The newly launched Tiwale Limodzi Foundation of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe has on today, November 28, 2025, distributed maize to families severely affected by hunger in the areas of Traditional Authorities Kabudula and Kayembe in Dowa District, Malawi. The distribution took place at Christ the King, Nambuma Parish.

This urgent donation is a direct response initiated by the Archbishop of Lilongwe, His Grace George Tambala, following distress calls from the parish regarding the critical food situation in the surrounding communities.

People gathered at Nambuma Parish for Maize donation by Tiwale Limodzi Foundation

Speaking during the distribution, Brian Odhiambo, Chief Executive Officer for the foundation, confirmed that responding to disasters is a core value of the organization. He elaborated on the selection process for the beneficiaries, noting the vast need compared to the initial resources.

“Even though the appeal which came from the Nambuma area is so many families, about 2,000, we are only able to assist a few for now. We targeted especially the elderly and also families that are child-headed, and also those who are disabled in one way or another.”

Brian addresses the gathering

Odhiambo expressed gratitude for the financial support that made the exercise possible, acknowledging contributors such as the O’Neill Foundation and Centenary Bank. He also noted that today’s distribution is not the last: “We are coming again next week to continue providing more maize using the support that we received from Centenary Bank.”

Odhiambo also emphasized that the foundation is focused on “integral development” to provide lasting solutions beyond immediate relief.

“We are looking into, for example, how can we give a long-lasting solution to this problem. So we are thinking, for example, to give them farming materials so that they can be able to self-sustain themselves. We are also, as Tiwale Foundation, we are also thinking about giving scholarships… We believe that this kind of approach is going to give a lasting solution. It’s not only one time.”

He also highlighted the need to address the root causes of climate-related disasters in order “to avoid the recurrence of hunger and this kind of situation, there is a need to look into how we save the planet… we are also trying to protect our planet by doing environmental programs, ecological programs.”

Nambuma Parish priest, Rev. Fr. Maxwell Kubalasa, thanked the foundation for its timely response, which will bring relief to villagers struggling after the 2024/2025 farming season faced El Niño challenges, resulting in poor harvests.

Nambuma Parish priest, Rev. Fr. Maxwell Kubalasa

Fr. Kubalasa underscored the severity of the crisis in the area:

“The situation is very bad here in Nambuma. A lot of people need food and every day I’m receiving a lot of people coming looking for food… These people need a lot of help. I’m glad that Tiwale Limodzi Foundation which was launched in July this year has already started bearing some fruits.”

He specifically thanked the O’Neill Foundation from the United States for their donation and urged other organizations to support the young foundation to ensure they can continue their work, stating, “This is what the church organization should do.”

One of the beneficiaries, Rajani Chimwaza, conveyed profound gratitude for the assistance. He described his desperate situation, noting that the donation arrived exactly when it was needed most.

One of the beneficiaries, Rajani Chimwaza

“The donation has come in time as I was sleeping with an empty stomach due to having no food. I have no money and food, this will really help,” he said.

Tiwale Limodzi Foundation was launched on July 5 this year as a social arm of the Archdiocese dedicated to coordinating and strengthening the Church’s outreach to the marginalized.

The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, His Grace George Desmond Tambala has today passionately urged Catholic faithful at St. John Paul II Chitedze Parish to deeply revere and worship Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist.

The Archbishop delivered this heartfelt message during a Corpus Christi Mass he presided over at the parish, marking the conclusion of solemn celebrations across the Archdiocese.

During the liturgy, Archbishop Tambala underscored the importance of frequently receiving Holy Communion, emphasizing that this act symbolizes the profound love and intimacy shared with God.

His Grace further highlighted that the traditional procession with the Body of Christ on this solemn feast signifies “taking Jesus Christ to the masses.”

“This is a special occasion,” he remarked, “as it signifies the presence of Christ in our homes and across the world.”

Chairperson of the Liturgy at St. John Paul II Chitedze Parish, Anthony Protazio Katundu, reiterated the Catholic belief that the Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Christ.

He called on all Christians to actively participate and celebrate together on this significant day and committed to encouraging the faithful to protect and respect the Blood of Christ, acknowledging its profound importance.

Christians participating in a Eucharistic Mass of Corpus Christi at Chitedze Parish

In addition to the event at St. John Paul II Chitedze, Our Lady of Victory (Madisi) Parish also held a meaningful celebration, presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of Lilongwe, Right Reverend Vincent Mwakhwawa.

There, faithful honored the mystery of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, participating in a procession and adoration to demonstrate their faith in the Eucharist and seek blessings for homes, peace for Malawi, and for the entire world.

Another significant celebration took place at Maula Parish, led by Father Louis Chikanya, who serves as both the Parish Priest and communications coordinator of the archdiocese.