The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, His Grace George Desmond Tambala has today called for deeper collaboration, a renewed focus on inclusivity, and improved communication among Catholic educational institutions in Malawi.

Speaking at the opening of a head teachers’ meeting at Maula Cathedral Hall, Archbishop Tambala outlined a vision for a more integrated and impactful Catholic education system.

The Archbishop emphasized the importance of mutual support, urging head teachers to not hesitate in seeking assistance from the Archdiocese when facing challenges or developing new initiatives.

A significant portion of his address centered on the shared understanding and practice of “Catholic education.” While acknowledging the diverse expressions within individual schools like Chabvala, Loyola, and others, he stressed the need for a common “material” or criteria, rooted in the Catechisms, that defines Catholic education across all institutions.

He has called upon schools to share their unique educational approaches, fostering a learning environment where all can benefit. “We now need you… to share with your Catholic Church, your way of education, of Catholic education,” he asserted, believing this collective knowledge would build a “very solid formation of our students’ matters.”

Archbishop Tambala addressing the gathering

Archbishop Tambala also unveiled plans for expanding the Catholic Church’s presence in education, particularly in primary education, where the Church’s significance has dwindled over the past two decades.

His Grace cited the excellent performance of the Selva School of Education but noted its limited reach, calling for an expansion. He also highlighted the importance of technical colleges.

A powerful appeal for inclusivity formed a key part of his message. Referencing a recent discussion in Italy with the Conferenza Episcopale Italiana, the Archbishop shared concerns about whether Catholic schools were sufficiently reaching “the poorest people.”

His Grace has since urged the head teachers to critically examine how inclusive their institutions truly are, questioning if good performance comes at the cost of excluding those most in need, especially in rural and impoverished areas.

“Our education should not be elite for only a few people,” he emphasized, adding that opening more schools must be coupled with ensuring quality education for all.

Meeting in progress at Maula Parish Hall

Finally, Archbishop Tambala outlined strategic communication initiatives on which he expressed his anticipation for a unified website platform where schools can upload information, creating a central “internet window” for the public to access details about various Catholic educational institutions.

He said that this would streamline communication and reduce costs.

The Archbishop has also encouraged collaboration with the Archdiocesan radio station (Radio Alinafe), which is actively seeking content, to educate the public through media.

Archbishop Tambala concluded by reiterating that these were not mandates but “suggestions,” born from a desire to foster growth and address challenges collectively.

The Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Right Reverend Vincent Mwakhwawa, has called on Catholics to embrace the power of the Holy Spirit by deepening their missionary commitment through prayer, service, and unity in their daily lives.

The call has been made on Pentecost Sunday during a Eucharistic celebration at St. Bernadette Parish in Chitula, located in Kasiya on the outskirts of Lilongwe district, Malawi.

Rt. Rev. Vincent Mwakhwawa sharing his homily at St. Bernadette Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe

In his message to the Christians, Bishop Mwakhwawa emphasized several keyways the faithful can contribute to the Church’s mission: praying for missionary efforts, giving generously toward church development, actively joining parish groups to use their spiritual gifts, participating regularly in Small Christian Communities, and being hardworking and responsible in their homes to help sustain the Church.

“The Holy Spirit empowers us to do more than worship — we are called to act, to give, to serve,” said the bishop. “Let the fire of Pentecost be visible in how we live, how we work, and how we come together as a community.”

He also underscored the importance of Small Christian Communities (SCCs) as the building blocks of vibrant parish life.

“God builds His Church through unity,” he said. “In small communities, we grow stronger in faith.”

Second Vice Chairperson of the Parish Council, Samuel Rajab, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the bishop’s visit and his uplifting message.

“We are deeply thankful for his visit. This is a huge boost for us,” said Rajab. “His encouragement, especially about SCCs, has rekindled our sense of mission and togetherness.”

By Brenard Marko Mwanza

Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, His Grace George Desmond Tambala has urged the 27 newly ordained deacons to be active solutions to Malawi’s current financial challenges and widespread suffering.

His Grace made the sentiments on 24 May 2025, after presiding over the historic diaconal ordination, the largest in a decade, which took place at St. Peter’s Major Seminary in the Diocese of Zomba.

Archbishop Tambala has emphasized that the deacons’ role extends beyond preaching salvation; they are called to be tangible answers to the problems faced by the people, particularly by listening to those in distress.

