𝘉𝘺 𝘌𝘳𝘪𝘤 𝘕𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘔𝘬𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘢

The Archbishop of Lilongwe, His Grace George Desmond Tambala, declared the nation’s children as the ultimate “message of hope” for both the Church and the country during the 75th National Epiphany Sunday celebration at Likuni Parish.

The celebrations, held under the theme “Children be one in Christ, united in mission,” served as more than just a liturgical anniversary; it became a platform for the Archbishop to demand a renewed national commitment to the protection and nurturing of the youngest members of society.

Presiding over the Eucharistic Celebration, Archbishop Tambala connected the ancient story of the Epiphany—the visitation of the Magi—to the modern-day mission of the Church in Malawi.

“The Epiphany is a feast where we celebrate the coming of the Magi, the wise men who came from the East to visit the baby Jesus,” the Archbishop explained. “The East represented all the world, the Gentile world. So, it’s a time where the Catholic Church is inviting the whole world to look at Jesus as a savior.”

He emphasized that this invitation to the world finds its most local and urgent expression in the lives of children. “It’s a message of hope to the world, but also to our country, Malawi. The hope is actually in the form of our children,” His Grace stated.

The Archbishop’s address was a direct response to the voices of children captured during last year’s National Children’s Congress. He acknowledged that the youth are no longer silent about their needs, specifically seeking protection from abuse and a closer “accompaniment” from their parents.

Archbishop Tambala was transparent about the Church’s duty to move beyond words and into structural reform:

𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀: The Church has established dedicated committees at the parish, diocesan, and conference levels.

𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: Safeguarding measures are being strictly implemented within Catholic schools and other centers of education.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗲: These instruments are designed specifically to respond to the children’s call for protection from all forms of violence and exploitation.

“We have a duty to safeguard and protect them,” the Archbishop urged. “My message is to call for the respect and for the love of our children, wherever they may be, and to see that they are growing well and having all the needs that they have.”

The Archbishop’s vision was reflected in the leadership present at Likuni. Very Rev. Fr. Valeriano Mtseka, Secretary General of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops, concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration alongside Fr. Peter Madeya (National PMS Director) and Fr. Geofrey Chikapa (Lilongwe PMS Director).

Fr. Madeya noted that the impeccable way the children managed the day’s liturgy was proof of a “strong church in the future,” while Mr. Patrick Liphava, the Lilongwe Archdiocesan Laity Chairperson, confirmed that the Laity are already drafting work plans to bring the Archbishop’s protection policies to life at the grassroots level.

The most touching moment came from Blandina Phiri, a member of the Holy Childhood, who spoke on behalf of her peers. She asked parents and guardians to not only protect them but to “work with them and accompany them” as they grow in faith.

As the Archdiocese of Lilongwe closes the Christmas season with this Epiphany feast, Archbishop Tambala has set a clear agenda for 2026: a Church that is not only “Living” through its children but one that is actively fighting to ensure their safety and holiness.

As the Archbishop concluded, “The children are asking for the parents to work with them… and that is one of the mechanisms we want to respond to.”