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