On the right is the new parish priest of the new parish, Fr. Chinnappan Sebastian Robert, MSFS

Fr. Chinnappan pledging cooperation to the Local Ordinary

Fr. Chinnappan

Manyani joint choir led the liturgy during the Holy Mass

Offertory time at the opening of the new parish at Manyani

Mr. Ken Kandodo, 3rd from right and other political and traditional leaders attended the function

By Fr. Louis Chikanya, 28 August, 2022

Archbishop George Tambala of the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe on 27 August, 2022 opened the 44th parish in the Archdiocese. St. Francis de Sales parish, Manyani, which formerly belonged to Madisi parish was officially declared parish in the decree, protocol number gt/cal/pd/fs/2022/01, of May 29, 2022.

St. Francis de Sales, Manyani parish, on 27th August, 2022 becomes the 44th catholic parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe and the 6th parish in Madisi deanery. It is the third parish to be established this year together with St. Barnabas, Dwanga parish in Nkhotakota and St. Philip, the Apostle, area 44 parish in Lilongwe.

Bishop Tambala, in his homily urged the parishioners to cooperate with the priests to develop the parish. He emphasized on unity among the faithful. He said he was delighted that finally, Manyani is a parish.

The parish will be pastored by the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS) and the first parish priest is Fr.Chinnappan Sebastian Robert.

Part of the congregation at the opening of the new parish at Manyani

The children also took part in the liturgy at the opening of the new parish at Manyani

Liturgical dancing girls during the Mass at Manyani

Mrs Lazaro presenting on family budget – Msamba Pastoral Centre

A cross section of the clergy and religious attentively following the discussions – Msamba Pastoral Centre

Synod Chair presenting on Synod issues – Msamba Pastoral Centre

Mr. and Mrs Maxwell presenting on Family Apostolate – Msamba Pastoral Centre

Mr. Alfred Ngalande, Financial Administrator for the Archdiocese presenting the Synod budget – Msamba Pastoral Centre

Fr. Louis Chikanya, 23 August, 2022

Clergy and religious in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe on 23 August, 2022 converged at Msamba Pastoral Centre to discuss pastoral issues among which are the synod issues.  In his opening remarks, Archbishop Tambala said the meeting was important as it will help in moving together.

The Pastoral Coordinator and the Synod Chair presented to the Presbyterium the outcome of the synodal process of collecting ideas from deaneries. Some of the thematic issues for the synod that came out include:

1. Family Apostolate
2. Youth Apostolate
3. The Church and Culture
4. Dialogue with other churches
5. Permanent deacons
6. Care of the environment

In the meeting some family couples were invited to present on family apostolate; responsible parenthood, challenges in families, marriage preparation, and family budget. Families of Mr. and Mrs Lazaro and Mr. and Mrs Maxwell presented on the family apostolate.

In his final remarks, the Archbishop emphasized that the issue of family should cut across all the issues because family is critical. Families make the foundation of the Church as well as the nation. “If families go down, all of us go down,” he concluded.

Fr. Louis Chikanya, 21 August, 2022

A large number of the faithful from all walks of life turned up to Mtengo wa Nthenga parish of the Archdocese of Lilongwe to witness the ordination of four deacons to priesthood.

Archbishop George ordained Rev. Deacon Mayamiko Kachipapa of the Society of Jesus, Rev. Deacon Christopher Chikwezachilaula, diocesan priest, Rev. Deacon Julius Dokowe of the St. Patrick’s Missionary Society and Rev. Deacon Damian Chitha, diocesan priest to priesthood.

The four were ordained at Mtengo wa Nthenga parish, Dowa deanery. The ordination attracted a huge number of clergy ever, rev. sisters and brothers and seminarians. Many faithful also turned up for the function.

In his homily, Bishop George exhorted the newly ordained to be aware of the demons that can frustrate their mission. He particularly mentioned the demon of feeling important at the expense of humility.  He emphasized that priesthood is a vocation to service.

Archbishop Tambala advised the new priests to work together with other priests.

“I urge you to work together in the vineyard of the Lord. I would like to encourage you to be the example of teamwork. Work together,” he emphasized.

The Archbishop invited all to go in large numbers to the opening ceremony of the new parish of St. Francis de Sales in Manyani on 27 August, 2022. Until now, Manyani was part of Madisi Parish of Dowa deanery, making the total number of the parishes in the Archdiocese to 44.

Rev. Deacon Christopher Chikwezachilaula being escorted by parents to the alter

Rev. Deacon Damian Chitha being escorted by parents to the alter

Rev. Deacon Julius Dokowe being escorted by parents to the alter

Rev. Deacon Mayamiko Kachipapa being escorted by parents to the alter

Rev. Deacons presenting themselves before the Archbishop George Tambala to be ordained

MEMBER REPRESENTATIVES MAKING A SYMBOLIC PRESENTATION

By Sam Kalimba

MLALE, 6 AUGUST: St. Paul (Mlale) Minor Seminary Association has donated laboratory equipment worth of MK1, 300, 00.00 to the Alma Mater.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony that took place during a farewell Mass for the 2022 form four pupils on 6^th August right at the Seminary Mr. Joseph Diele, Chairperson for the Alumni Association said that the donation was made to send a message to the teaching staff that there is great need to equip the current crop of seminarians with best science lessons.