“Go and assist those suffering from several problems like hunger and financial problems,” His Grace implored the new deacons.

Archbishop Tambala also expressed his profound gratitude for the unprecedented number of deacons ordained, hailing it as a historic moment for the Catholic Church in Malawi.

In his remarks, Fr. Dennis Kamanga, a lecturer at St. Peter’s Major Seminary, expressed his thankfulness to God for the “gift of 27 deacons,” noting it significantly increases the number of workers in the Lord’s vineyard.

Fr. Kamanga further challenged the deacons, reminding them that their ordination to the diaconate is not an end but rather the beginning of a new chapter of devoted service to the Lord.

“You have not finished your work, but you have started the journey to serve the Lord,” he stated.

The 27 deacons, who hail from various dioceses and archdioceses across Malawi, including seven from the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, will continue their studies at St. Peter’s Major Seminary in Zomba and are expected to be ordained priests in one year.

The ordained deacons from the Archdiocese of Lilongwe include Denis Mawango of Kasungu Parish, Fabiano Chikuse of Lumbadzi Parish, Denis Rumashana and Sylvester Kanyambo both from Namitete Parish, Julius Chalunda of Mlare Parish, Lyford Kaponya of Chitedze Parish, and Dominic Kaweyele of Benga Parish.

The ceremony was also attended by Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa of the Archdiocese of Blantyre and Bishop Alfred Chaima of the Archdiocese of Zomba.

By Peter Dumayo

Catholic Men Association (CMA) chaplain for the Maula Deanery, Reverend Father Daniel Kanzimbe has urged members to increase their involvement in Small Christian Community (SCC) gatherings at the closing of the St. Joseph the Worker feast day celebration.

Fr. Kanzimbe noted his positive feelings about the CMA dinner, seeing it as “an opportunity so that the men of this dinner can have time to interact and also to know more about our patron saint who is Saint Joseph.”

He encouraged them to emulate St. Joseph by being “hard workers in whatever we do… so that we save the community, and also, the world in which we are, and at the same time, the church.”

Rev. Fr. Daniel Kanzimbe, CMA chaplain for Maula Deanery

While acknowledging the attendance, Fr. Kanzimbe called for better participation from all parishes, stating, “for those parishes that were not available, I urged the members of CMA in those particular parishes that next time they have to do better.”

The chaplain’s primary concern was the low male attendance in SCCs, emphasizing, “it is true that men do not patronize the meetings and the gatherings in the small Christian communities… they need to improve because the life of the church depends on the small Christian community… if we neglect the Christian community, we don’t have good foundation.”

He pointed out the disparity, saying, “many men do not attend the gatherings in the small Christian communities. You see that only women patronize these gatherings, and the men are not available. So, we need to improve in that area.”

In his remarks, Chairperson of the Maula Deanery CMA, Edward Chikhwana, expressed encouragement with the turnout, saying, “I think this is very encouraging. I think the patronage; the attendance is good.”

Chikhwana highlighted the planned activities, including a networking event for professional development, describing it as “a good start for Maula Diner CMA.”

He reiterated Archbishop George Tambala’s encouragement for men to collaborate for growth, noting that strong men’s associations at the SCC level are crucial for the overall strength of the church.

“When men are participating actively in the activities of the small Christian community, it means the church is becoming stronger and stronger. Because one of the weaknesses that we have seen is that men participation in the activities of the small Christian community is not that good, and that also weakens the system in terms of men participation at the other activities of the church at the higher level,” he concluded.

In addition to the main proceedings, the event incorporated a practical training module where members shared insights and learned crucial steps for effective retirement planning, ensuring a more secure and fulfilling life after concluding their active working years.

On Divine Mercy Sunday, Auxiliary Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa presided over Mass at St. Augustine (Chimudzi) Outstation under St. Mathias – Lumbadzi Parish.

After the celebration, he held an important meeting with the parish youth to hear about their progress in preparing for the upcoming World Day of Prayer for Vocations on May 11, which the parish is hosting on behalf of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

The youth shared their enthusiasm and dedication to making the event a success. In response, Bishop Mwakhwawa encouraged them to learn about all types of vocations—priesthood, religious life, marriage, and single consecrated life—so they can better support and guide their peers.

He emphasized the power of prayer, the value of education, and the dangers of early marriage, urging them to build lives rooted in faith, purpose, and responsibility.

The young people assured the bishop of their commitment to following his advice.

