The Catholic Church in Malawi has been challenged to stay one in Christ and united in mission, in line with the theme for this year’s Mission Month and the message of Pope Leo XIV to all Christians.

Secretary General of the Pontifical Missionary Union from Rome, Monsignor Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen, made the remarks upon his arrival in Malawi at Kamuzu International Airport on Wednesday.

“The message I have for Malawi is the same as Pope Leo’s message to everyone, to stay together in mission and be more and more united in Christ,” said Fr. Nguyen.

Monsignor Nguyen said it is crucial for the Church to remain united and to live a spiritual life despite the difficulties people face and added that the 100-year celebration should not just be seen as a festivity, but as a moment for spiritual renewal.

He added “I do hope that during this celebration we will live a new spiritual renewal in our everyday life as we celebrate the centenary of Mission Sunday. I ask all Christians, despite all the challenges they face in life, to renew their spiritual life as they celebrate.”

In his remarks, the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Malawi, Fr. Peter Madeya, called on all Catholic Christians to make time to attend the centenary celebration Mass for Mission Sunday.

“This coming Saturday we are celebrating 100 years of World Mission Sunday and my message to all Christians and all people of Malawi is to join us in large numbers at Mzuzu Stadium for this centenary celebration,” said Fr Madeya

Fr. Madeya also said celebrating 100 years of Mission Sunday shows that the Church is committed and demonstrates its willingness to take evangelization to another level in preaching the Word of God.

Reported by Tiyamike Paul Chisale