A two-day workshop on Synod and Synodality and Integral Human Development was held from May 27–28, 2026, in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe. The event, organized by the Association of Episcopal Conferences of Eastern Africa (AMECEA-PIHD), provided an opportunity to reflect and discuss how the Catholic Church is living out synodality as one family.

In his address, Bishop Yohane Nyirenda of Mzuzu Diocese, President of the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) and Research and Communications under the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB), emphasized the importance of unity among Christians in strengthening the mission of the Church.

“Synodality is very important. Synodality is central to the mission of the Church. Each member must take an active role according to the gifts God has given them, and in so doing, the Church can grow,” Bishop Nyirenda said.

He highlighted the example of the missionaries who established the Catholic Church in Malawi, noting that they embodied synodality in their work.

Bishop Nyirenda also stressed the importance of participating in Small Christian Communities, describing them as the starting point for collective action among Catholics.

Father Dr. Paul Igweta from Kenya, Coordinator of Integral Human Development at AMECEA-PIHD, expressed satisfaction with the workshop. He said the meeting fostered deep reflection and offered hope for the future of the Catholic Church in Malawi, both spiritually and socially.

“We now expect that those who attended this workshop will begin training others on synodality in all parishes across Malawi, so that everyone understands its importance in our Catholic Church,” Father Igweta explained.

Lewis Msiyadungu, National CCJP Coordinator in Malawi, affirmed that the discussions will be put to good use to ensure the Church continues to act in unity.

The workshop addressed key issues including Integral Human Development, Populorum Progressio, Human Dignity, and the Church’s holistic mission.

At its conclusion, participants developed an action plan to strengthen synodality in the Catholic Church in Malawi and how best they can implement the synod.

The two-day gathering brought together representatives from Catholic commissions and Catholic media houses, focusing on practical ways to implement synodality in the country.

By Titus Jata Phiri

The Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, in collaboration with St. John of God, has reaffirmed its commitment to reaching marginalized rural communities struggling with mental health challenges.

 

The commitment has been made today by the Auxiliary Bishop of Lilongwe, His Lordship Vincent Mwakhwawa following the successful launch of the three-year “Me-Health” project.

 

 

The initiative aims to integrate mental health services into the primary healthcare systems of Archdiocesan health facilities.

 

Funded by the Episcopal Conference of Italy, the project will be implemented across three deaneries of Dowa (Mtengowanthenga and Chezi), Mchinji (Guillime and Ludzi) and in Lilongwe (Namitete, Nambuma, and Mlale).

 

 

Speaking during an interview, Bishop Mwakhwawa expressed hope that the project will raise awareness in rural areas noting that many villagers still experience stigma, failing to recognize that those with mental health conditions deserve the same dignity as any other person.

 

The Bishop also emphasized that the project focuses on knowledge sharing, a strategy designed to ensure the services remain sustainable long after the initial three-year implementation period ends.

 

 

His Lordship extended his gratitude to the Conference of the Catholic Bishops of Italy for their generous support towards the success of the project.

 

The event commenced with the Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa.

 

 

Chief Executive Officer of St. John of God Hospital, Dr. Charles Masulani, said the hospital intends to increase the accessibility of mental health services while bridging the gap in human resource capital specialized in psychiatric care.

 

 

Representing the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Madalitso Makhalira thanked the Catholic Church for its dedication to assisting the government in reducing healthcare challenges, citing the Me-Health project as a model of effective partnership.

 

 

Senior Chief Chiseka highlighted the importance of mental health support for traditional leaders, noting that such assistance is vital for chiefs to exercise their duties with integrity.

 

 

The Me-Health project has been officially launched today, April 16, 2026, at Mlale Community Hospital. The initiative is slated to run for three years.

 

The Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe has expressed its commitment to managing finances collectively, accountably, and transparently as one family.

The Pastoral Coordinator of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Fr. Frank Lazalo Phiri, made the commitment today, 09th March 2026, during the opening of a five-day training session for parish bookkeepers at the Msamba Catholic Conference Centre in Lilongwe.

Fr. Phiri highlighted that, according to the laws of the Archdiocese, parishes must be accountable and transparent in their financial management.

He also mentioned that this initiative builds trust with donors and those who provide financial support, ensuring there is no speculation regarding how funds are managed.

“Let me indicate that this has the potential of bringing trust to those who assist the church with their finances,” Fr. Phiri added.

In her remarks, the Archdiocesan Financial Administrator, Sister Dorice Tembo, described the training as a milestone for financial management within the Archdiocese.

Sr. Tembo said the bookkeepers will now be fully equipped with the skills needed to manage finances.

“The training will help the bookkeepers to acquire the needed knowledge on the management of finances,” Sister Doris added.

Fr. Maxwell Kubalasa, one of the facilitators, highlighted that as the mission of the church is to preach the word of salvation but also requires finances to run its daily activities, there is a need to empower those involved in finance in order to fulfill its mission.