“The Seminary has a lot of challenges and this time we thought of making a donation towards science subjects in particular as a way of motivating both the teaching staff and the learners to work harder in these subjects. As a school, Mlale does well as per Ministry of Education ranking based on MSCE results but we want you to engage an extra gear in science subjects,” said Diele.

Diele also thanked his fellow alumni for what he called sacrifices they made in order to mobilise resources for the procurement of the laboratory equipment that included Burettes of 50ml, stop watches, clamps and clamp stands, Ammeters, Voltmeters, and Thermometers.

Rev. Fr. Peter Kapiri, Rector of the Seminary was thankful for the donation and assured the alumni that the school will make good use of the equipment so that it lasts long.

“The Seminary has a long list of challenges emanating from lacking and expiry of the equipment and many more issues. We sent the list to the Alumni and we are thankful that they are gradually shortening the list by supplying us with our needs periodically. We always grateful to the support that we get form the Alumni. This donation has come at a right time when we have learners who writing national examinations this year and they will be the very first users of the equipment,” said Kapiri.

Mlale Seminary has for the recent past years been in top 10 well performing schools in the country based on Malawi School Certificate of Education performance. The school belongs to the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe with an objective to instill and inspire boys to discern their vocations in respect to priesthood.

Laity representatives with candles

Sam Kalimba

30^th July, 2022: The Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe launched laity day on Saturday 30^th July 2022 at the Maula Cathedral open ground. The local ordinary of the Archdiocese, His Grace Most Reverend George Desmond Tambala officially commissioned the day during a Mass Celebration.

The archbishop took time to urge all Catholic faithful to use social media prudently and only to the glory of God and His Church.

“We have noted the Mushrooming of so many WhatsApp and Facebook pages and groups bearing the name Catholic. Much as we appreciate the desire to share Good News and other beneficial teachings of the Church, we have noted that some have turned these initiatives into gossip zones whose main agenda is to destroy each other’s character and reputation,” observed the archbishop.

The local ordinary for the Archdiocese of Lilongwe further challenged Catholics to seek proper guidance from relevant authorities in establishing social media forums that will bear the name Catholic.

“We have noted that others are soliciting funds in the name of these Social Media Church Groups yet lack accountability and transparency. Let anybody soliciting funds in these groups be accountable and seek permission, especially here in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, otherwise stop tarnishing the Ecclesiastical name,” Archbishop Tambala said.

He further said that the same forums and pages are becoming a source of bitterness among members and participants. He then advised those filling afflicted by these groups to quit the groups instead of taking matters out as if they were official.

He however, said that there are gains through such groups through defense that the Church is getting from some Catholic faithful against unjustified aggression.

On his part Archdiocesan Laity Chairperson Mr. Gabriel Kamlomo, called on the faithful in the archdiocese to embrace the day as a remembrance for the Church’s commitment to laity issues. He challenged the laity to be more active in developing the diocese to match the demands of modern time. He then thanked the Church in Malawi for establishing the laity day which will enable the faithful to deeply reflect on their role and contributions towards a self-propagating, self-evangelising and self-sustaining Church.

Laity representatives from Catholic Men Organisation, Catholic Women Organisation, marriage movement, youth and holy childhood received lighting candles and salt from His Grace the Archbishop to mark launch.

Sam Kalimba, 2 August, 2022

LLILONGWE, 30 JULY, 2022: Archbishop of Lilongwe His Grace George Desmond Tambala has called on all the collaborators in his local ordinary to embrace the Holy Spirit as they journey together in a 16-month Synod that was launched on Saturday 30 July, 2022 at the Archdiocese’s events grounds. The Synod is themed, ‘discerning with the Holy Spirit’. 

The Archbishop consistently emphasized throughout his homily that the Synod is like what happened on the Pentecost.

“We read that there was a big disturbing sound on that day when the apostles were closed in the house while other disciples were outside. Acts 2:1 says that suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. This is the kind of shaking the Synod will form in the Archdiocese. Be ready, for the Holy Spirit will get us out our enclosed institutions and help us reach out to many,” preached Tambala.

He said that the power of the Holy Spirit causes people to leave old ways and embrace the most desired ways of the Lord. He said that the clergy, religious, and the laity must accept the Synod, which is guided by the power of the Holy Spirit to open doors of their closed houses.

He asked his sheep to search for better languages for specific vulnerable groups of people in the Archdiocese including widows, orphans, refugees, asylum seekers, and all other foreigners just as the apostles spoke languages for different peoples who heard them speak in their respective mother tongues.

