Lilongwe Archdiocese Concludes 2025 Mission Month at St Bernadette Parish (Chitula)

On 31st October 2025, the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe officially concluded the Mission Month celebrations held at St Bernadette Parish in Chitula.

The Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese, His Lordship Bishop Mwakhwawa, commended the parishioners for their unity and dedication throughout the various activities that marked the Mission Month.

Bishop Mwakhwawa encouraged them to apply the lessons learned by spreading the Word of God across all Small Christian Communities and by committing themselves to the service and supporting the Church.

Bishop Mwakhwawa sharing his homily to the parishioners to conclude this year’s Mission Month

“My observation through the celebrations and the visits is that the 2025 Mission Month celebration has been excellent,” said Bishop Mwakhwawa.

His Lordship also praised the collaboration between the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) office and the Archdiocesan Mission Team for their efforts in animating Christians throughout Chitula Parish during the Mission Month.

Father Geoffrey Chikapa, Director of PMS in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, expressed satisfaction with how the Mission Month unfolded, highlighting the enthusiasm and commitment shown by many Christians during the period.

Father Geoffrey Chikapa, Archdiocesan PMS director

Father Chikapa further announced that PMS has scheduled follow-up visits to Chitula Parish as part of its ongoing monitoring efforts.

“As PMS, we will return to Chitula Parish to assess whether the teachings are being implemented and to engage with Tilitonse animators and other associations such as CWA and other Church organizations,” he said.

Parish Chairperson Mr. Damiano Matchona noted that parishioners have greatly benefited from this year’s Mission Month and expressed hope for significant growth in their spiritual lives and commitment to the Church.

Mr Damiano Matchona Chairperson for St Bernadette, Chitula Parish

Mission Month is observed annually by the Catholic Church worldwide. In 2026, the Church will celebrate 100 years of Mission Month observance.

During this year’s celebrations, parishioners were taught about their responsibilities in supporting the Church, the importance of prayer, evangelization, and active participation in various Catholic organizations.

One of the fruits of this year’s Mission Month is the establishment of the Catholic Family Movement (CFM) at Chitula Parish.

Bishop Mwakhwawa blessing families (CFM) after renewing their vows

Archdiocese mission team from Legio of Mary, Divine Mercy and Servant of Charity handling over booklets and other materials to the Catechists to be used by the associations