“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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
By Peter Dumayo