St. Maria Goretti Installs Solar, Overcoming Power Challenges

The Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, His Lordship Vincent Mwakhwawa has called for increased support in education at Catholic schools within the archdiocese.

Bishop Mwakhwawa said this at St. Maria Goretti Girls Catholic Secondary School when he inaugurated a solar energy installation at the school donated by Energy Assistance.

His Lordship highlighted the significance of creating an environment conducive to learning, where students have access to essential resources.

Advocating for Education: Bishop Mwakhwawa stresses the importance of reliable resources for students’ success.

“We are very grateful to our donor partners from Belgium, Energy Assistance, who have come to assist the school with solar energy,” said Bishop Mwakhwawa. 

“Our electricity supply in Malawi is often erratic, affecting learners during their studies.” Bishop Mwakhwawa added. “This solar system will ensure students have electricity throughout and will also support the administration. We are very grateful for their support.”

In her speech, one of the volunteers from Energy Assistance from Belgium, Genevieve Raoult expressed their motivation for supporting the school.

“We were convinced that educating a girl child is crucial for Malawi’s future. This school provides high-level education, and we want to give the girls the opportunity to have successful careers in the future,” she said.

Powering Education: Solar energy brings reliable electricity to St. Maria Goretti Girls Secondary, thanks to Energy Assistance

Deputy Principal of the school, John C. Kumwenda expressed his gratitude for the solar energy installation, noting its positive impact on the students’ performance.

“We had problems with blackouts, but with this solar energy, I don’t think that problem will persist at our school, and our students will improve in their performance,” he stated.

Bishop Mwakhwawa said it is the vision of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe to have good schools and a good learning environment for the students, to make their future bright.

 

By Titus Jata Phiri

Solar system hub
Bishop Mwakhwawa visits the central point for energy distribution at St. Maria Goretti's new installation
A Photo after Mass
Bishop Mwakhwawa pose a photo with students at St. Maria Gorretti Girls Sec. School
Inside the MGGSS Hall
Photo

Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe Pledges to Promote Environmental Education in Malawi Schools through Eco-Star Project

The Education Coordinator for the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Mrs. Chrisy Mithi has pleaded with Primary School Education Advisors (PEAs) in Lilongwe Rural East to help other schools which are outside the Eco-Star schools project, to emulate what is happening in Eco-Star schools.

Mrs. Mithi made the plea today, October 03, 2024, at Ndevu Primary School in Kalolo zone, where the project team from the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe held a Community of Practice engagement with various headteachers and PEAs from Eco-Star Project targeted schools under Kalolo, Kabudula, Kabuthu and Kalonga zones from Lilongwe Rural West.

Mrs. Chrisy Mithi, Education Coordinator for the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe

She mentioned that they’re in the process of lobbying for the activities in the Eco-Star project to be part of the school curriculum in the country so as to help learners have an opportunity to have practical lessons as well as conserving the environment.

“We believe that incorporating Eco-Star activities into the curriculum will not only benefit the environment but also provide valuable educational experiences for students,” cited Mrs. Mithi. “But maybe before we can reach out to the Ministry of Education that they incorporate the activities, let us start with the zones, then maybe at district level or education district like Lilongwe west, so that’s why we are asking all PEAs to emulate what Eco-Star is doing in the schools.”

Kalolo Zone Primary Schools Education Advisor, Esther Chiwanga indicated that she will invite headteachers from different schools to visit and learn what other schools are doing with the help of the Eco-Star project.

“So as an advisor, I would like to invite all the head-teachers from other schools to come here at Ndevu (Primary) School and see what the Eco-Star is doing here so that they can be encouraged and after going back to their various schools, they can do the same,” she said.

Esther Chiwanga, Kalolo Zone Primary Schools Education Advisor

The Head Teacher for Ndevu Primary School, Moses Kalungu praised the Eco-Star project for the burning fruits being witnessed at the school.

“There is a great improvement in terms of teaching and learning because before the project learners of course were learning but we had very few practical lessons but with the coming of this project most of the lessons that need practical work, are done easier,” he said.

Moses Kalungu, Head Teacher for Ndevu Primary School

The project “Eco-Star schools” comprises of interventions such as lawns, vegetable gardens, orchards and woodlots and pig farming among others.

