By: Grace Kapatuka, Association of Catholic Journalists (ACJ)

The Catholic Church in the country will on November 13, 2022 join the rest of the catholic faithful in the world in celebrating the World Day of the Poor with a national celebration taking place in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

In a press statement released on October 28, 2022 signed by the Archdiocese of Lilongwe Pastoral Coordinator Fr. James Mkwezalamba, the function will take place at Saint William (Mpale) outstation which is under St Francis parish in Kanengo.

The statement said the letter from the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) released on October 26, 2022, remind the priests, sisters, seminarians, the laity and people of good will that Pope Francis on 20^th November 2016, in his Apostolic letter, Misericordia Et Misera (Mercy with misery) established the 33^rd Sunday of Ordinary Time which is also the last Sunday before the Feast of Christ the King as the World Day for the Poor.

“We therefore appeal to all the parishes, lay groups and people of good will to have the representation on the day at the main function in solidarity with the Archdiocese and the entire Catholic Church and take part in the care for the poor by considering making various little contributions to support the activities of the day,” reads the statement.

Through the statement, Fr Mkwezalamba asked the laity and well- wishers to donate food items, clothes, laundry and sanitary items and other non-consumable items that can be donated to the poor on the day.

He said the day will start with a Eucharistic celebration that will be presided over by His Grace Most Reverend George Desmond Tambala, Archbishop of Lilongwe, followed by interaction and distribution of various items as a symbolic expression of works of charity to 150 needy people from Yepa, Tekateka and Chimpumbulu villages in Lilongwe.

He said the church will from the week exceeding November 13, 2022 engage itself in various sensitization activities and charity work to the poor arranged by all parishes, communities and catholic lay groups in the Archdiocese.

“We expect all parishes, churches, the laity and people of good will from across the country to continue taking care of all humanity especially those in the most vulnerable conditions of life,” he said.

This year, the day will be commemorated under the theme “For your sake Christ became poor.”

The World Day of the Poor is a Roman Catholic observance celebrated on 33^rd Sunday of Ordinary Time since 2017. The day was established by Pope Francis.

Staff Writer

Radio Alinafe this year has clocked 20 since it began broadcasting. The Radio was established to respond to the invitation of the Bishops during the Special Assembly of the Bishops of Africa in 1994 to make use of the instruments of communications to spread the Good News.

Radio Alinafe started from the very humble ‘studio’, the Bishop’s garage. It was on 14 March, 2002, on Thursday, at 19:00 during Lenten season. Gradually, with support from well wishers, under the leadership of late Fr. Gabriel Jana, who led the taskforce help started to flow and the old building, which used to house the studios changed shape.

During the 20 years it has been broadcasting programmes, the Radio has changed the lives of many people with its educative, informative and inspirational programmes of Catholic Catechism, health, agriculture, environment, etc.

In his homily, during the thanksgiving Mass, Rt. Rev. Montfort Sitima, of the Diocese of Mangochi, who is also Chair for the Communications and Research department in the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) urged the media, especially Radio Alinafe to bring impact in the society to change the mind set, and to convert listeners.

Bishop Montfort Sitima, presided over the thanksgiving Mass

In his speech, the Director of the Radio, Fr. Louis Chikanya unveiled the vision and plans of the Radio. The Radio has the vision to establish the new national commercial radio station to widen the broadcasting area to reach many listeners.

Some of the Station’s objectives include:

(i) evangelisation,

(ii) fostering justice and peace,

(iii) offering a forum for the audience to debate on issues that affect their lives

(iv) promoting Catholic choirs.

(V) we also train students of journalism in practical experience.

Currently, the Station is served by few permanent staff and 35 volunteers; it broadcasts 24/7.

Bishop Sitima and Radio Alinafe Director with the awardees in different categories

St. Andrea Chilota Choir of St. Kizito Parish led the singing at the thanksgiving Mass

Mtima Woyera deanery choir entertained the audience

Radio Alinafe studios

Where the studio started in 2002

The 45th parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe has been opened. Archbishop George Tambala opened the 45th parish of Maula deanery on 17th September, 2022. St. Anthony of Padua parish was created from St. Andrea Kaggwa parish of area 49.

