Communications

CATHOLIC BISHOPS MEETING TO FORM A NEW, UNIFIED REGION OF MALAWI, ZAMBIA AND ZIMBABWE

by Communications Lilongwe Archdiocese

The president of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), Archbishop George Desmond Tambala has asked the Bishops from the Sub-Region Conference of Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe to make sure that a decision is sought on the identity and goals of the grouping.

Archbishop George Desmond Tambala, addressing the delegates during a conference meeting for the sub-region in Salima

Archbishop Tambala made the remarks today, 17th July 2024 in an on-going conference meeting for the sub-region in Salima.
His grace has reminded the Bishops of the past, highlighted the need for progress, and created the stage for a productive discussion on the groupings’ future direction.
His grace also cited that the goal was to keep the conversation going, but COVID and other events (cyclone Freddy) caused delays.
However, he has emphasized the need to move beyond simply talking and to define a clear goal for the group’s activities.
“I would like to stress the conversation continues, but where is this leading to? What’s the goal? What do we want to achieve? Are we just a talking shop? Are we just here for tea or coffee, to chat, share a bit? Do we foresee that maybe now it’s time to take a step and decide who we are?” his grace George Tambala concluded.
In his remarks, president of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC), bishop Paul Horan suggested that one possible outcome of the meetings could be to form a new, unified region for the churches in these three countries.

Bishop Paul Horan, president of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC)

Rt. Rev. Horan believes that the conference might be helpful to work together more closely as churches as the three countries share similar cultures.
This years’ plenary meeting is the second after the association held the first meeting in Lusaka in February 2020.

By Eric Norman Mkwaira

Communications

Morning Mass (Day 1 at Sigelege Beach Resort, Salima)

by Communications Lilongwe Archdiocese
The Sub-Region Bishops Conference of Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe has started with a morning Mass which was presided over by the Archbishop of Ndola Archdiocese, Most Reverend Benjamini Phiri and all other bishops.
The theme of the conference is “The Catholic Bishops of Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe Collaborating to Enhance Pastoral Unity, Gospel Proclamation and Solidarity in the Sub-Region Amidst Shared Challenges.”
Here is a pictorial view compiled by Eric Norman Mkwaira.
Communications
by Communications Lilongwe Archdiocese
The Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Rt. Rev. Vincent Fredrick Mwakhwawa says the Catholic church in the country should expect more collaboration and consultation especially when dealing with the challenges which Malawi and the church are facing.
Bishop Mwakhwawa made the sentiments today soon after the opening ceremony of the Sub-Region Conference of Bishops from Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
According to Bishop Mwakhwawa, the conference of the bishops will outline some of the measures and strategies to come up with solutions of common problems facing the three countries.
The Auxiliary Bishop among others cited that the conference will also dig deep on how they can leverage the increasing members of the faithful in the region.
National Laity chairperson, Virginia Mahata mentioned that they expect that the bishops will discuss emerging issues which are against the teachings of the catholic church.
Mahata also pointed the need for bishops also to tackle issues of the environment on their deliberations as environmental degradation brings negative impact to the community.
Reported by Lester Mhone
Communications

ECO-STAR PROJECTS BEARING GOOD FRUITS

by Communications Lilongwe Archdiocese

Environmental micro projects are important element of Eco-Star concept. Environmental micro projects are a set of activities that are carried out by school or community in order to address environmental problems in an area. These micro projects also act as a learning and teaching resource to improve schools’ income base and skills development to learners, teachers and the community.

Speaking at Msalura Primary School in Salima district on 11th July 2024 during Animal Management training with different schools, Coordinator for Education in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Chrissy Mithi expressed her satisfaction with projects that Eco-Star is undertaking in different schools in the Archdiocese.

Mithi highlighted that there is a big progress in taking care of the environment in different schools, saying that this will help to be in line with Pope Francis message about Laudato Si.

“Am satisfied on how schools here in Salima are performing in taking care of the environment under Eco-Star Project, and I can see that these learners have now understood the importance of taking part in taking care of the environment,” said Mithi.

Chrissy Mithi, Education Coordinator in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe

She believes that the next phase of the project of Animal Management which will be implemented in schools, will help to improve learning standards among learners in different Schools.

She is of the view that “this Animal Management project that has been started in different schools under Eco-Star Project, will improve education and also, I will help the community to have other sources of income, apart from those that are destroying the environment.”

In his remarks, Parish Priest for Our Lady of Fatima (Salima Parish), Father Peter Chatambalala has urged the community to join hands and make the project sustainable in the district.

One of the trainees, Headteacher from All Angels Primary School, Angel Karonga, described the training very useful by saying that they “will implement whatever we have been trained for Animal Management, and this will also help us in our schools as it will be used for practical lessons for our students”.

After the training, schools will receive a funding which will allow them to buy Goats, Pigs and Chickens to start animal farming in their respective Schools.

The Eco-Star Project is being funded by Wilde Genzen Organization (Lead) and Edukans Foundation Netherlands (Co-Founder) and is being implemented by Education Commission of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe (Lead) and Edukans Foundation Malawi as Co-implementer.

By Titus Jata Phiri

Communications

CHANCO CATHOLIC ALUMNI VISITS CHIPATA DIOCESE

by Communications Lilongwe Archdiocese

The auxiliary bishop of Chipata Diocese, his lordship Gabriel Msipu Phiri has commended the Malawian professionals for their visit to the Diocese.

Bishop Phiri made the remarks on sunday,  7th July 2024 after the CHANCO Alumni led the liturgy on the days eucharistic masses at St. Anne’s Cathedral of Chipata Diocese.

Rt. Rev. Gabriel Msipu Phiri, the auxiliary bishop of Chipata Diocese

His lordship believes that the trip has helped the lay faithful especially the professionals to understand the importance of attending church activities besides their jobs.

He has also appreciated the CHANCO Alumni’s unity and humility saying this is of paramount.

Clara Mlamba, Chairperson for the Association of the Chancellor College Catholic Alumni 

In her remarks, chairperson for the association, Clara Mlamba says they are satisfied with the visit as they have succecsfuly shared ideas with their fellow professionals on how they can enhance their service to the Church.