Inspired by the Gospel parable of the mustard seed, the Archdiocese of Lilongwe has witnessed the growth of the Holy Childhood Mission in the Catholic Church.
Building on the resolutions made during the 2025 National Children’s Congress at St. Don Bosco Parish in Lilongwe, which brought together Holy Childhood children from all eight dioceses in Malawi, the Archdiocese hosted its first Archdiocesan Children’s Congress from 21st to 23rd August 2026, at St. Anne’s Guillime Parish in Mchinji.
The gathering was not merely a meeting of children from parishes across the Archdiocese, but it was a spiritual and social formation event, held in line with this year’s World Mission Sunday theme, “One in Christ, United in Mission.”
Speaking at the ceremony, the Auxiliary Bishop of Lilongwe, His Lordship Vincent Mwakhwawa, who presided over the congress, affirmed the Church’s commitment to ending child marriages in the country.
Bishop Mwakhwawa pledged collaboration with government, organizations, parishes, and traditional leaders to combat the practice.
“The time has come for leaders in the country to hold hands and end early marriages. We want leaders in parishes, communities, and parents to coordinate so that children’s rights are protected,” Bishop Mwakhwawa stressed.
He noted that the resolutions presented by the children would guide discussions with Holy Childhood animators, the PMS office, and parish leaders on strengthening the mission across all parishes.
His Lordship expressed confidence that the congress would inspire children to deepen their prayer life and actively participate in church activities.
Archdiocesan Pastoral Coordinator, Reverend Father Frank Lazarus Phiri, also emphasized the importance of children’s congresses in forming responsible Christians and citizens.
Father Phiri highlighted that such gatherings help children grow spiritually while also learning essential social values.
Archdiocese of Lilongwe Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) Director, Reverend Father Geoffrey Chikapa described the congress as a success, noting the participation of over 1,200 children from all parishes in the Archdiocese.
“We had a successful congress. Even though it was our first time to host such an event in our Archdiocese, we can see that more than 1,200 children attended from all our parishes,” Father Chikapa said.
He added that the congress. Has helped identify gaps that will inform improvements in future gatherings.
Traditional leader Inkosi Zulu of Mchinji, speaking at the closing ceremony, echoed Bishop Mwakhwawa’s sentiments on early marriages and she acknowledged that many child marriages are arranged by parents and pledged to work with the Church to end the malpractice.
Task force chairperson Tinah Kandodo commended the children for their active participation and urged parents and parish leaders to encourage children to take part in Holy Childhood mission activities.
One of the delegates, Clemencia Makileni from St. Joseph Kasungu Parish, expressed joy of being part of the congress.
She said the experience from the congress has helped her better understand church teachings and build friendships with peers from other parishes.
Key sessions during the congress included talks on the Eucharist, child safeguarding, early marriages, and vocations, which was delivered by various facilitators.
Children also participated in Eucharistic Adoration to deepen their faith.
At the close of the congress, children presented resolutions to Bishop Mwakhwawa. These included calls for continuous catechesis on the Eucharist and Adoration, provision of sports and learning materials, and increased awareness on child abuse and early marriages.
The first-ever Archdiocesan Children’s Congress brought together 1,200 Holy Childhood children from all parishes and was celebrated under the theme: “Children, Be with Christ, United in Mission.”
By Titus Jata Phiri