The Archdiocese of Lilongwe has launched a new project for the construction of the new Pastoral Centre for the use of different groups in the Church. The structures at the new centre will include hostels, conference centre and the chapel, among others.

The Administrator of the Archdiocese, Very Reverend Patrick Thawale, in his launching speech said the centre will be beneficial to all who will pass at the centre. “All who will pass here will come closer and closer to God through their pastoral activities,” he said.

The Pastoral Coordinator of the Archdiocese, Fr. James Mkwezalamba, in his speech said the centre will benefit priests and the lay faithful in their ongoing formation. “When everything is completed here, all priests and the lay faithful will benefit a lot from this centre in the works of ongoing formation.”

Mr. MacDonald Lupenga is the Archtect and will construct the buildings. Mr. Chiudzu is the Quantity Surveyor and Engineer Mwale is one of the professionals at the project.

The first building, which is the hostel at the centre is expected to be completed by August, 2021.

(Reported by Fr. Louis Chikanya)

The foundation of the first building at the centre

Mr. Alfred Ngalande, the Archd. Financial Admin. leading the delegates to the launch of the New Centre at the site’s Administration

Some of the deligates at the launch

Mr. Lupenga, the Archtect explaining the technicalities of the work as Fr. Jean Marie, to his left listens

Mr. Chiudzu, the Quantity Surveyor, right, following the proceedings

Very Rev. Patrick Thawale, delivering his launching speech and to his right is Fr. James Mkwezalamba, the Pastoral Coordinator.

Group Photo at the construction site

Very Rev. Patrick Thawale laying the foundation stone at the new centre

The Archdiocesan Clergy of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe from 1 June to 4th June 2021 had a successful session in Mangochi where, among others they were grilled on resource mobilisation, with Fr. Henry Zulu, management and accountability, with Fr. Gerald Kubetcha Mumba. The clergy also reflected on the life of St. Joseph in this year of St. Joseph, with Fr. Frank Chingale.

The session was conducted at the St. Montfort House in Mangochi. During the session, it was established that many parishes in the Archdiocese collect resources from First fruits (Masika),  Tithe (Mtulo), and Daily/Sunday Collections (Za m’mbale). Some of the resources come in the form of donations, selling of materials and special collections, or Paper Sundays.

The issue dwelt much on how these resources are managed and accounted for. Mostly, it is easier to collect money and other materials from the faithful, the challenge is how to make good and profitable use of them. Good management and accountability is a motivation for the faithful to give more; this fact is neglected, but it counts the more.

The men in collar were also assisted to reflect on the shadow life of St. Joseph, the husband of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Fr. Frank Chingale, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Mangochi led the session in which he reminded the clergy of the seven characteristics of St. Joseph, worthy emulating;

1. he was the caring father
2. he was the loving father
3. he was the creatively courageous father
4. he was the father in the shadows
5. he was the serving father
6. he was the accepting father and
7. he was the working father

Finally, the priests were reminded of their canonical rights and obligations. The session was concluded with the Holy Mass led by Fr. Samson Kumkumbira.

Fr. Henry Zulu, Vice Chair of the group facilitating on resource mobilisation

Part of the Clergy following the session attentively

Fr. Frank Chingale, facilitating on St. Joseph

Clergy in the session

Clergy at Mass