In his homily, the Bishop urged all the parishioners to belong to this new parish. He advised against the habit of going out from one’s domicile parish to serve in another parish. He spoke against calling other Christians visitors and therefore, not deserving any leadership position. He called this, paganism.

Fr. Regis Kamela was installed as the new parish priest for the new parish of St. Anthony of Padua parish in area 25. The parish has about three thousand Christians and about 200 catechumens.

The new parish priest, Fr. Regis Kamela enthroned

Fr. Regis Kamela

Catholic Men bringing gifts to the Archbishop

The Archbishop at the function

Catholic Men at the parish taking part in the celebration

Catholic Women happy to receive the new parish of St. Anthony of Padua

Mass for the opening of the new parish at St. Anthony in area 25

His Grace George Tambala blessing the church at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 17 September, 2022

St. Anthony Church, area 25

The parish church

The Archbishop at the opening of the new parish of St. Anthony of Padua, area 25

By Sam Kalimba

Fr. Vincent Mwakhwawa the National Director for the Pontifical Missionary Society in the country preached against hypocrisy among some leaders in the country during the launch of the 2022 Bible Month at St. Patrick’s Area 18 Parish on 4 September.

Present at the Mass was the country’s State Vice President Dr. Saulos Claus Chilima who usually congregates at the Parish.

“It is surprising that most leaders in the country are Christians but less Christianity is being practiced. It is common sense that if one reads the Bible it is expected of them to be transformed but to the contrary, our leaders who portray being Christians are not being transformed and are failing to transform the nation. Is it that they do not read the Bible? Then, let the Bible month be an advantage for all of us including our leaders to read the word of God and be transformed before transforming the society,” said Mwakhwawa.

He however said that despite having no general transformation observed, it is encouraging to note that more and more Catholics are getting into the practice of reading the Bible as observed in the number of lay groups that engage in Bible studies at small christian communities.

He said that the Church in Malawi has chosen the book of Amos to be read in the month of September because it resonates well with the current situation in the country where social injustices are rampant.

Fr. Henry Chinkanda, Pastoral Coordinator for the Episcopal Conference of Malawi commented after Mass on the reason of the choice of the book of Amos.

“At every level there are social injustices taking place in this country. Our society is full of people that are grabbing land for the voiceless, grabbing property from widows and orphans and people who have no mercy to human dignity and life. These and those we do not see because they do them in the dark form the basis for this year’s theme of ‘Listening and discerning the word of God together’ in the spirit of the Synodal process by Pope Francis and 100 years of the translation of Chichewa Bible in Malawi. The book of Amos will help us look back at the 100 years of having a vernacular Bible and see if our society is changing for the better,” said Chinkanda.

Fr. Chinkanda also said that it is important for the faithful and all people to participate in the activities of the Bible month because the word of God is the center of their lives and that of the Church.

“The centrality of the word of God in our Christian life is very crucial. All the sacraments the Church confers are based on the scripture and therefore we are challenged to lead our lives based on the scripture. We cannot do that if we do not read the Bible. The Bible is inseparable from our faith. It is high time Catholics begun owning bibles in their homes and offices. They must carry a Bible with them where ever they go. Psalms 119: 105 is very clear as it says the word of God is the light of my life,” said Chinkanda.

He said that if the world was being governed by the word of God it could have transformed in the manner that it reflected the will of God.

Dr. Matthews Mtumbuka Laity Council Chairperson for the Parish that hosted the national launch of the Bible Month urged his fellow Catholics to exercise a duty of owning the Bible, read the word of God and discern it with the help of others in their families, small Christian communities and consulting priests and the religious where it is not clear to them.

The Church in Malawi started observing the Bible month after the African Synod some decades ago but it was in 2009 when the continuous count of the events rejuvenated.

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.