“Let’s see the end to racism, the end to tribalism, the end to regionalism and the end to classification of people among ourselves. I ask myself whether among all the Chinese that are here, there are no Catholics. And then I say why are they not showing up? This synod must open the doors of our Church for all to enter,” he preached.

He further advised the Church to find means and ways of staying together with people of other faiths. He said that the Synod must encourage ecumenism as the Church leaves among all kind of religions.

He also asked the church to move out of offices, church buildings and residences and reach out to the faithful as opposed to old tradition of waiting for them to come to the church all the time.

Chairperson of the Synod Path Commission Rev. Fr. Vincent Mwakhwawa speaking on the same event called for support from all corners of the Archdiocese and beyond. He said that the journey requires everyone to be alert and responsive to demands that may rise at every level. He said that the next activity after the launch is to train trainers from the 43 parishes for effectiveness of the synod.

According to Fr. Mwakhwawa the synod will center on pastoral, liturgy, finance and administration, and social development main themes that will be handled in three phases soon after the trainings. He has since called on all Small Christian Communities to be meeting every week so that the conversation should be moving at the same level across the Archdiocese.

Archbishop Tambala was installed the local ordinary of Lilongwe on 27^th November, 2021 by His Excellence Archbishop Gianfranco Gallone, the Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi.

Catholic Women Organisation participated at the Min Synod launch

Representatives of groups received candles and salt at the launch

Synod Commission Chairperson, Fr. Vincent Mwakhwawa making his remarks at the launch of the Min Synod

Synod Commissioners

Fr. Louis Chikanya, 30 July, 2022

Archbishop George Desmond Tambala, of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe on 30th July, 2022 launched an Archdiocesan Min Synod which will run for one year. The Synod is themed, discerning with the Holy Spirit. The Archbishop calls all stakeholders to walk together, to work together and to discern together with the Holy Spirit.

The Archbishop has called for the Min Synod to make a consultation with all the groups in the Archdiocese to look at the Pastoral, Liturgical, Finance and Investment and Social Development issues.

SYNOD COMMISSIONERS AND COMMITTEES

1. 1. 1. Synod Chairperson:                                Fr. Vincent Mwakhwawa
      2. Pastoral Coordinator:                            Fr. James Mkwezalamba
      3. Financial Administrator:                      Mr. Alfred Ngalande
      4. Diocesan Council of Priests:                Fr. Innocent Mtapaonga
      5. Association of Women Rel. in Mw:   Sr. Veronica Ng’omba
      6. Association of Men Rel. in Mw:          Br. Francis Jumbe
      7. Chairperson of Laity Council:             Mr. Gabriel Kamlomo
      8. Chairperson of C.W.O.:                          Mrs. Christine Lupiya
      9. Chairperson of C.M.O.:                                  Mr. Ignatius Chadwala
      10. Catholic Professionals:                                   Dr. Henry Chingaipe

Liturgical dancing girls at the Synod Launch

Deans of Deaneries at the launch of the Min Synod

Clergy at the launching Mass for the Min Synod

Catholic Men at the launching Mass for the Min Synod

His Grace lead the liturgy at the launch

Likuni Parish Choir lead the singing at the Min Synod launch

Rev. Sisters in attendance of the Min Synod launch

His Grace commissioning a representative of the Men Religious

His Grace commissioning the representative of the laity

His Grace invoking God’s blessings on the congregation at the launch of the Min Synod

Fr. Louis Chikanya, 9 July, 2022

St. Philip Church, which formerly belonged to Utatu Woyera Parish of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, has been elevated to the status of the parish making the total number of parishes in the Archdiocese to 43.

Archdiocese of Lilongwe is divided into seven deaneries of Maula, Mtima Woyera, Mchinji, Likuni, Salima, Madisi and Dowa. The Archdiocese of Lilongwe has an area of over 24, 000 square kilometres.

His Grace, George Desmond Tambala, in his homily exhorted the faithful of the new parish to move together, to listen to the Word of God and to explain the Word of God to one another. Based on the work of St. Philip, the Apostle, he encouraged the parishioners to have zeal for evangelisation.

St. Philip the Apostle Parish becomes the second parish to be opened by Archbishop George Tambala, following the opening on 11 June, 2022 of St. Barnabas, Dwangwa Parish in Nkhotakota.

The parish has about about 1000 Christians and catechumens.

His Grace rededicating the Church – St. Philip Parish, area 44

Alter girls at the opening of the new parish of St. Philip

The new Parish Priest, Fr. Alberto Elifala enthroned as the Pastor for the new Parish

The new Parish Priest showing the books of registration of Christians

Fr. Alberto pledging obedience to the Local Ordinary as he takes up the responsibility of the new parish

HIs Grace, George Tambala enthroning the newly appointed Parish Priest