𝘙𝘵. 𝘙𝘦𝘷. 𝘉𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘱 𝘝𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘔𝘸𝘢𝘬𝘩𝘸𝘢𝘸𝘢 – 𝘉𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘱’𝘴 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘔𝘢𝘶𝘭𝘢

30𝘵𝘩 𝘚𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 2026, 4:30 𝘗𝘔

INTRODUCTION

My dear Catholic journalists and media personnel,

I warmly welcome you to this press briefing on our October Mission Month. I sincerely thank you for your continued commitment as our partners in evangelization. As we prepare to celebrate the Centenary of World Mission Sunday under the theme “One in Christ, United in Mission,”. I wish to share with you through the media the following key issues for the attention of all the faithful.

KEY ISSUES TO COMMUNICATE TO THE PUBLIC

1. Appreciation for the continued support of the faithful

The Pontifical Mission Societies in Malawi sincerely thank all Christians for their generous support towards the missionary work of the Church. We are particularly grateful that contributions increased by 80% in 2025 compared with the previous year. This remarkable increase is a sign of the growing missionary spirit and generosity of the faithful.

As we celebrate the Centenary of World Mission Sunday, we appeal to all Christians to continue supporting the missionary work of the Church and to make this year’s World Mission Sunday collection a great success.

2. National Centenary Celebration – 3 October 2026

The National Centenary Celebration of World Mission Sunday will take place on Saturday, 3 October 2026, at Mzuzu Stadium, under the theme: “One in Christ, United in Mission.”

3. Diocesan Centenary Celebrations – 18 October 2026

All dioceses across Malawi will celebrate the Centenary of World Mission Sunday on Sunday, 18 October 2026. The faithful are encouraged to participate actively through prayer, missionary activities, and generous support for the World Mission Sunday collection.

4. One Million Children Praying the Rosary

Children in all dioceses will participate in the One Million Children Praying the Rosary initiative. There will also be a National Children’s Rosary celebration in Lilongwe, bringing children together in prayer for peace, families, the Church and the missions.

5. Missionary Animation Sessions with Msgr. Nguyen

Msgr. Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen, Secretary General of the Pontifical Missionary Union, will conduct missionary animation sessions in: Mzuzu – 5 Oct, Mangochi – 8 Oct, Dedza – 8 Oct, and Blantyre – 9 Oct 2026.

6. Farewell Mass – 11 October 2026

On 11 October 2026, there will be a Farewell Mass at the Poor Clares’ Monastery for Msgr. Nguyen before his departure to Rome.

CONCLUSION

My dear people, let us celebrate this historic centenary with prayer, generosity and renewed missionary commitment, remembering that every baptized Christian is called to participate in the mission of the Church.

I count on you, our Catholic journalists, to take this message to every corner of our Archdiocese and beyond.

One in Christ, United in Mission.

+ Rt. Rev. Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa

Auxiliary Bishop of Lilongwe