a deanery serves as a local church family, grouping several parishes together to foster collective action.

This historic event marks the first time all eleven parishes of Maula Deanery have gathered to celebrate their matron saint together.

Children share their joy during the Maula Deanery’s historic celebration

Maula Deanery’s choir after their beautiful performance at the historic celebration of Our Lady of Africa

The Catholic Women Association (CWA) from across Maula Deanery stands together, showcasing the collective spirit of this momentous occasion

By Peter Dumayo

📸: Eric Norman Mkwaira

In a momentous celebration of spiritual growth and community development, the Maria Mthandizi wa Akhristu Parish in Mtandire held its first-ever Sacrament of Confirmation on 25 May 2025, during the Celebrations for the Feast of Mary, Help of Christians.

Monsignor Patrick Thawale presided over the sacrament and has expressed his joy and gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a significant occasion as it was not only historic but also profoundly uplifting.

In his homily, Monsignor Thawale has since urged the newly confirmed to remain active in their faith and to continue their spiritual journey with commitment and courage.

He has since Recognised the ever-changing nature of the world and encouraged the newly confirmed to adopt a broader perspective beyond their immediate environment.

“Our world has become one global village. They shouldn’t be interested only in their local situation,” he said. “I told them that they should think globally and act locally meaning they can learn from other people. Because the world, with the means of communication, has shrunk tremendously.”

Monsignor Thawale also stressed the importance of education and personal development and challenged the youth to be aggressive in their academic pursuits while also deepening their relationship with God.

“The bottom line is that they should be very interested in what is going on around them and prepare for the future accordingly,” he said.

Among those confirmed was Annabelle, a member of the Kasiyafumbi Outstation. Beaming with joy, she shared what the sacrament meant to her.

“I am glad because this means I am now moving from the class to join the youth association at the church, as I am now grown up—both spiritually and physically,” she said.

Annabelle pledged to remain on God’s path and encouraged her fellow confirmands to stay committed to their faith.

“This is just the beginning. I will continue to follow God’s path, and I ask my fellow confirmed individuals to do the same,” she said.

Established in November 2023, Maria Mthandizi Parish has shown remarkable progress in just a few months. The confirmation of over 300 young parishioners is a testament to the rapid growth and deepening faith of the community, as 319 young Christians received the sacrament in a vibrant and prayerful ceremony.

By Eric Mkwaira