𝘙𝘵. 𝘙𝘦𝘷. 𝘉𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘱 𝘝𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘔𝘸𝘢𝘬𝘩𝘸𝘢𝘸𝘢 – 𝘉𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘱’𝘴 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘔𝘢𝘶𝘭𝘢

30𝘵𝘩 𝘚𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 2026, 4:30 𝘗𝘔

INTRODUCTION

My dear Catholic journalists and media personnel,

I warmly welcome you to this press briefing on our October Mission Month. I sincerely thank you for your continued commitment as our partners in evangelization. As we prepare to celebrate the Centenary of World Mission Sunday under the theme “One in Christ, United in Mission,”. I wish to share with you through the media the following key issues for the attention of all the faithful.

KEY ISSUES TO COMMUNICATE TO THE PUBLIC

1. Appreciation for the continued support of the faithful

The Pontifical Mission Societies in Malawi sincerely thank all Christians for their generous support towards the missionary work of the Church. We are particularly grateful that contributions increased by 80% in 2025 compared with the previous year. This remarkable increase is a sign of the growing missionary spirit and generosity of the faithful.

As we celebrate the Centenary of World Mission Sunday, we appeal to all Christians to continue supporting the missionary work of the Church and to make this year’s World Mission Sunday collection a great success.

2. National Centenary Celebration – 3 October 2026

The National Centenary Celebration of World Mission Sunday will take place on Saturday, 3 October 2026, at Mzuzu Stadium, under the theme: “One in Christ, United in Mission.”

3. Diocesan Centenary Celebrations – 18 October 2026

All dioceses across Malawi will celebrate the Centenary of World Mission Sunday on Sunday, 18 October 2026. The faithful are encouraged to participate actively through prayer, missionary activities, and generous support for the World Mission Sunday collection.

4. One Million Children Praying the Rosary

Children in all dioceses will participate in the One Million Children Praying the Rosary initiative. There will also be a National Children’s Rosary celebration in Lilongwe, bringing children together in prayer for peace, families, the Church and the missions.

5. Missionary Animation Sessions with Msgr. Nguyen

Msgr. Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen, Secretary General of the Pontifical Missionary Union, will conduct missionary animation sessions in: Mzuzu – 5 Oct, Mangochi – 8 Oct, Dedza – 8 Oct, and Blantyre – 9 Oct 2026.

6. Farewell Mass – 11 October 2026

On 11 October 2026, there will be a Farewell Mass at the Poor Clares’ Monastery for Msgr. Nguyen before his departure to Rome.

CONCLUSION

My dear people, let us celebrate this historic centenary with prayer, generosity and renewed missionary commitment, remembering that every baptized Christian is called to participate in the mission of the Church.

I count on you, our Catholic journalists, to take this message to every corner of our Archdiocese and beyond.

One in Christ, United in Mission.

+ Rt. Rev. Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa

Auxiliary Bishop of Lilongwe

The Archdiocese of Lilongwe will hold a Fundraising Event on 24th October
2026 in support of our seminarians studying both in Malawi and outside the
country. As you know, seminarians are future priests of the Church, and they
need our prayers and support as they continue their formation.

Read more here.

Arkidayosizi ya Lilongwe yati fundraising ya asemino omwe akuchita maphunziro awo m’maseminare osiyanasiyana, idzachitika pa 24 October chaka chino.

Fundraising-yi yakonzedwa pofuna kuthandizira maphunziro a aseminowa pomwe akukonzekera kudzakhala ansembe.

Malingana ndi kalata yomwe ofesi ya mlembi wa a Episikopi a arkidayosiziyi yatulutsa, mwambowu cholinga chake ndi kusonkhanitsa ndalama zothandizira maphunziro a semino omwe akukonzekera kulowa mu utumiki wa unsembe.

Kalatayi yalimbikitsa ma parishi onse omwe sanakwaniritse mulingo omwe anapatsidwa kuti akhale atakwaniritsa mwambowu usanachitike.

Kudzera mu kalatayi, mlembi wa a episkopi, Bambo Peter Makina, apemphanso anthu omwe ali ndikuthekera kuti akhoza kutengapo asemino kuti adziwalipirira maphunziro awo, molingana ndi kuthekera kwawo.

Onani chikalatachi kudzera apa.

The Archdiocese of Lilongwe announces a number of new appointments for priests, religious and pastoral personnel, as communicated by His Grace Archbishop George Tambala.