The World Day of Prayer for Vocations, observed on Good Shepherd Sunday, invites reflection on vocations and the Church’s mission.

This year’s local theme is “Youth Are Missionaries of Hope.”

Auxiliary Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe has taken a strong and vocal stance against the ongoing issue of child marriages in Malawi.

During his recent visits to several parishes within the Likuni Deanery—including Holy Rosary Likuni, Nathenje, Mlale, Namitete, and Chilinda—as part of Holy Week celebrations, Bishop Mwakhwawa called on parents, traditional leaders, and communities at large to actively combat the harmful practice.

“Child marriage not only disrupts the education of our young girls but also perpetuates cycles of poverty and health complications,” Bishop Mwakhwawa stated in an interview.
“We must challenge this harmful practice and encourage our children to pursue their education diligently.”

Holy Rosary Likuni Parish Priest, Father Damiano Chitha, highlighted the tragic consequences of early marriages, noting that they have led to the loss of many young lives.

He emphasized the role of the Catholic Chiefs Association in disseminating messages aimed at curbing this malpractice.

Senior Group Mtanga, chairperson of the Catholic Chiefs Association at Likuni Parish, expressed readiness to continue combating child marriages.

“We are committed to fighting this vice and encouraging both girls and boys to excel in their education,” he said.

Despite legislative efforts, including the 2017 amendment that raised the legal marriage age to 18, child marriage remains prevalent in Malawi.

The Catholic Church’s renewed advocacy aligns with national strategies aimed at reducing child marriage rates by 20%.

The Church strives to create a safer and more equitable future for Malawi’s youth.

By Brenard Mwanza

The Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe has amplified calls by some citizens whose farm fields were affected by the dry spells, hailstorms and floods in some parts of the country.

This follows reports indicating that Malawi will continue to face significant food security challenges during the 2025/2026 lean season, especially in the southern and central regions, due to these adverse climatic conditions and ongoing economic pressures.

The Church’s development arm, CADECOM, has stated that “all districts in southern Malawi are currently facing Crisis-level outcomes (IPC Phase 3) due to below-average crop production, limited livelihood opportunities, and high food prices.”

Similar food security conditions “are also observed” in parts of the central region, particularly in Lilongwe, Mchinji, Nkhotakota, and Salima.

One of the affected fields in Lilongwe

During our visit to some fields in central and southern Malawi, affected farmers expressed despair, fearing they would be unable to provide food for their families, especially as even alternative crops like beans have also failed.

“The maize started well in our fields, but due to prolonged dry spells, it didn’t survive. The fertilizer we applied was lost, and we couldn’t afford to start all over again,” said Group Village M’bwinja of Traditional Authority Chimutu in Lilongwe.

A Blantyre-based farmer, Tereza Langton, told us that the failed maize production will increase challenges in her household, as she will not be able to provide for basic needs, including school fees for her children. “We need a hand from well-wishers,” she pleaded.

In a separate interview, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Right Reverend Vincent Frederick Mwakhwawa, said the Church is concerned about the shortage of food in rural communities, where many already impoverished individuals will suffer.

“They will struggle because they do not have the income to buy food that is now expensive,’’ he lamented.

He further stated that the Church is linking with government departments and other stakeholders to identify such communities, and through “our church institutions like parishes, the Catholic Development Commission (CADECOM) and the Tiwale Limodzi Foundation, will also be used to support some communities with food relief.”

Rt. Rev. Vincent Mwakhwawa- Auxiliary Bishop of Lilongwe

The Auxiliary Bishop, on behalf of the Archbishop of Lilongwe the Most Reverend George Desmond Tambala, however, calls for more support from well-wishers to aid these affected households.

As one way of empowering community members toward food security, Bishop Mwakhwawa said “the agricultural inputs would also be helpful for these households so that they can use their land in the winter cropping season to grow crops for use in their households.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture’s second-round Agricultural Production Estimates Survey (APES), released in March 2025, approximately 79,119 hectares of crops have reportedly been destroyed due to dry spells, hailstorms, and flooding affecting 141,994 households.

Other districts that have also been affected with these adverse climatic conditions include Dowa, Ntchisi and Kasungu in the central region; Karonga and Mzuzu in the northern region; and Mangochi, Machinga, Zomba and Phalombe in the southern region.

A report published last year by the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) stated that approximately 5.7 million people were projected to experience food insecurity during the peak lean season from October 2024 to March 2025.