By Lester Mhone

Photo Gallery: Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe Mission Month Opening Mass (October 2024)

Fr. Cornelius Kanyambo, the main celebrant, presides over the opening Mass of the Mission Month at Kachebere Parish in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe on 01 October 2024.

 

Eric Norman Mkwaira captured the opening Mass of the Mission Month at Kachebere Parish.

You can easily access all the photos of the event and download them by clicking here.

CHIKONDWERERO CHA SILVER JUBILEE YA FR. KAPIRI (MZITHUNZI)

Mwambo wa nsembe ya Misa yokondwelera kuti bambo Peter Kapiri Mwale akwanitsa zaka 25 akutumikira ngati wa nsembe (1999 – 2024).

Mwambo wa nsembe ya Misayi unatsogoleredwa ndi ambuye George Desmond Tambala a Arkidayosizi ya Katolika ya Lilongwe pa 21 September 2024 ku Parishi ya St. Francis of Assisi, Kanengo.

Mwazina, bambo Kapiri anabwerezaso malonjezo awo a unsembe ndi kulonjeza kupitilira kutumikira mulungu mwa totomoyo.

Izi ndi zina mwa zithunzi zomwe Eric Norman Mkwaira wa Radio Alinafe anajambula pa mwambowu.

Vie all pictures here.

Archbishop Tambala Blesses New Office for the Auxiliary Bishop

The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, his grace George Desmond Tambala has blessed a new office building that will be used by the auxiliary bishops, his lordship Vincent Mwakhwawa.

The blessing ceremony took place on September 6, 2024, at the heart of the archdiocese, Maula.

In his address, Archbishop Tambala expressed gratitude to the Catholic faithful who had contributed to the renovation and modernization of the office.

He expressed confidence that the new office would facilitate easier access to services for the archdiocese’s Catholics, particularly through the work of Bishop Mwakhwawa as the auxiliary bishop and Vicar General.

One of executive members in the laity council, Mr. Gibson Mkanda has thanked all those who had contributed to the project, highlighting the importance of unity among the faithful.

Mr. Mkanda has also emphasized that the archbishop’s words had been a source of encouragement, particularly in recognizing the valuable role of the laity in the Church.

It’s worth noting that bishop Mwakhwawa was appointed as an auxiliary bishop of Lilongwe by Pope Francis on November 15, 2023. On Saturday, 20th January 2024, he was consecrated as an auxiliary bishop of Lilongwe.

Summary

The Archbishop of Lilongwe blessed a newly renovated office building for the auxiliary bishops. The Archbishop expressed gratitude to the Catholic community for their contributions and highlighted the importance of the new office in providing better services to the faithful.

Download and view more pictures here

By Eric Norman Mkwaira

Bishop Mwakhwawa Confirms Hundreds in Salima

On Sat 31 August 2024, Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa, Auxiliary Bishop of Lilongwe has confirmed 662 young people and adults at Salima Our Lady of Fatima Parish. The parish stayed for some few years without confirmation, hence a large number of candidates.

In his homily Bishop Vincent reminded the candidates about the role of Holy Spirit in the Church and in the individual life of a Christian. He guided them that sacrament of confirmation with empower them to serve in the Church and social as young missionaries in proclaiming the good news of salvation with courage, conviction and commitment.

He also guided the candidates that Church expects them to fulfill their Missionary obligations carrying out some four practical pastoral activities:
1. Praying every day in private (as individuals) and in the community especially the Eucharistic celebration: specifically, to love the Eucharist.
2. Teaching others the word of God and Church teachings. In order to do that they need to continue learning the catechism of the Catholic Church and read the bible in their groups.
3. Doing manual work at their level as a service to Christ at Parish, home and school. They need to visit the sick and the old in homes and assist them.
4. Contributing money generously to the Church and support their need in a spirit of Missionary charity.

The bishop also advised parents to encourage their children to attend post-confirmation lessons. The bishop caution parents and leaders who tell children that after confirmation means young people have finished Catholic formation. He reminded parents and leaders that Catholic formation does not stop, even adults have to continue learning the Catholic faith in families and small Christian communities.