The appointments include new assignments in parishes, deaneries, chaplaincies, pastoral ministries, Radio Alinafe, schools and other Archdiocesan offices.

Most appointments take effect immediately, while the appointments of the Pastoral Coordinator and CCJP Desk Coordinator take effect in October 2026.

Download the official communication here for the complete list of appointments and assignments.

Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, the Papal Envoy to Malawi, today celebrated his final Mass at the Poor Clares Monastery at Maula Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, bringing his visit to the country to an end.

Archbishop Nwachukwu arrived in Malawi on September 17, 2026, as the Catholic Church marks 125 years of its permanent establishment and presence in the country.

During his visit, the Archbishop engaged with Catholic bishops, clergy, religious men and women, the laity, and representatives of various Catholic associations, including the Catholic Men’s Association (CMA), Catholic Women’s Association (CWA) and Young Christian Workers (YCW).

At the Poor Clares Monastery, Archbishop Nwachukwu celebrated Mass and met with the religious sisters before departing for Rome.

In his concluding message, Archbishop Nwachukwu reminded the faithful of the importance of living out the Christian faith through love, charitable works and gratitude, encouraging them to “count their blessings one by one.”

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB), Bishop Martin Mtumbuka, expressed gratitude to Archbishop Nwachukwu for his visit and for joining the Church in Malawi during its 125th anniversary celebrations.

Bishop Mtumbuka also thanked those who contributed to the organisation of the Archbishop’s programme, including bishops, priests, religious sisters, the lay faithful and Catholic media houses.

His Lordship further paid tribute to the missionaries who laid the foundation of the Catholic faith in Malawi, acknowledging their contribution to the growth of the Church.

“Thanks are also given to God and to all his missionaries, by whom the foundation of our faith was laid. Most of them have been called back to their sender, namely God Himself, although some are still alive and are remembered with great appreciation,” Bishop Mtumbuka said.

A total of 182 youth received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at St. Andrea Kaggwa Parish in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

The Eucharistic Celebration was led by Monsignor Dr. Patrick Thawale, who also serves as the parish priest.

In his homily, Msgr. Thawale urged the newly confirmed to step up as strong, active leaders now that they have matured spiritually. He encouraged them to lead by example, particularly when gathered in groups, and to proclaim the Word of God with passion.

“You yourselves must be active and also be presentable,” Msgr. Thawale reminded the congregation.

Reflecting on the spiritual significance of the milestone, Msgr. Thawale emphasized that confirmation marks a transition into mature Christian responsibility.

“The actual message to all those who have been confirmed is that after confirmation, we believe that someone becomes mature, becomes an elder, and as an elder, this person becomes a leader,” Msgr. Thawale said. “And as a leader, they should take up leadership positions.”

During his address, he outlined various leadership approaches, placing special emphasis on democratic and accountable styles.

“I did mention 10 types of leadership styles, and I stressed only on a few: democratic leadership, whereby someone is in charge, but at the same time lets the others participate… He should be just like a driver to make sure that things are moving,” he explained.

“When things are not working, he should be able to come out clean and clear and say things should be done in A, B, C, D. If someone makes a mistake—those especially who are under him or under her—they should do their best to correct the situation, discipline them, and move forward. We want leaders who are result-oriented.”

The confirmands expressed gratitude to Msgr. Thawale for administering the sacrament and delivering an inspiring message.

Anthony Fabiano, from St. George Small Christian Community (SCC) at St. Mark Outstation, pledged to share the message with his peers and foster love and unity within their homes and church groups.

Lelia Kaluwa of St. John Paul II SCC shared that receiving the sacrament gave her renewed strength to spread the gospel.

“I feel strength to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit,” she said, noting that she plans to join church groups such as the choir or the St. Stephen community.

Similarly, Amaya Fiwa, also from St. John Paul II SCC, expressed her joy at receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit and her readiness to guide others.

“I can now be able to stand and teach what I learned from the beginning until reaching this far,” she said, encouraging fellow youth to embrace their faith journey.

Kaggwa Parish Joint Choir spiced up the event.

Following the liturgical celebration, parishioners gathered at the Wisdom Centre Hall to mark the growth of the church with a celebratory reception, attended by Msgr. Thawale, Assistant Priest Fr. Abraham Bisai, and members of the parish executive.

By Eric Norman Mkwaira