END.

By Brenard Mwanza

The Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Right Reverend Vincent Mwakhwawa has encouraged the faithful to understand that God is always ready to forgive, regardless of the severity of their sins.

Bishop Mwakhwawa referenced the biblical story of Christ forgiving an adulterous woman (John 8:1-11) as a key example of divine forgiveness, encouraging the faithful to pursue a righteous life instead of succumbing to sin.

Delivering his homily at St. Gabriel Outstation which is under Maria Mthandizi wa Akhristu Parish in Mtandire – Lilongwe on Sunday April 6, 2025, the Auxiliary Bishop further stressed that God’s forgiveness is not contingent on perfection but is available to all who seek it.

“Christ wants us to experience God’s forgiveness and mercy. Therefore, it is important for us as believers to know that in whatever state we are, especially a state of sinfulness, we should know that God is ready to forgive us,” his lordship stated.

Bishop Mwakhwawa sharing homily at St. Gabriel Outstation

Bishop Mwakhwawa further encouraged the faithful to pray for one another to collectively grow in strength against temptation and to support each other’s journey towards righteousness.

On Human Struggles, Bishop Mwakhwawa noted that many people harbor hatred and anger, which lead to violence and conflict, emphasizing the importance of addressing these feelings through Christ.

“There are wars in people’s hearts, and they may commit murder, causing significant human harm. We need Christ to renew our lives and forgive our sins but also help us gradually grow into a life of forgiveness, peace, and reconciliation,” he added.

The bishop concluded by calling the faithful to actively share the Gospel and Christ’s teachings with those who struggle with sin, promoting a united front against evil in the world.

End.

By Brenard Marko Mwanza

The Catholic Health Commission in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe has reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality health services to the public as it celebrated its Jubilee year.

The celebration, held on Saturday, 15th February 2025 at Mtima Woyera parish, brought together healthcare workers and members of the Catholic Church in Malawi.

Secretary of the Lilongwe Archdiocese Catholic Health Commission, Sister Magret Lupia mentioned that the Jubilee has provided them an opportunity as healthcare workers to reflect on their service and spiritual well-being.

Secretary of the Lilongwe Archdiocese Catholic Health Commission, Sr. Magret Lupia interacting with the Media

Sr. Lupia emphasized the importance of self reflection for health workers, urging them to consider their past, present and the future service, as well as the impact of their work on their own lives and spiritual growth.

“It is time for us really to reflect, that is, we look back as to how we have been serving them now and how would we like to serve them. And also at the same time we look at our lives as health workers, how have we been. How have we been affected as we serving these people. And how has our spiritual life been affected,” she explained.

She among others mentioned that the sector is facing challenges including shortage of staff and resources however expressing the catholic health facilities dedication in providing quality services.

“Most of the Catholic health facilities, we are trying our best with the resources that we have that we give the best care possible,” she added.

Making her remarks, Sister Regina Kadifwala, a Clinician, encouraged the citizens to maintain hope despite facing numerous challenges.

“To all the people of Malawi, I am encouraging them that we are pilgrims of hope,” she said. ” Despite that we are meeting a lot of difficulties, but we should have hope that God is always with us, God is there for us.”

Sr. Kadifwala interacting with the Media

Sr Kadifwala affirmed that faith in God and access to medical treatment can empower people to manage their health and continue their daily lives.

She specifically highlighted the role of medical professionals in supporting patients and fostering their well-being.

In the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, the celebrations began with a demonstration of service. Healthcare workers gathered at the Game Complex, where they provided vital health services to the community, including blood pressure and sugar checks, as well as self-administered HIV test kits.

Catholic Health Workers providing free health services at Game Complex

Health Workers marching on their way to Mtima Woyera Parish

Health workers arriving at Mtima Woyera Parish from Game Complex

From the Game Complex, the healthcare workers marched to Mtima Woyera Parish, where they were welcomed by Bishop Yohane Nyirenda. The day’s program included a talk on the Jubilee of Health Workers and the Sick, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and a celebratory Mass.

Bishop Yohane Nyirenda welcoming Health workers at Mtima Woyera Parish

The Jubilee celebration for healthcare workers and the sick was held under the theme “Hope that does not disappoint.” Jubilees in the Catholic tradition are a time for reflection, forgiveness, and renewal.

By Lester Mhone