Parishioners at St Francis Parish (Kanengo) in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe have been urged to strengthen unity and peace while deepening their relationship with Christ as they celebrate 50 years of existence.
Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Rt Rev. Vincent Frederick Mwakhwawa made the call on Saturday 10 October 2026 during a Eucharistic celebration marking the parish’s Golden Jubilee, where he commended the parish for its growth, commitment to evangelisation and contribution to the development of the Church.
Bishop Mwakhwawa said the parish has grown significantly from humble beginnings, when Christians used to pray under a tree, to having a small church and eventually the present large church.
“The 50 years jubilee of St Francis is a time of thanksgiving to thank the Lord for what He has done to this community,” said Bishop Mwakhwawa.
His Lordship Mwakhwawa praised priests, religious sisters and lay people for working together to build the Kingdom of God, highlighting the parish’s commitment to the formation of children as one of its major achievements.
He said the Parish’s children formation program, is an example for other parishes in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, emphasizing the importance of nurturing children in the Catholic faith and preparing them for future leadership in the Church.
However, Bishop Mwakhwawa challenged parishioners to build on these achievements by promoting peace and unity, drawing inspiration from their patron saint, St Francis of Assisi.
Bishop Mwakhwawa in particular way urged church leaders to remain united and avoid election campaigns within the Church, stressing that leadership should be entrusted to people chosen by the community rather than those who campaign for positions.
He warned that campaigning for church leadership positions may create divisions, especially when unsuccessful candidates turn against those elected.
Meanwhile, St Francis Parish first vice-chairperson, Peter Chapola, expressed joy at reaching the 50-year milestone, describing it as a blessing and an opportunity to reflect on the parish’s spiritual and social contributions.
Chapola pledged that the parish will continue strengthening the spiritual lives of its members by supporting one another and ensuring that people who are sick, elderly or unable to attend church receive the sacraments in their Small Christian Communities.
He said the faithful will continue working with priests, religious sisters, catechists and other church leaders to reach those in need of pastoral care.
Chapola also highlighted several community initiatives aimed at improving people’s welfare and making the parish more self-sustaining.
These include a home-based care programme supporting people affected by HIV and AIDS, as well as malnourished children who receive medication, Likuni Phala and milk.
The parish also runs a tailoring shop and a computer training school, alongside educational support initiatives intended to help people access skills and learning opportunities at affordable prices.
Chapola explained that these services are open to the wider community, regardless of religious affiliation.
He added that the parish will continue investing in the formation of children to ensure they understand the Catholic faith and are prepared to take up leadership responsibilities in the Church in the future.
St Francis Parish was Established in 1976 by the late Bishop Patrick Kalilombe, has two outstations: St Thomas in Mchokwe and St Williams in Mpale and It also has 55 Small Christian Communities. The Parish is being run by priests from the congregation of the Missionaries of Africa, who are also known as the White Fathers.