Fr. Kubalasa is confident that at the end of the training, the participants will have gained the required knowledge on how best they can manage the finances.

“This will largely help in managing the finances of the parishes,” Fr. Kubalasa added.

One of the participants, Mr. Peter Mukali from St. Kizito’s Parish (Chigoneka), applauded the Archdiocese of Lilongwe for organizing the session.

Mr. Mukali said the training will help them work in accordance with Church laws and produce accurate financial reports.

“Let me applaud the Archdiocese for the gesture, as this will help us to work according to the laws of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe,” he added.

Contributors: Titus Jata Phiri and Peter Dumayo

The Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe today, 07 February 2026 has celebrated the Day for the Consecrated with a Eucharistic celebration led by Archbishop Most Reverend George Desmond Tambala, OCD, who encouraged priests, brothers, and sisters to persevere in their vocation even when faced with life’s challenges.

In his homily, Archbishop Tambala reflected on the Gospel of the Presentation of the Lord, highlighting Simeon and Anna as examples of patience, faith, and commitment. He reminded consecrated persons that their calling involves a lifelong journey of waiting and trust in God.

“We wait not for a specific thing, but for a person, for Christ,” he said, emphasizing that religious life is centered on faithful expectation rather than worldly success. Bishop Homily

The Archbishop acknowledged that such waiting is not always easy, noting that consecrated life is often tested by questions, struggles, and sacrifices. However, he urged religious men and women to remain hopeful and focused on their mission.

He cautioned against pursuing material gain or recognition, saying it is “very sad… waiting for power, waiting for money, waiting for pleasure,” instead of waiting faithfully for Christ. Bishop Homily

Archbishop Tambala further called on consecrated persons to become sources of wisdom within society, observing that today’s world is marked by “too much talk, too much noise and very little wisdom.” Bishop Homily He encouraged them to cultivate prayerful lives so that people seeking guidance can find spiritual direction through their witness.

Reflecting on Simeon’s prophetic message to Mary, the Archbishop stressed that authentic Christian discipleship includes embracing sacrifice and the Cross. “We do not preach a gospel of prosperity… We preach Christ crucified,” he said, urging consecrated persons to remain faithful even when their message is challenging.

He also reminded the congregation that each consecrated person is valuable in the mission of the Church, stating that the Archdiocese depends on their dedication and service.

Concluding his homily, Archbishop Tambala expressed gratitude for the commitment of religious men and women, encouraging them to continue living as prophetic witnesses whose lives inspire others to remain faithful to Christ.

The Catholic Women Association (CWA) of Maula Deanery has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental conservation by planting 300 trees at Nguluwe Primary School in Chinsapo. The initiative, which bridges the gap between spiritual duty and civic responsibility, highlights the women’s evolving role as both nurturers of families and custodians of the earth.

Joining the women in the exercise, Fr. John Kessie, Parish Priest of St. Denis, offered a profound theological reflection on the importance of the event. He noted that the initiative aligns with the biblical order of creation.

“Trees are life themselves,” Fr. Kessie remarked. “Before creating human beings, God created trees to bring us life, protection, medicine, and food. By planting these trees, these women are helping creation return to its beginning. They are doing the same work God did.”

He added that the initiative is a vital response to the widespread deforestation seen across Malawi and Africa, praising the CWA for their “very big work” in restoring the natural landscape.

Vice-Chairperson of the Maula Deanery CWA, Gloria Namondwe, explained that the decision to plant at schools is intentional. It fulfills a dual role: providing a living classroom for students and ensuring the trees’ survival.

“When we plant at a school, we are teaching pupils the importance of taking care of Mother Nature,” Namondwe said. “At the same time, the protection of these trees is guaranteed. We leave them in the hands of teachers and students who will care for them long after we return to our parishes.”

She further emphasized that this environmental drive is an extension of their identity as mothers. This aligns with the Archdiocese of Lilongwe’s current focus on “Nurturing Parenthood,” viewing the care of “Mother Earth” as a natural expansion of the care mothers provide at home.

The school’s leadership expressed deep gratitude for the donation. Headmistress Alice Rashid noted that the campus was previously lacking in greenery.

“Our campus does not have trees, and we promise to take good care of them,” Rashid said. “We will share this responsibility with the children and the surrounding community to ensure these trees reach maturity.”

This exercise is part of a consistent regional effort inspired by the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (WUCWO). Supported by WUCWO board member Mrs. Jocelyn Vokhiwa, the Maula Deanery has established a strong track record:

• 2024: 200 trees planted at a school in Kauma Township.
• 2025: Planting at Mkwichi Primary School.
• Ongoing: Development of the Kanyerere farm at the Archdiocese level.

As the women conclude their annual efforts, the message remains clear: caring for the environment is not just a policy, but a foundational act of faith and motherhood.