The Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe has expressed its commitment to managing finances collectively, accountably, and transparently as one family.

The Pastoral Coordinator of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Fr. Frank Lazalo Phiri, made the commitment today, 09th March 2026, during the opening of a five-day training session for parish bookkeepers at the Msamba Catholic Conference Centre in Lilongwe.

Fr. Phiri highlighted that, according to the laws of the Archdiocese, parishes must be accountable and transparent in their financial management.

He also mentioned that this initiative builds trust with donors and those who provide financial support, ensuring there is no speculation regarding how funds are managed.

“Let me indicate that this has the potential of bringing trust to those who assist the church with their finances,” Fr. Phiri added.

In her remarks, the Archdiocesan Financial Administrator, Sister Dorice Tembo, described the training as a milestone for financial management within the Archdiocese.

Sr. Tembo said the bookkeepers will now be fully equipped with the skills needed to manage finances.

“The training will help the bookkeepers to acquire the needed knowledge on the management of finances,” Sister Doris added.

Fr. Maxwell Kubalasa, one of the facilitators, highlighted that as the mission of the church is to preach the word of salvation but also requires finances to run its daily activities, there is a need to empower those involved in finance in order to fulfill its mission.

Fr. Kubalasa is confident that at the end of the training, the participants will have gained the required knowledge on how best they can manage the finances.

“This will largely help in managing the finances of the parishes,” Fr. Kubalasa added.

One of the participants, Mr. Peter Mukali from St. Kizito’s Parish (Chigoneka), applauded the Archdiocese of Lilongwe for organizing the session.

Mr. Mukali said the training will help them work in accordance with Church laws and produce accurate financial reports.

“Let me applaud the Archdiocese for the gesture, as this will help us to work according to the laws of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe,” he added.

Contributors: Titus Jata Phiri and Peter Dumayo