The Office of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe has announced its commitment to providing training for Holy Childhood formators across various parishes within the Archdiocese.

Father Geoffrey Chikapa, director of the PMS in the Archdiocese, made the announcement on Tuesday at St. Bernadette Parish, Chitula, during animation sessions conducted for Holy Childhood formators.

Fr Geoffrey Chikapa, Archdiocese of Lilongwe PMS director

The sessions were organized as a follow-up to weaknesses identified during Mission Month animations held in various outstations under Chitula Parish.

Father Chikapa emphasized the importance of these animations, noting that they will help Holy Childhood formators acquire the necessary skills for teaching children. He further explained that the PMS Office will continue offering similar programs in different parishes to ensure that Holy Childhood children are firmly grounded in the teachings of the Church and in their spiritual life.

Chitula Parish Priest Fr. Sojan John with PMS director Fr. Chikapa

“As the PMS Office, we have already identified other parishes in the Archdiocese where we will also go with our mission team responsible for the ministry of children, to animate the formators and encourage them in the work they are doing,” he said.

Mrs. Felistus Videde, chairperson responsible for children’s ministry in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, expressed optimism that the training will enable formators to provide quality lessons to children in their respective outstations.

Mrs Felistus Videde – We will make a follow-up

“Now it will be time for us to start making follow-ups to see the progress of children’s ministry in all the outstations under Chitula Parish, based on the animations we have provided to the formators,” she said.

In his remarks, Julius Chikanda, chairperson of Holy Childhood formators at Chitula Parish, said the training has motivated them to improve their methods of teaching children in order to strengthen their spiritual life.

The training was conducted in collaboration with the Archdiocesan mission team, with participation from formators representing 98 Small Christian Communities under Chitula Parish.

By Titus Jata Phiri