The Holy Childhood Coordinator for the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) Office of the Archdiocese of Boston in the United States of America, Daria Braithwaite, has concluded her first mission experience visit to Salima Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.
During her visit, Daria engaged with various stakeholders, including Christians, catechists, and school administrators, to understand the challenges and successes of the church’s mission in the area.
During the visit at St. Gabriel Outstation (Katelera Zone), which has over 3,672 Christians, Daria heard about the challenges faced by the community.
“The number of Christians is always growing here at St. Gabriel, and that is why we have a vision of having our own parish based on the number of Christians and outstations that we have here. The coming in of visitors here has really motivated us,” said Lawrent Mkungula, the catechist for the St. Gabriel Zone.
Daria also visited Kaphatenga Outstation (St. Teresa) and a mission hospital, where Gilbert Mwasiya, chairperson of the church council, highlighted plans to construct a new church and secondary school.
At Kalonga Full Primary School, a Catholic school under Salima Parish, Daria was impressed by the school’s outstanding performance.
“In terms of our performance as a school, we are doing very great. But we have challenges in terms of lack of school blocks, office administration, desks, teachers’ houses, toilets, and financial resources to finalize completing the construction of the school façade,” said Mr. Mayingiso Tembo, headteacher of the school.
The headteacher also appreciated the financial support provided by the Pontifical Mission Societies under the Holy Childhood project, which enabled the school to construct a fence.
After visiting these places, Daria expressed her gratitude and joy at seeing the church’s growth and mission in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.
“I was so excited to see how happy Christians are here, especially children, and how they have welcomed me at an outstation even though it is not a parish, and also seeing different projects being undertaken here by the PMS,” she said.
Representing the Parish Priest for Salima Parish, Father John Kaliwamba described the visit as a motivation to the Christians.
“We are happy about the visit by the PMS from the Boston Archdiocese to see and hear some of our successful stories as far as evangelization is concerned and also to hear from us the gaps that are there in our different mission areas and schools.”
The visit is part of the mission experience program for the PMS office from the Boston Archdiocese, aimed at fostering collaboration and understanding between different Catholic communities.
Written By Titus Jata Phiri
Photo Credit: Eric Norman Mkwaira