The Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe has outlined five key priority areas for 2026, with more emphasis on spiritual growth.

Speaking after a planning meeting held on Monday December 22 at Msamba Catholic Conference Centre, Auxiliary Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa stated that the primary vision of the archdiocese is to transform lives through Church teachings and social services.

Rt. Rev. Vincent Mwakhwawa- Auxiliary Bishop of Lilongwe

“Everyone wants to do what they want, whether it is stealing or killing. A life without values is a dangerous life because, slowly, human beings are becoming like animals. This means we may create an animal kingdom instead of a human and Godly kingdom,”

“As a Church, we want to ensure transformation through prayer, preaching the Word of God, and spiritual practices such as adoration. Being in the presence of Jesus Christ and receiving Him in the Eucharist allows us to be one with Him. For Catholics, Eucharistic adoration is a vital means of transformation because it is God who changes and blesses us.”

Bishop Mwakhwawa also highlighted the promotion of integrity, professionalism, and transparency as essential for maintaining and promoting human values.

The Bishop explained that the archdiocese also plans to promote self-reliance, a culture of saving, and investment, in light of the country’s current economic situation.

The Bishop stressed the importance of planning for the future rather than daily consumption.

“What we get today, we often want to eat and finish today. Yes, we are poor, but we need to save. If you have a bag of maize, make sure you manage it properly so there is something for the next day. We want our institutions to embody this spirit of self-reliance and saving to keep things for the future.”

Another priority area is the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable community members, including children and the elderly, and upholding their rights.

The Bishop mentioned that in 2026, the archdiocese will launch its own safeguarding policy, building upon the existing framework of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB).

Finally, the Archdiocese reaffirmed its commitment to reaching out to the marginalized through charitable work.

The pastoral coordinator for the Archdiocese Reverend Father Frank Phiri has described the meeting as vital, saying it will help the departments and commissions to perform well in the coming year, saying failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

Fr. Frank Phiri, planning is essential

By Lester Mhone